Featured Product : Bluebox
SMPTE 311M Hybrid Cable has been around for a number of years now but it’s popularity, certainly within Europe, has increased recently due to the explosion in HD acquisition, particularly within the sports arena.
The cable has separate power, optical and control cores specifically designed for operation in harsh demanding broadcast conditions and to provide all the signals required between broadcast equipment.
Previously HD transmission paths were limited to approx. 50m over standard coaxial copper cables. The use of fibre optics means that the transmission of HD signals can be made over much longer distances between the camera and base station, a prerequisite of major outdoor sporting events like Golf and Football.
The Bluebox was introduced at IBC 2007 and has quickly established itself as a key product in the Bluebell range. The key advantage is that it allows up to four HD signals to be transmitted over a single hybrid cable. Although not requiring the power or data connectors within the cable it allows broadcasters to use readily available stocks without having to deploy alternative tactical fibres.
Recent systems include three Bluebox links, supplied to customers by our French partner, LTRT, for coverage at the French Open Tennis Championships during May 2008.
The latest system supplied by Teralink is for VGTRK the Russian State Television and has been deployed with SC/PC connectors in order to use a local singlemode fibre network.
