Broadcast RF deploys Cobham Nano HD TX transmitter for horse-racing coverage

Cobham, the RF transmission specialist company, has announced the successful deployment of its Nano HD TX wireless transmitter as part of a wireless camera facility installed by Broadcast RF for coverage of Royal Ascot and the Epsom Derby transmitted by Channel 4.

A small, discreet camera transmitter system was installed by Broadcast RF in the race starting stalls to provide detailed, up-close views of jockeys and their mounts in the tense moments before each of many races throughout the day started.

Broadcast RF sales director Chris Brandrick says: “In the past there had been issues with the perceived intrusiveness of more bulky camera systems so close to the start of the action. These thoroughbreds are, by their very nature, highly strung. They and their jockeys are there for one purpose, to win a race, and for that they must maintain total focus. Any risk of distraction must be minimised.

“We were asked to resolve the issue of such sensitivity by providing the smallest, most discreet package we could possibly supply, and our first item on that list was Cobham’s Nano HD TX, the smallest HD video transmitter available on the market.”

Importantly for Broadcast RF, OB provider NEP Visions and Channel 4 Racing, the miniature transmitter system could be very quickly rigged and derigged. Fitted with an external transmit antenna and quick release mount, the system was camouflaged to blend into the starting stalls, and was therefore all but unnoticeable.

Brandrick concludes: “Everyone was happy the images they received and the performance of the technology, and when I say that I mean everyone from the viewers at home to the broadcaster, the stall handlers and the jockeys themselves. I can’t speak for the horses, but they didn’t seem to mind either.”