New SVGE sponsor Bluebell Opticom divulges IBC plans
At IBC 2014 Bluebell – which became a sponsor of SVG Europe earlier this year – will be demonstrating complete cameras chains multiplexed onto SMPTE Hybrid cable for easier on-site deployment. Based on the popular BC Series footprint, the company can offer a complete wavelength management facility while also providing all the Camera and CCU communications.
The Bluebell solution allows multiple cameras to be deployed during an event and connected over a single SMPTE cable, thereby reducing rigging time. This solution is particularly compact and while four cameras can easily be deployed over one cable, eight or even 16 cameras are readily achievable.
Based around the new BC364 cards and BC160 frames this solution can also be used to ensure all signals are available when the fibre count is reduced due to unforeseen circumstances, eg. damaged fibres unreported prior to arrival on-site. Based around a 1RU frame, at less than 150 mm (excluding connectors), it is particularly attractive in any flyaway system. All key signal and card parameters can be remotely monitored via the optional BM102 network card.
The system is easily expandable and cards can also be used in the 15-slot BC100 frame or stand-alone enclosures BC101, BC102 and BC120. When used with the Shax and ShaxX units the system can be expanded to connect multiple Cameras and CCUs. The Shax units allow cameras and CCUs fitted with SMPTE connectors to be linked over a standard (often pre-installed) singlemode network. This also simplifies rigging and allows the camera to plug directly into a venues pre-installed network. The ShaxX can be deployed to insert mains power into the SMPTE cable run to deliver power to the camera.
IBC 2014 will also show expansion to the Caddie-LB range, specifically designed for OB and deployable applications. Caddie-LB 4K provides a single cable link between cameras and ENG/OBs. Features include four 3G/HD/SD-SDI video paths to provide 4K feeds from the camera, on-air and comms audio, plus control and Ethernet data. Based around field proven technology the units offer a range of signals to the operator including programme video, audio and comms, plus data and genlock for camera control and synchronisation. All signals are multiplexed onto two fibres to ensure easy and quick system rigging.
The new 4K units have recently undergone field trials with a major broadcaster at a major sporting event in the UK.
Also on show will be several new enhancements to the popular BC Series, a complete suite of fibre optic interfaces to suit all current and projected broadcast standards. Enhancements include several new cards including the BC365 for 12G-SDI, BC860 10/100/1000 Ethernet, BC501 for composite video and the BC625 offering 4 x bidirectional analogue audios. The new BC363/364 range will also debut and offer multiple format I/O and complete wavelength management.