BSI claims RF camera first with internal antenna
BSI UK has unveiled what it calls a ground breaking change in the design of its Real Freedom RF camera system: the system’s antenna is now fully integrated inside the camera back unit, so there is no external antenna protruding to get in the way whilst filming. This is a key upgrade to BSI’s system which already provides 1080p50 3G video output and integrated camera control.
BSI has changed the design of the system to streamline the camera when it is operating in wireless mode with the transmitter attached. Integrating the antenna inside the unit immediately changes the usability and artistic capability of the camera, and allows the operator far more freedom of movement. It enables some new sweeping and twisting shots, and the camera can even be fully rotated in operation – hence the name Real Freedom. This streamlined system is ideal for music shows and studios as well as live sports and news.
The Real Freedom system comprises a camera back transmitter, a receiver unit and up to eight down-converter receive antennas with integrated camera control data. Designed with the hire customer in mind, the receiver features a simple GUI (graphic user interface) with easy adjustment for the main system parameter’s including frequencies, 2GHz, 3GHz and 7GHz, DVB-T/T2 modulation and 1080p50 3G decoding ideal for 4k upscaling.
At the receiver, a 5 inch colour panel displays the video, and the GUI shows a connection map including audio peak meters and other key parameters, whilst the integrated camera control feature allows the OB to configure the data transmitters and fine-tune the image remotely without using any additional cables.
BSI provides the Real Freedom system as a flexible package which can be deployed as required. Commenting, BSI’s technical director Tony Valentino says: “For years everyone has been using external antennas that can get in the way, and are easily broken. This new design is far more useable and we are using it for the Aviva Premiership Rugby with millions of people viewing every week, so it’s ready for hire with or without a BSI engineer.”