Telecast Fiber Systems’ new CopperHead 3200 is the first in the company’s new Series 3000 family of camera-mounted fiber optic transceivers, and according to Telecast offers an affordable yet powerful mid-range multicasting solution for a range of HD broadcasting applications.
“Since we introduced our CopperHead line in 2001, it has become the industry leader in camera-mounted video transport solutions — enabling broadcasters to extend the power of their camcorders and take maximum advantage of the high quality and reliability of fiber transmissions,” said Jim Hurwitz, director of product management at Telecast Fiber Systems. “The CopperHead 3200 includes significant improvements and a range of products matched to specific broadcasting and film production requirements all at a cost-effective price point never available before.”
The CopperHead 3200 provides a robust fibre optic link between any professional camera or camcorder and the broadcaster’s truck, control room, or video village position. Over a single fibre connection, the system simultaneously transports bidirectional digital (SDI or HD/SDI) and analogue (NTSC or PAL) video, as well as all two-way camera control, audio, video, data, sync, tally/call, prompter, and intercom signals between the camera and the base station.
In addition, the CopperHead 3200 is the first to feature a 10/100 Ethernet path to provide camera control for next-generation cameras or a remote link to laptops and servers. Because the system transmits all signals digitally and optically, broadcasters and producers are assured of the highest quality video and audio — free from interference, grounding problems, or drifting due to temperature variations.
The CopperHead 3200 camera unit mounts directly to any professional camera’s battery interface system such as Anton-Bauer, “V”-Mount, or PAG, connecting directly to the battery or other power supply solution such as the CopperHead PowerPlus or Power Wafer (for use with SMTPE hybrid fibre). The CopperHead 3200 base station is a lightweight 1RU frame located in the broadcaster’s truck, control room, or video village that provides true plug-and-play operation without requiring any front panel adjustments.
Following the launch of the CopperHead 3200, Telecast Fiber Systems will be rolling out the other members of the CopperHead 3000 family — including a model designed specifically for mobile ENG applications; one designed for budget-conscious organisations such as houses of worship, educational institutions, and governments; and higher-end versions for 3-D cinema production and cinema-quality cameras with dual-link requirements.