The new TVUPack Mini SE from TVU Networks is a 3G/4G uplink designed specifically for Sony’s XDCAM camcorders. It uses the camera’s 50-pin interface, so it is fully integrated with no wires, while its readout appears in the viewfinder. It can have up to four USB modems, plus WiFi and a Hot Spot, and works with 3G, 4G, WiFi, WiMax, Ethernet (via USB). It weighs about 700g and draws power from the camera’s battery (it sits between the two and has a standard V-mount adapter). It also integrates with Sony’s XM Pilot software, so metadata entered in XM Pilot passes all the way through. It transmits over up to four 3G and 4G wireless data cards, WiFi, WiMax or Ethernet connections, and is IFB enabled so the studio can talk to the cameraman. It is simple to use, as once it boots everything is controlled from the receiver end, and will start from about $12,000 for transmitter and receiver. Also new is TVU’s flagship TVUPack 8200, which is smaller and lighter than its previous systems, and simple to use (with just one push button to go live and no manual in-field configuration required). It can have up to six data card connections (3/4G, WiMax or BGAN), and uses a new advanced forward error correction algorithm to get more bandwidth out of each connection. It should deliver a significant improvement. In testing it went from 2Mbps upload to 12Mbps using LTE, and is claimed to be able to give a better picture (up to 1080i HD) using fewer data cards. It also offers dedicated WiFi and Hot Spot ports, and starts up in 20 seconds from a cold start – automatically establishing all available wireless connections. Latency is promised to be under one second, and it uses an on-board solid-state drive capable of capturing up to 12 hours of continuous footage, for store and forward or archive use. It is modular, using standard USB dongles, and has dual hot-swappable batteries. There is a version of the data module in a weatherproof housing that will magnetically connect to the top of a vehicle (with cable connection) for use on the move. There is also a rack-mount version for OB or DSNG truck use. – David Fox www.tvupack.comwww.tvunetworks.com
