USER REPORT ///


Signal-Transport Solution Transforms OB Operations


/// By Christopher Annella


oseph Fiber Solutions (JFS), the fibre division of Joseph Electronics, has long been on the leading- edge of fibre solutions development for OB signal


interconnects and distribution. Nowhere is that fact more apparent than in the company’s DFT-8 signal transport system, which can transport up to eight 3G/HD/SDI paths on one or two single-mode fibres.


As part of its master plan for


interconnect and distribution products, JFS had been developing the DFT-8 as the heart and soul of the system. JFS accelerated the product’s design when UK OB company CTV Outside Broadcasts came to JFS with an urgent need – a configurable solution to handle 64 3G/HD/SDI feeds for the opening ceremony of the 2012 London Games. For an event of that size,


CTVOB would take in about 80 feeds, which, because of long distances and hum/signal degradation issues, would only be achievable with fibre. CTVOB needed a reliable, versatile, easy way to configure signal paths internally in groups of two videos — eight one-way, six and two, four and four, and so forth — over economical fibre strands. For the job, CTVOB selected the DFT-8. “We have been a long-time customer with JFS, and they have always looked after us well, but this time they outdid themselves,” said CTVOB technical director Hamish Greig. “Our users had only positive things to say about the DFT-8, especially about its ease of use and reliability.” JFS developed the unit to be


completely modular so that the direction of transport can be changed in the field, making it ideal for use in trucks and flypacks. Signal path modules handle two paths each, enabling eight signals one way for one show, then six signals one way


////////////////16


with two returns for the next. Another possibility is to


configure four signals each way and use JFS’ exclusive bypass channel system to add an analogue path, some audio, and a data — all on a single fibre. The two-fibre units utilise a WDM for Gig-Ethernet and all versions have redundant 12VDC power inputs (Power supplies are included).


Since the first deployment


at CTVOB, JFS has refined the DFT-8’s chassis to include a sliding top and very rigid base, with modules that allow users to configure the signal path direction in groups of two 3G/HD/SDI paths each. Modules


Before using the DFT-8 fibre solution, HFI had to run six 10- pair coax looms, audio DT-12, and a half a dozen Cat5 cables in order to transport signals for the show. Now HFI can accomplish the task in a rack-mounted package that can be easily deployed in other situations with or without its trucks. “The side benefit is


definitely a faster set and strike, but more importantly, in the ever-growing TV compound, we can be moved further out from the A-Unit while still having the same abilities as before,” said Craig Farrell, HFI co-owner. “This means that trucks do not have to be co-located, which is an


DFT- 8 set


Christopher Annella is Marketing Manager at Joseph Electronics.


Contacts: www.jfstv.com


are colour-coded to identify Transmit Modules, which are slot-specific, and Receive modules, which fit in any slot. The modules support SMPTE


424, SMPTE 292, SMPTE 259, SMPTE 297, and DVB-ASI. Units can also operate in non- reclocking mode and handle signals from 50 Mbps to 3 Gbps. Today there are 32 systems in the field and counting. The units are gaining in popularity not only for standalone applications, but also as the basis for JFS’s "Caddie Connect" facility and truck-to-truck multisignal interconnect system. One such user is Husney


Farrell Inc. (HFI), a US broadcast solutions company specializing in HD multipurpose support units and rental equipment. HFI is using the DFT-8 unit for a large truck-to-truck deployment to create packages for the NFL’s Thursday Night Football broadcasts.


TV Technology Europe I April 2014 NEW FIBRE CAMERA BACK


Miranda has just introduced its Telecast brand CopperHead 3404K camera-mountable fibre transceiver. Designed to take advantage of lightweight, easy to install fibre, the 4K UHDTV-ready CopperHead 3404K transceiver requires only two strands of fibre optic cable to carry all bi- directional signals, including four 3Gbps HD/SDI paths, from camera locations to truck or control room or around a remote production site. The dual-strand bi-directional system enables 4K cameras to be easily multi-purposed for ENG, digital cinematography and studio applications without the constraints imposed by copper connections. www.miranda.com


HD CABLES & BNC CONECTORS


Belden has extended its range of coaxial digital video cables with the new Belden Duobond Plus DNH series which makes the termination of Belden's 1-Piece HD BNC very easy and much faster than the traditional 3-Piece BNCs. Also, a new line of Belden Brilliance Broadcast High-Definition BNC Connectors exceeds SMPTE return loss standards, providing excellent headroom and true 75 ohm performance. www.beldensolutions.com


Hamish Grieg, CTVOB technical director


important benefit because many stadiums simply do not have room for all of the trucks that are now required on the bigger events.” ///


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28