RaceTech runs Ikegami HDK-55 cameras

RaceTech, supplier of television pictures and other services to the British horse-racing industry, has chosen Ikegami HDK-55 cameras as part of a continuing major upgrade into high definition production. The initial order is for 18 complete HDK-55 camera chains including triax adapters and base stations plus OCP-300 control panels.

“After a long process of identifying a range of cameras that would suit the specific needs of RaceTech, we have decided to invest in Ikegami HDK-55 camera systems,” said Nic Christodoulou, director of Engineering and Technical Operations at RaceTech.

“The decision was not only based on Ikegami performance, though this was a key factor, but also on the long-term support and warranties that were offered by Ikegami. Many of our courses are triax equipped so we needed the option of running the cameras over long and often unreliable triax cable.

“Longer term the courses will be upgraded to fibre and these cameras will allow us to phase this change in as it happens, whilst still easily allowing courses on triax to use the same cameras. Our racing fleet works pretty constantly and we cannot afford to factor camera compatibility into our logistics planning. We have begun the replacement of standard-definition equipment and purchase of extra equipment to meet our ever-increasing workload. We see a long and successful relationship ahead with Ikegami and their UK team.”

“The HDK-55 is a high-performance fully digital HDTV camera ideally suited to the demands of live outside broadcast sports,” said Mark Capstick, general manager of Ikegami Electronics UK. “Six of the 18 cameras have been delivered with SE-H750 system expanders which convert the portable camera into a full-facility studio camera.

“RaceTech has also ordered 20 OLED colour viewfinders. This combination of options gives RaceTech’s OB crews the freedom to equip the cameras for a wide range of productions including the ability to reconfigure quickly and easily.”