The new 4K Replay Caddie from Joseph Fiber Solutions “dramatically reduces the cost of 4K replay devices on the market,” and should make it easier for Ultra HD to be used for sports production, claimed Gideon Uys, director, Joseph Fiber Solutions (pictured).
“The Caddie serves as a CWDM-based multiplex for OBs: cameras, video, audio and data, all in the same box. It is custom manufactured to each customer’s needs. There are currently 14 different configurations,” he said.
It has full 4K support (8K possible) with 4x3G/HD/SDI streams, plus a fifth 3G/HD/SDI stream from the camera for 3G/HD switcher/router input. It also includes: Genlock or Tri-Level and return video (3G/HD/SDI) back to the camera; intercom with programme audio for the camera operator (with individual controls); in monitor Tally as standard, with remote tally options available.
It also supports both Sony’s RS and Ethernet control systems (camera control and paint), and can offer full control via a Sony RMB-750 Remote Control Unit.
The system was designed in response to customer requests and includes equipment from several broadcast hardware manufacturers: besides JFS’ own Studio Caddie-4K, which is based on Bluebell Opticom fibre transport, the system comes with: an AJA Corvid Ultra 4K Scaler with TruZoom and high frame rate capability along with AJA’s Ki Pro Quad file-based recorder; a Sony PMW-F55 4K camera fitted with a Fujinon PL Series zoom lens; and a Dell computer. Its Bluebell-based modular infrastructure should allow the system to be easily expanded.
All the equipment combines to capture live material and replay it, with 4K scaling, pan and zoom, archiving, and live playout.
It runs on a single standard SMPTE hybrid cable (Lemo or Neutrik OpticalCON for up to about 500m), making it easier to set up – it can also run on a combination of Single Mode fibre and local power for up to about 2km. The Studio Caddie-4K also has an OPTC port to add any of JSF’s audio, AV or stage Caddies to the system without adding any extra cables.
By David Fox
