News Technology & Live Sport
production of varying international HD feeds, to split and change configurations at the
as well as the worldwide broadcast of the simple press of a button, enabling us to be
opening and closing ceremonies. This year’s flexible when selecting images to work with.
event was significant, as it was the first ever When monitoring live sports, particularly a
entirely HD Games. sport such as cycling where movement is
Our OB trucks were located across Beijing, constant and frames are very varied, the low
and covered events including track and field, latency provided by the Harris multiviewers is
gymnastics, badminton, archery, hockey, crucial.
fencing and boxing. In total, Alfacam trucks Our OB fleet is now back in Europe and
monitored more than 200 camera feeds at ready for action on many upcoming
this year’s Games, and the Predator HD8 sporting events - crewed either by the
multiviewers were supporting live feeds up to Alfacam team or by customers’ own
18 hours a day. production teams in the case of long-term
In each of the trucks, the Harris There is no room for failure in live event rental contracts. And increasingly our
multiviewers were used for both production broadcasts. Our coverage had to be 100% trucks will be supporting the ever-
monitoring and monitoring in the mixing accurate, and therefore our choice of increasing HD production roll out around
area. In the main production monitoring wall, equipment was based not only reliability, but the world. The fact that we have already
each multiviewer was feeding inputs from also on our relationship with the signed a framework agreement with
eight different cameras to native HD/SDI JVC manufacturer. It was an additional comfort Olympic Broadcasting Service (OBS) to
monitors, with full dynamic UMD and Tally factor for us to know that the equipment we collaborate during the Winter Games in
display. Each multiviewer was configured for installed was from a vendor with an in-depth Vancouver in 2010 and the Summer Games
the display of eight 1080i video inputs across knowledge of the complex technical world of in London in 2012 is a testament to the
two displays. All feeds from the multiviewers multiviewer manufacturing and setup. trust placed in Alfacam’s OB trucks by the
were managed through the production While major large-scale events like the live sports broadcasting community. And
console, which was designed for maximum Beijing Games are daunting and require a lot the use of Harris Predator HD8 multiviewers
flexibility and offered additional sub-mixing of preparation, dedication and infrastructure, in our OB vans will be crucial to Alfacam’s
areas. In the mixing area, up to four Harris seemingly smaller events, such as the Cycling continued success in live sports
multiviewers were used to feed signals from a Tour in Ireland, are also challenging because broadcasting. By providing us with many
routing switcher, and to provide up to 32 they require a tremendous amount of high-level key monitoring functions in a
pictures in any configuration, for display on flexibility. For these types of events the live compact format, and by allowing us the
20-inch JVC LCD monitors. All feeds action being filmed is more dynamic, and can flexibility to ingest a mix of SD and HD
operated seamlessly throughout this event. In make the images more difficult to capture in formats, the Harris multiviewers play a
fact, the Alfacam team reported it as a very an interesting way. In such cases the Harris significant role in ensuring we offer the best
smooth and successful operation. multiviewers also work well as they allow us quality service to our customers.
Freedom…
…to broadcast any time, any place, any shot
Le Mans 2008 – 24 hours continuous live coverage of the Link’s modular L1500 for SD and HD is more flexible than ever,
world’s most demanding race from on-board cameras. with a choice of accessories, frequencies and camera control
options. Perfect for any landscape. From the crowded city to the
Link Research, innovators in RF and wireless camera systems, stadium or race track – one system works everywhere.
add brilliance to moving news and sports programmes.
Contact us today and we’ll change your view forever.
Always striding forwards, we’re creating new solutions for wireless
cameras and cellular sites, to give you faster breaking news,
bigger live sports coverage and more freedom in the studio.
tel: +44 (0)1923 474060 e: sales@linkres.co.uk www.linkres.co.uk
IBE NOVEMBER/DECEMBER 2008 23
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