Following a technical evaluation and a formal European Tender, BBC English Regions has appointed Link Research as its supplier for wireless camera systems and is ordering LinkXPs for 13 BBC regions, writes Fergal Ringrose.
The BBC regions news crews will be using Link’s L1910 COFDM wireless transmitters with 2-input diversity and clip on 1-watt power amplifier. This technology will allow the regional news teams to take on a new look to the way they report on stories.
Cellular Diversity is a concept that Link Research has developed where live signals from a wireless news camera are sent directly to a receiver linked into the broadcast network. This will be an efficient way to gather news in cities where tall buildings reflect the digital COFDM signals. Link’s cellular diversity was first proven with the Oxford/Cambridge boat race coverage and is now being installed in several fixed locations including Helsinki.
The wireless camera system consists of a transmitter with receivers that will deliver a robust performance beyond the expectations of OB crews used to using analogue equipment.
BBC English Regions is responsible for over 70% of the BBC’s domestic programming hours. LinkXP systems have been ordered for Birmingham, Hull, Leeds, Manchester, Nottingham, Plymouth, Southampton, Tunbridge Wells, Norwich, Newcastle, Oxford, Cambridge and Bristol.
Link Research has enhanced the systems to operate in the 3.5 GHz bandwidth and launched a high definition model of the LinkXP system for sports broadcast at IBC last year.
