Grass Valley LDK 4000
Single-Format Camera for Affordable HD Production
Grass Valley products from Thomson offer comprehensive multi-format solutions for acquisition, production, storage, and playback, with a strong foundation for centralized monitoring. These solutions include a broad selection of standard-definition (SD) and high-definition (HD) digital video cameras.
With a renowned imaging design team and multiple technical Emmy® awards, Grass Valley camera products are at the forefront of innovation. The LDK 4000, as an integral part of the Grass Valley HD camera family, delivers the highest picture quality, comparable to the LDK 6000 mk II WorldCam. It is specifically designed for small- to medium-sized broadcasters, digital production studios, and media-creation companies that have standardized on a single HD format.
In regions where only 1080i is used and 720p is not supported, a camera head with switchable formats is unnecessary. For production companies exclusively using 720p, the LDK 4000 provides a more cost-effective acquisition solution. The LDK 4000 is available as either a 720p or 1080i camera head. Both configurations offer switchable operating frequencies between 50 Hz and 59.94 Hz, enabling program creation for international distribution.
The LDK 4000 camera features three 9.2-million pixel HD-DPM+™ CCDs for superior image capture, with 12-bit analog-to-digital conversion. Two dedicated digital signal processors (DSPs) utilize 22-bit processing for core camera functions like gamma, knee, contour, and variable matrix, along with powerful colorimetry and color matching capabilities. The DSPs also include two independent skin-contour circuits, allowing for precise adjustment of facial tones or any selected color values.
Constructed with a durable magnesium-alloy body, the LDK 4000 is the lightest camera in its class, making it ideal for handheld operation. Features like a rotary HD Triax connector and optional integrated hand grip zoom control facilitate easier low-level shots. The camera can also be mounted in a SuperXpander large lens adapter for box-style studio lenses and a high-quality 7" viewfinder, providing the feel of a full-size studio camera.
As part of the Grass Valley HD camera system, the LDK 4000 integrates seamlessly into studio or mobile production environments. Its docking design and various adapters offer flexibility for HD Triax or Fiber connectivity in handheld or studio configurations, accommodating existing or future infrastructure.
Key Features
- Single-format HD camera supporting either 1080i only or 720p only configurations.
- Camera package includes: Camera head, Base station, HD triax cable adapter*, Choice of a 2- or 5-inch viewfinder.
- Low power consumption.
- Emmy® award-winning and patented HD-DPM+ image sensor technology.
- Optional features, control panels, and signal-transmission systems are available.
*HD Triax cable adapter may vary based on options fitted.
System Integration and Compatibility
The LDK 4000 camera adapter, base stations, and system components are identical to those of the LDK 6000 camera, ensuring complete compatibility in connectivity, operation, and picture quality when adding different Grass Valley HD cameras to a system. The LDK 4000 system is fully compatible with studio production facilities and utilizes the same operational control panels as other Grass Valley LDK series cameras via the C2IP camera control system.
The Grass Valley C2IP control system simplifies camera control connections using standard Ethernet components. It supports up to 99 cameras in a single system, enabling shared control room facilities and centralized operations. All cameras operate from the same type of operational control panel, and settings can be easily transferred between cameras.
System Overview Diagram
The LDK 4000 HD System diagram illustrates the connectivity between the camera head, various adapters (Triax HD, Fiber HD, Compact HD), base stations, and control units. It shows the flow of signals including video outputs (HD-SDI, CVBS), audio, intercom, tally, and data over Triax, Fiber, and multi-core cables. The system integrates with the C2IP Camera Control Ethernet Infrastructure and can be managed by a Master Control Panel (LDK 4640/10) or Local Control Panels (LDK 5201).
LDK 4000 Camera Head Specifications
| General | |
|---|---|
| Power requirements | Triax or DC 12V |
| Power consumption | 44 W (incl. 2" viewfinder & Triax HD Adapter) |
| Operating temperature | -20°C to 45°C (-4°F to 113°F) |
| Storage temperature | -20°C to 60°C (-4°F to 140°F) |
| Weight | 4.3 kg (9.6 lbs.) incl. 2" viewfinder and compact adapter; 5.0 kg (11 lbs.) incl. 2" viewfinder and TriaxHD adapter |
| Dimensions | 214 mm (8.43 in.) (H) x 125 mm (4.92 in.) (W) x 241 mm (9.29 in.) (L) with compact adapter; 205 mm (8.07 in.) (H) x 125 mm (4.92 in.) (W) x 357 mm (14.06 in.) (L) with TriaxHD adapter |
| Camera | |
|---|---|
| Optical system | F1.4 Prism |
| Optical filter wheels | 2x motorized wheels |
| Optical filters on first wheel | Clear, 1/4 ND, 1/16 ND, 1/64 ND |
| Optical filters on second wheel | Clear, four-point star, six-point star, soft focus |
| Color-correction filters | Electronic: 3200°K, 5600°K, 7500°K, FL, 2 AWB presets, Continuous Auto white |
| Pickup device | 3 x 2/3" HD-DPM+ CCDs |
| Picture elements | 9.2 million pixels; 1920 (H) x 4320 (V) effective |
| Smear | No vertical smear |
| Line standard | 720p (LDK 4000/00) or 1080i (LDK 4000/10) |
| Aspect ratio | 16:9 |
| Temporal frequencies | 50 / 59.94 Hz |
| Sensitivity | 2000 lux @ F8 typical (59.94 Hz) |
| S/N ratio in Y signal | 55 dB typical |
| Modulation depth | 55% @ 27 MHz (typical) |
| Digital quantisation | 12 bits A-to-D |
| Digital signal processing | >22 bits |
| Gain | -6 dB to 12 dB in 3 dB steps (user-definable presets) |
| Exposure control | Down to 1/2000 s |
| Clean scanning | 50.8 to 125 Hz (at 50 Hz temporal frequency); 61 to 150 Hz (at 59.94 Hz temporal frequency) |
| Front microphone input | XLR-3 female, balanced +48 V selectable |
| Lens connector | 12-pin |
| Control input | 9-pin RS-232C compatible |
| Viewfinder connector | 20-pin |
| Supplied accessories | Operators manual, Camera rain cover, 1x Owner card, 2x User cards, Shoulder strap |
Options
- 2" viewfinder: Model No. LDK 5302, CRT >600 TV lines (center)
- 5" viewfinder: Model No. LDK 5305, CRT >650 TV lines (center)
- 7" viewfinder: Model No. LDK 4019, CRT >800 TV lines (center). Requires additional mounting hardware.
Adapter Specifications
TriaxHD Adapter (Model No. LDK 5460)
| Triax connector | Trilock, Fischer, ARD, or Lemo |
| Triax cable length | 1,000m (3,300 ft.) with 14 mm cable, Y/C transmission |
| Video out | 1x BNC. CVBS, 1.0 Vp-p, 75Ω, NTSC or PAL viewing quality only |
| Monitor out | 1x BNC Viewfinder Y signal or External video. 1.0 Vp-p, 75Ω |
| Teleprompter out | 1x BNC 1.0 Vp-p 75Ω |
| DC 12V In | XLR-4 male |
| DC 12V Out | 4-pin Hirose. 12V 1.5A and Tally indication |
| Rear microphone in x2 | 2 x XLR-3 female, balanced +48 V selectable |
| Scriptlight connector | Fischer 3-pin 12V 0.25A |
| Tracker | Fischer 11-pin communications and signaling |
| Auxiliary & data | Fischer 11-pin private data |
| Intercom | XLR-5 female ENG/PROD/PGM channels |
FiberHD Adapter (Model No. LDK 5476/20)
| Fiber connector | Hybrid SMPTE standard (LEMO) |
| Fiber cable length | 4,000m (13,200 ft.) |
| Video out | 1x BNC. CVBS, 1.0 Vp-p, 75Ω, NTSC or PAL viewing quality only |
| Monitor out | 1x BNC Viewfinder Y signal or External video. 1.0 Vp-p, 75Ω |
| Teleprompter out | 1x BNC 1.0 Vp-p 75Ω |
| DC 12V In | XLR-4 male |
| DC 12V Out | 4-pin Hirose. 12V 1.5A and Tally indication |
| Rear microphone in x2 | 2 x XLR-3 female, balanced +48 V selectable |
| Scriptlight connector | Fischer 3-pin 12V 0.25A |
| Tracker | Fischer 11-pin communications and signaling |
| Auxiliary & data | Fischer 11-pin private data |
| Intercom | XLR-5 female ENG/PROD/PGM channels |
Compact HD Adapter (Model No. LDK 5485)
| HD video out | 3x BNC. HD SDI, SMPTE 292M, 0.8 Vp-p, 75Ω, 1.5 Gb/s |
| SD video out | 1x BNC. CVBS, 1.0 Vp-p, 75Ω, NTSC or PAL viewing quality only |
| Viewfinder video out | 1x BNC. CVBS, 1.0 Vp-p, 75Ω, NTSC or PAL viewing quality only |
| DC 12V in | XLR-4 male |
| DC 12V out | Hirose 4-pin female |
| Control | Fischer 12-pin female. RS-232 for LCP 100 connection |
| Genlock in | HD tri-level sync, 0.6 Vp-p, 75Ω on 26-pin multi-core, or blackburst |
| HD multlicore | D&H 26-pin male signals: 3x HDSDI out, Audio out, CVBS out, VTR start/stop, Sensing, Ref in, Tally in, Video in (Playback), Control RS-232, DC 12V in |
Ordering Information
Please contact your authorized Grass Valley representative for ordering information.
Support Services & Training
The Grass Valley Support Services & Training team provides comprehensive service solutions to enhance the value of Grass Valley products and global systems. Advanced training and proactive support minimize downtime, ensuring optimal productivity and quality for equipment and staff.
The SupportPRO Services suite covers the entire process, including:
- StartPRO Commissioning Support
- Factory, On-Site and Web Training Classes
- TechPRO On-Site and Comprehensive Software and Hardware Support
- ServicePRO Comprehensive Software and Hardware Support
- PartsPRO Advanced Exchange Hardware Support
- Critical Spares Kits for Most Products
For specific needs, experienced worldwide Support Services & Training experts can assist with customized solutions. For more information, contact your authorized Grass Valley representative or visit www.thomsongrassvalley.com/support.
Contact Information
Thomson Worldwide Headquarters
17 rue du Petit Albi – BP 8244
95801 Cergy Pontoise Cedex
FRANCE
Cameras
Kapittelweg 10
4827 HG Breda
P.O. Box 90159
4800 RP Breda
The Netherlands
Website: www.thomsongrassvalley.com
Sales and Technical Support Numbers
North America
- Sales/Support: +1 800 547 8949
- Support: +1 530 478 4148
- Fax: +1 530 478 3347
Latin America
- Sales: +1 305 477 5488
- Support: +1 530 478 4148
- Fax: +1 305 477 5385
Rest of the World
- Sales: +33 (0) 1 34 20 70 00
- Support: +800 80 80 20 20 (West/North Europe only)
- Support: +33 (0) 1 48 25 20 20 (East Europe, Middle East, Africa)
- Fax: +33 (0) 1 34 20 70 47
