Bluebell Opticom preps new signal transport platform for OB

With the drive to 4K and 3G systems the PW140 Series from Bluebell Opticom offers a universal SDI signal transport over fibre in a compact 1RU frame. At the core is a processor which provides simultaneous multiplexing and de-multiplexing of the signals presented to it from the input/output cards.

The initial base configuration provides 6 x bidirectional HD-SDI signals over two fibres or 10G Ethernet. When used with CWDM optical multiplexing 96 x HD-SDI signals can be transported over a single fibre.

“[At NAB] we will be demonstrating how we can aggregate signals within a venue and between sites to provide flexible and cost-effective links for audio, data and video. With the increasing trend to IP we will also show can Net Caddie Stagebox devices can be integrated into the PW140 stream,” says Paul McCann, managing director, Bluebell. “With the addition of audio, data and Ethernet I/O cards, the PW Series offers an optical backbone for all demanding signal transport applications.”

“We will also be demonstrating Net Caddie, a new compact camera interface using the revolutionary Stagebox by BBC Research & Development technology.  Net Caddie allows HD-SDI to be injected directly into a standard network environment, bringing IP to the camera. With units now shipping and being used in real sporting events we feel that the technology is now proven and robust,” adds McCann. “Net Caddie transforms the entire camera’s bidirectional linear control, audio and video signals into packet based IP protocols, all on a single Cat6 cable to simplify workflows and rigging. Operators can now plug cameras direct into a venues Gigabit infrastructure for the distribution of live camera feeds.”

Also on show will be several new enhancements to the BC Series, a complete suite of fibre optic interfaces to suit all current and projected broadcast standards. Enhancements include several new cards including BC860 10/100/1000 Ethernet, TDM-720 and TDM-730 for HD with serial or 10/100 data, BC501 for composite video and the BC625 offering 4 x bidirectional analogue audios. The new BC363/364 range will also offer multiple format I/O and complete wavelength management.

NAB 2014 will also be the launch of an extensive range of standalone products, including the new BlueLite and Caddie-LB 3G, specifically designed for OB and deployable applications.