Zero-delay low-cost wireless out of the Boxx

Boxx TV is launching a new zero-delay wireless link for less than $10,000 at NAB, alongside what it believes is the first Iris Control and Tally Light accessory for wireless broadcast cameras, writes David Fox. The Meridian Lite, its entry-level RF camera system with zero delay, is claimed to deliver broadcast HD video and sound perfectly in synch, and will support full 4:2:2 formats up to 1080p 30. It boasts a simple interface for quick setup and ease of use, and has the same range and reliability as Boxx’s high-end systems. It will be upgradeable to provide all of the features of the full Meridian RF link. The Meridian Lite is designed for live broadcast use on a budget, and for Steadicam operators, but it will also suit video assist, webcasting, conference, large venue audiovisual use and Big Screen outdoor presentations. “Meridian Lite contains exactly the same technology as our established Meridian system, but with a reduced feature set. We believe the quality and performance of our RF links are unequalled at this price level,” said Boxx CTO, Scott Walker. The existing Meridian system has been used on a wide-range of live programming, such as the X Factor finals, Who Wants to Be a Millionaire, Australia’s Got Talent, KABC and TTLA’s coverage of the Martin Luther King Parade Day and the Canadian General Elections. It is also used on a number of TV dramas and Hollywood feature films, where it is mainly used for video assist.
Meridian Tallis Also at NAB (booth C7219), Boxx will introduce what it believes is the first iris control and tally light for wireless camera rigs, Meridian Tallis, To keep costs low, it provides remote control only for Iris and the Tally light. This also means it is small enough to mount on any camera. As Tallis only controls the lens there is no Black level or red/blue gain control, but at a price of around $2,000, it opens up a solution to many productions where controlling the iris only is sufficient. It works with any brand of broadcast camera on a wireless rig or Steadicam, and is not limited to Boxx TV’s own wireless camera systems. The control knob is claimed to give accurate, high-resolution control of the iris, and the system solves the problem of providing iris control for a different manufacturers’ cameras by tapping directly into the lens to adjust the aperture. “There simply isn’t another solution as this price point to control the iris on wireless camera rigs. This enables you to match the brightness of the video from a wireless camera with other cameras,” said Walker. www.boxx.tv