The production of “The Last Launch of Space Shuttle” by Super Hi-Vision

摘要

NHK (Japan Broadcasting Corporation),applying Super Hi-Vision’s (SHV) ultra hi-definition videoand 22.2 multichannel sound, has been working on contentproductions situated in a viewing space by the large-sizedscreen and three dimensional sound.In a recent project, the Super Hi-Vision camera and 22.2multi-channel sound system has successfully recorded thefinal space shuttle launch in NASA Kennedy Space Center,FL, USA.For the video, two of SHV cameras were available. Theyfilmed powerful images of the shuttle launch with using someconventional HD lenses of high magnification ratio in orderto compensate for the limited types of SHV lens. In addition,digital still camera, PENTAX 645D, was applied to makehigh definition time-lapse images for long-time shots.The 22.2 multichannel sound has created a gigantic threedimensional sound getting viewers immersed in the massiveimpact and the natural space, using newly developed highsound pressure microphones for this project.The paper describes NHK’s location shootings of thehistorical final launch for the huge space shuttle followingthe behind of various scenes, as well as technicaldevelopments, applications of HD equipment and the postproductionmethods with some episodes of the field coverage.