MultiDyne has released a new fibre camera back, and joined with InfleXion Design to develop a new Hybrid Universal Transceiver for fibre transmission and a camera link system over Cat5 and Cat6 cabling, writes David Fox. The new SMPTE-HUT is a universal camera transceiver designed to increase the transmission distances of HD cameras limited by SMPTE hybrid copper/fibre cabling. It is claimed to be ideal for remote broadcasting, sports, shared control rooms, or arena and stadium applications, as it “cost-effectively enables full camera operation in even the most rugged broadcasting environments, extending transmission ranges up to 10km and more.” The high-performance transceiver eliminates RF, EMI, and grounding issues through a lightweight, space-efficient package, enabling faster set and strike times, as well as lighter OB vans, B-units, and cable shipments. It can be used either as a passive, unpowered system with local power supplied to the camera head or as a powered system with MultiDyne‘s HUT-C-300 camera-end device powering the camera head up to 1km using a 14mm SMPTE hybrid cable. Both power schemes utilise a small adapter to accept the hybrid or CAT-6 cable from the camera control unit (CCU), tricking the CCU into recognising a physical copper connection between it and the camera. Between the SMPTE-HUT units, broadcasters have the option of running up to 10km of two single-mode fibres or taking advantage of a facility’s existing fibre backbone. Due to its optically passive nature, the two fibres can be routed through MultiDyne’s EOS-4000 router or its FS-6000 Fibre-Saver CWDM re-mapper/multiplexer, providing the capability of powering up to six camera systems on just two fibres. The flexible, fibre-based transceiver is compatible wifth a variety of optical and hybrid connectors. It also supports all leading HD cameras, including Sony, Ikegami and Hitachi, for seamless setup and ease of use. “The SMPTE-HUT significantly extends the distance of HD camera transmissions without sacrificing performance,” claimed MultiDyne President, Frank Jachetta. “With its light weight, low cost, and sophisticated electronics, our universal hybrid transceiver allows broadcasters to cost-effectively reach new heights in broadcasting that were previously limited by conventional SMPTE hybrid cables.” It is one of the first in a range of products from InfleXion Design to be available through MultiDyne. This recently announced co-venture has been formed by Jachetta, Eugene Baker (previously co-founder and CTO of Telecast), and Solid Camera co-founder Carlos Acosta.
SilverCat cable adapter InfleXion Design’s SilverCat can extend HD camera signals over Cat5 and Cat6 cabling, as well as carrying audio, intercom, tally, and control data. It will be useful in upgrading older or lower-cost professional/broadcast cameras, and will allow users to extend HD camera transmission up to 250 meters with minimal video compression using standard, low-cost Cat5 twisted pair copper cabling, offering broadcasters an affordable alternative to more expensive fibre-based and wireless camera transceivers. A lightweight adapter fits between the camera and the battery so that it can easily and comfortably be used with shoulder-mounted cameras. “By relying on standard Cat5 cabling, the transceiver is cost-saving because it reduces cable maintenance expenses without compromising video quality. And with its ability to transmit essential intercom and data signals, SilverCat extends the life of older camera systems so they can be used in a wide range of applications, from high school and local access television to DSNG and sports,” said Jachetta. SilverBack-II fibre interface MultiDyne’s new SilverBack-II is a complete re-design of its camera-mounted fibre transport interface. It comes in a compact case — just over 2.5cm thick — with an intuitive user interface. The system transports all camera signals including SDI video, audio, control data, GPIOs, and tally for sports, ENG, D-SNG, and multicamera studio applications. It can handle 3G HD-SDI uncompressed with embedded or separate programme audio. The unit’s return video option also supports up to 3G HD-SDI video for viewfinder or monitor viewing. It allows users to achieve camera control/RCP paint functions through one of the three available data channels, and an additional back channel is available for camera sync or genlock. Several options are available for optical connectivity including STs, Neutrik opticalCon, Fibreco Mini 2 expanded beam, and Lemo 304M. It also supports up to four channels of AES or analogue programme audio as well as a single-channel intercom with talk and listen gain adjustments. An adjustable PGM inject allows the camera operator to hear programme audio mixed with intercom. To enable audio, a microphone input with pre-amp is included for talent or camera-mounted audio needs, along with a talent IFB. The receiver features a standard four-wire intercom output configuration with an optional two-wire conversion. PGM audio is available for the talent or stage manager via a convenient headphone jack. “The ergonomic and unobtrusive feel make it perfect for use in both studio and rugged environments, and it guarantees the delivery of high-quality signals regardless of distance,” said Jachetta. www.multidyne.com
