Sony MCX-500 Live Producer small-scale multi-camera system

Sony MCX-500 Live Producer offers high-end performance and easy operation

Product Code: MCX500

Discontinued
review

Click here for Specifications

Sony MCX-500 Compact / Live streamer Mixer and switcher
Sony MCX-500 Weighting only less than 2.5 kg with built in streaming server ( support only Ustream at the moment ) , integrated with audio mixer and multiple creative video switching and recording functions, designed ideally for Live event, webbing and simple Video production. It can be operated under OMO (one man operation). Most interestingly, it is marketed at price for USD 2200

Audio Mixing
Unlike others, Sony MCX-500 is integrated with an audio mixing (thus require no additional Audio mixer) function. It supports mixing of a Stereo XLR interface from external source with 4 embedded audio from the video source. Each audio source can be controlled individually.

On its LCD-touch screen you can turn on /off the audio source. And the 4 channel button allow you to select the program out to be linked with Video source. Pre-Fader Listen (PFL) allows you to monitor each audio source before executing the mix.

Audio Volume can be adjusted on the mixer panel to required level before mixing.

Video Mixing, recording and streaming
With Sony MC-X500 you have the luxury to select and mix from 9 inputs – 8 Video source and 1 Title. However to enable the mixing, 4 Video source has to be selected each time on the front panel. The Choice of video input include 4 x SDI, 2 x HDMI, 2 x Composite (CVB) and a delegated RGB input allowing to input the tittle source from your PC or Mac.

Only 4 selected video source will be able to view in its Multi-View monitoring function.

Without having a PC, you can perform a live stream of your final program out from Sony MC-X500 to Ustream.

This is the not the end yet, you can too record the program out using SD card in its SD slot. So it is designed more than a mixer, a recorder also. Recording format is AVCHD with 4:2:0/8 bit color space and with a Max bitrate of 28Mbps. You can record AVCHD Full HD at 1920x1080 50/60i or 1440x1080 50/60i. At the end of the day, your client will be happy to receive the final product on the spot with final product kept in SD card.



Effect and remote control
To meet the industry standard, following feature are available.
1. Transitions and effect
2. Chroma Key
3. P in P
4. Titling
5. Logo – (requires future firmware update)

The Sony MCX-500 can be controlled remotely and fully by locating its IP address, you can control it over your PC and Mac. The user's interface mirror the control panel thus user's friendly. With this remote function on your device, you can access more than control. You are able to select the transition speed and type of effect which are available in the selection panel.

Seamless integration and perfect match with Sony camcorders and PTZ cameras
The Sony MCX-500 works intelligently with some of the most popular Sony professional camcorders like HXR-NX5R and also remote cameras including Sony BRC Series PTZ (Pan Tilt Zoom) HD camera.

Synchronized recording of connected cameras
You can trigger the recording of connected camcorders through the MCX-500 control interface and record the program output on SD card in the switcher recording slot.

Creative tally system
Tally signals can be transported to the connected camcorders. A tally indicator will automatically appear on each camcorder's LCD panel and Electronic View Finder – a red icon indicates when the shot is live (PGM) while green indicates preview mode (PVW).*
* Compatible camcorders only.

Latest
Sony MCX-500 offers the performance and technical heritage associated with Sony's market-leading AV solutions at an affordable price. An ideal all-in-one switcher for multiple camcorders, the MCX-500 is perfect for corporate, education, wedding or house of worship productions.

Sony's MCX-500 includes a wide-range of functionality along with an easy-to-use interface, giving operators the flexibility to cover different types of productions effortlessly. "Whatever the scale of a live production, we know that users want broadcast performance," said Mr. Hiroyuki Takahama, Assistant General Manager, Content Creation Solutions Marketing, Professional Solutions Company (PSAP), Sony Corporation of Hong Kong Limited. "The MCX-500 is designed for applications where the system needs to be affordable and easy to use, without compromising on flexibility or quality."

The MCX-500 is a 4-channel video switcher that offers users the option to select from 9 inputs, including 4x 3GSDI, 2x HDMI and 2x CVBS. An extra RGB input is available for title overlays. A wide range of video cameras can be connected to the MCX-500 including professional camcorders such as Sony's XDCAM or NXCAM series, and consumer video cameras.

Other features include both PinP and Keyer overlay functions, a range of transition effects, and 4-channel video and 5-channel audio inputs including XLR and embedded audio from SDI or HDMI, for maximum versatility. Premium features such as the broadcast-quality chroma key algorithm of Sony's flagship broadcast video switcher - the MVS series - are also included in the MCX-500.

Critically, the Sony MCX-500 is designed to adapt to multiple workflows. The all-in-one switcher is able to record live images (PGM) with AVCHD formats without an external recorder. This enables users to edit or distribute as soon as recording has finished. Furthermore, the switcher incorporates USTREAMTM function, allowing users to broadcast recordings from live events over the internet easily. There is also the option to use a remotely controlled GUI from an external PC or tablet, ideal for live recording with a small audience.

The MCX-500 has been developed to make multi-camera operation as simple as possible, especially when it is connected to Sony's RM-30BP remote controller and certain Sony professional camcorders. This combination - Simple Live Solution - allows recording control to be synchronized for multiple camcorders* such as the HXRNX5R, making it easy to manage independent recording. A PGM/PVW tally signal can be sent from the MCX-500 to the connected camcorders, notifying the operators which image has been selected for live output1.

The Sony MCX-500 is planned to be available in Asia Pacific from January 2017 onwards. Sony will demonstrate the switcher for the first time at the Beijing International Radio, TV & Film Exhibition (BIRTV). Join us at the Sony booths, 8B01 and 2A243, at the China International Exhibition Center (CIEC) from 24 to 27 August and personally experience the latest technology innovation.

Sony MCX-500 Multi-Camera Live Producer

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Update from Sony
By Admin,  09/01/2017
starstarstarstar

The new MCX-500 works well with the NX5R and its remote control, RM-30BP could support multi-camera operation. The handy mixer/recorder allows lesser operators and thus improve the productivity.

 


** Admin ** 20/04/2017

As we received feedback that there are difficulties in using Title Function of MCX-500 due to resolution issues (Most Notebook doesn't support 1600X1200 VGA output) which causing mis-alignment of the Display such as below.
Sony MCX-500
We had been testing with some of the 3rd party accessory in the market. By utilizing VGA EDID Emulator, the issues can be resolved.
Sony MCX-500
Below is one of the model which we had tested:
https://www.aten.com/global/en/products/professional-audiovideo/converters/vc010/#.WO3iiWl95EY



** Admin ** 01/06/2017
How to Update MCX-500 System software
Please prepare the following items in addition to your unit.
【 Windows 】
[Supported OS]
・Windows® 7
・Windows® 8.1
・Windows® 10

[Other system requirements]
- Hard disk space: 200MB or more
- RAM: 512MB or more
* Please close all other application software before updating the system software.

【 Mac OS 】
[Supported OS]
・Mac OS X v.10.9 - 10.11
・macOS v.10.12

[Other system requirements]
- CPU: Intel processor *
* Core Solo and Core Duo processors are no longer supported.
- Hard disk space: 200MB or more
- RAM: 512MB or more
* Please close all other application software before updating the system software.

Other items
AC adapter and Power supply cord
- AC-UES1230 (Supplied)
- USB cable (Supplied) [Type A‐Mini-B]

Updating the MCX-500 System Software for Windows
- Do not remove the AC adaptor and USB cable during the update; otherwise, the unit may become inoperable due to the sudden power shutdown.
- Remove the memory card from the unit beforehand.
-After MCX-500 is updated, the settings below are back to the initial setteings. Time, Date, System Format, Network
-MCX-500 has to be updated via two USB ports, MAIN(Rear) and SUB(right side). Update via MAIN(Rear) first.

1. Download the update file
2. Decompressing Update_MCX500V101.exe
3. Start up Update_MCX500V101MAIN.exe
4. Connect the unit to the computer
- Press the power switch on the front of the unit
- Use the supplied USB cable to connect to the computer via the USB connector on the back of the unit.
- Press UTILITY button to display the [UTILITY 2/3] menu. Tap [USB CONNECT]. The ID-0060 appears.
5. Check the unit is connected
- Click [Next] on the Firmware Updater. Confirmation of the connection is carried out.
Note: From now on, do not turn off the unit until the system software update is completed.
6. Check if the update is required
7. Reset the unit
8. Start the update
9. Complete the update
- When the update is completed, the "Finish the update" screen appears. Click [Finish], and disconnect the USB cable.
10. Start up Update_MCX500V101SUB.exe
Double-click [Update_MCX500V101SUB.exe] to start up Firmware Updater.
11. Connect the unit to the computer
- Remove the terminal cover on the side of the unit with a screwdriver.
- Use the supplied USB cable to connect to the computer via the USB connector on the side of the unit.
- Press UTILITY button to display the [UTILITY 2/3] menu. Tap [USB CONNECT]. The ID-0060 appears.
12. Check the unit is connected
13. Check if the update is required
14. Reset the unit
15. Start the update
16. Complete the update
17. Check the system software version

How to Update MCX-500 System software for Mac
Updating the MCX-500 System Software
- Do not remove the AC adaptor and USB cable during the update; otherwise, the unit may become inoperable due to the sudden power shutdown.
- Remove the memory card from the unit beforehand.
-After MCX-500 is updated, the settings below are back to the initial setteings. Time, Date, System Format, Network
-MCX-500 has to be updated via two USB ports, MAIN(Rear) and SUB(right side). Update via MAIN(Rear) first.

1. Download the update file
2. Decompressing Update_MCX500V101.dmg
3. Start up Update_MCX500V101MAIN.app
4. Firmware Updater is started
5. Connect the unit to the computer
- Press the power switch on the front of the unit.
- Use the supplied USB cable to connect to the computer via the USB connector on the back of the unit.
- Press UTILITY button to display the [UTILITY 2/3] menu. Tap [USB CONNECT]. The ID-0060 appears.
6. Check the unit is connected
7. Check if the update is required
8. Reset the unit
9. Start the update
10. Complete the update
11. Start up Update_MCX500V101SUB.app
12. Firmware Updater is started
13. Connect the unit to the computer
- Remove the terminal cover on the side of the unit with a screwdriver
- Use the supplied USB cable to connect to the computer via the USB connector on the side of the unit.
- Press UTILITY button to display the [UTILITY 2/3] menu. Tap [USB CONNECT]. The ID-0060 appears.
14. Check the unit is connected
15. Check if the update is required
16. Reset the unit
17. Start the update
18. Complete the update
19. Check the system software version
Note
- In the case of starting updating the unit via SUB USB(right side) first, the reset of the unit may not be carried out during the automatic reset of the unit via MAIN USB(Rear). In that case, Please turn off power -> turn on power manually. The updating of the firmware is carried out from where it was terminated.
- If the reset of the unit is not completed and a time-out error of Firmware Updater occurred, please double-click [Update_MCX500V101MAIN.app] to start up Firmware Updater.


** Admin ** 07/06/2017
MCX-500 V2.0 Firmware Update
In view of strong request from Users, we are glad to announce our MCX-500 will be able to support Facebook Live & YouTube Live officially in coming Firmware 2.0.

MCX-500 V2.0
Upgrade is free of charge and available during 2017.

New Features & Improvements:
● Fader bar (touch panel) for manual control of wipe and key
● Logo function
● Support for XAVC S recording
● Expanding the streaming services
● YouTube Live
● Facebook Live
● Mudu (available in China only)
● Stand-alone server

For Details, you can take reference from below links
https://www.sony.co.uk/pro/article/broadcast-products-firmware-equipment-roadmap

Release schedule of V 2.0 will be within 2017.


Excellent Product
By Steven,  10/09/2017
starstarstarstar
What I like the most for the switcher is, it can be doubled up as recorder via SD cards. And Now I am earnestly await for the release of the upgrade to stream thru U tube and Facebook. This is the first and ever Sony come up with a low cost smart switcher cum RECORDER. and at the attractive price point so far unmatched by other ( I mean till Sep 2017 )