Sony launches C3 Portal

Sony announced its next generation solution to connect cameras to the cloud through a fast and stable transfer using a mobile connection.

C3 Portal, which stands for Camera-Connect-Cloud Portal allows operators to effortlessly send their files from location to the edit suite by simple and quick steps via a dedicated Android OS and iOS mobile application called “C3 Portal App”.

In addition, the solution contributes to efficient workflow by adding the metadata to files when they are uploaded to the cloud, which then seamlessly integrates into post-production. The files sent to the cloud are shared from the shooting location with the production floor, and camera crews, editors, producers, and even clients can join in creating the content remotely and promptly on the cloud.

C3 Portal brings remarkable features and benefits for broadcasters involved in news production and creators of a wide range of content types:

• Quick and easy connection of camera to cloud by the dedicated mobile application: The camera operator can follow intuitive steps that require a simple log-in to the application and scan of a QR code found on the cameras (PXW-FX9 and PXW-Z280).
• Fast and stable transfer using mobile network: Users can connect cameras to their smartphone via USB and securely transfer files to cloud by the latest 5G network, popular LTE network, and wireless network.  It is also possible to combine multiple cellular networks to accelerate the transfer speed.
• Chunk File Transfer: This enables users to send files to the facility while shooting, to reduce time to edit on the production floor.
• End-to-end metadata workflow for efficient production: When camera operators, reporters or directors set up the planning metadata, including staff names or video topics for example, and send it to smartphones and cameras through the C3 Portal prior to a shoot, that metadata is automatically assigned to files sent to the cloud. In parallel, camera operators can add comments and essence marks as metadata when previewing XAVC proxy files which are sent to the smartphone. This metadata workflow is useful to speed up editing videos rapidly after the shoot.
• Offering speech-to-text capability and voice recognition: These functions help post-production integrate with Sony’s cloud-based AI service, Media Analytics Portal.

“C3 Portal will positively impact the workflow, moving away from linear and physical media bound processes, to instantly accessible files by anyone involved in the production,” said Kajita Hiroshi, head of marketing, media solutions at Sony Professional Europe. “Time to air or time to edit will therefore be greatly reduced, leading to cost efficiencies overall and simplified collaborative work, in an era of increased remote production and postproduction.”

Version 1.0 of C3 Portal will be released at the end of November 2021. Users can opt for licenses available through Sony sales channel that adapt to their requirements, including the numbers of users, data service, and AI capability. Further development will see the support of other Sony cameras and advanced features.

On the production end, C3 Portal will integrate seamlessly with various Sony Cloud-based services and other third-party suppliers, as well as direct integration with non-linear editing suites.