Broadcast Sports International charts future for Real Freedom system

Wireless camera technology specialist Broadcast Sports International LLC (BSI) has announced that it is to suspend external sales of the Real Freedom product line. This will enable the company to focus completely on providing customers with RF camera, remote control cameras and communication systems. The Real Freedom system will continue to be developed with an emphasis on providing systems for BSI’s operational requirements.

Peter Larsson, BSI’s CEO, said: “This strategic decision will enable us to refocus our efforts on providing services to customers in the US and UK. The Real Freedom system will become the foundation of our operational offerings. Our UK team has had tremendous success with Real Freedom systems and we look forward to their future developments.”

BSI’s UK Operation says that is preparing to sign a three-year contract with Sky/Gearhouse for the F1 series. BSI will provide up to 10 RF wireless cameras and receive infrastructure for production via Sky Sports UK, Sky Italia and Sky Germany. Technical equipment and engineering expertise will also be provided for pit lane, paddock and complete garage coverage. Additionally, a wireless return vision system with multiplexed switchable video feeds will be offered. The first race will be held in Melbourne, Australia, in March.

BSI UK is also readying itself for the imminent launch of the Six Nations Rugby tournament with support that will include RF specialist cameras as provided for the 2015 Rugby World Cup. Features will include the Ref-Cam system with remote iris control, the Line-Out Camera, and the revolutionary wireless corner post cameras. BSI will deliver these services to ITV and BBC Sport productions traveling to Edinburgh, Dublin, Rome and Twickenham, London.

Tony Valentino, operations managing director at BSI UK, said: “We are extremely excited about our new Real Freedom Camera System, which is capable of delivering 1080p/50 3G quality and will be deployed for live events throughout the UK and Europe.”

BSI is the preferred supplier to BT Sport for all wireless and specialist cameras for the Aviva Premiership Rugby coverage. Research and Development activities include working on the next generation products and creating new RF camera options including 4K.