Wireless Video Transmitter/Receiver

[dweinin]

Hi Everyone.

 

I do multi camera shoots of live event and then I've been using Final Cut Pro to edit together all my footage from both cameras. Which is a bit of whip.

 

I also, have a sony anycast that is a mixing board for video. I shoot a few local TV shows on it and can go wired right into the anycast from multiple cameras. I use sVideo, connections, but it has RCA and firewire inputs as well.

 

However this is limiting as my camera men can't move around very much.

 

I'm looking for a way to transmit a wireless video signal from 2 cameras to the Sony Anycast. Distance of about 30-40 ft... maybe a little more. This way my cameramen can be much more mobile.

 

I can probably spend around $4,000. But I'd love to go less expesive if I can.

 

I'm still filming in NTSC standard Def but are looking to upgrade to HD camera's soon.

 

Any suggestions?

 

Thanks

 

-Drew

[dweinin]

Anyone? Would really appreciate any help.

 

Thanks.

 

-Drew

[rossmck]

Hi Drew,

 

Welcome to the Blue Room, I can only assume the main reason you've not had any response is no-one knows... This isn't really a video forum and there may be places better suited to ask this question (also it doesn't really come under Stage, Technical and Production Management so those that might know might not frequent this area of the forum - mods ? maybe you should move it somewhere more sensible ? :))

 

There's definitely microwave transmitter systems (seen them used in news OB a few times) out there but I have no idea on costs or where you might find them - best contacting a specialist supplier.

 

You've also not provided your location in your profile (please do) but I guess from the reference to $ and NTSC in your post that you're not based within the UK which is the primary audience for this forum - so any companies I could suggest you contact are most likely not too relevant anyway.

[GridGirl]

(also it doesn't really come under Stage, Technical and Production Management so those that might know might not frequent this area of the forum - mods ? maybe you should move it somewhere more sensible ? :D)

 

Yep - definitely better to be in the Video and Projection forum....

[abrinks]

Rather than using wireless we use CAT5 cables for our live productions, with someting similar to this to convert the CAT5 cable to RCA. http://www.cyberselect.co.uk/product/1284

 

We use cables between 60 - 100 meters and dont have any problems sending 1080p from cameras to the video mixer.

[jonbav]

Hi Drew,

I may have a few answers.

There are basically three manufacturers/suppliers of rf video transmitters in the U.K. They are Link, Gigawave and Cobham. They can all be hired from broadcastrf (http://www.broadcastrf.com/) and several other companies so have a look at their webbsites.

From personal experience the link system is the better.

They all will need licencing from JFMG at about £40 for 48 hours .

You may like to try some of the more domestic set ups on 2.4 Ghz and 5.1Ghz but beware that these are unlicensed free for all frequencies and are very prone to interference.

You will probably want to hire initially as the cost of purchasing these systems is quite high.

I have no connection with all the mentioned companies

 

I do own a simple analogue system at 2.5Ghz ideal for point to point use but its disadvantage is that it will suffer from reflections inside buildings, which more modern digital systems do not.

 

Is that of any help

Cheers Jon

[Bobbsy]

I suspect from the reference to NTSC and $ (plus some other clues only visible in modland) that the OP is in the USA so references to UK suppliers and licensing aren't likely much use to him.

 

I'm afraid I can't be much help either. I've played with some of the Maplin-grade "video senders" (for the OP, think Radio Shack quality) that are out there and the quality and reliability was never anything I could consider for production use. The most I've ever got out of them was a grainy monochrome picture from the grid when we needed a visual cue for something we couldn't see from the box.

 

Certainly there are lots of genuine microwave systems out there (look at the stuff from racing cars etc.) but none that I know would come close to the budget mentioned. My only suggestion would be to talk to the local broadcast equipment hire place and see what you can rent for the times you really need the gear.

 

Bob

[jonbav]

I suspect from the reference to NTSC and $ (plus some other clues only visible in modland) that the OP is in the USA so references to UK suppliers and licensing aren't likely much use to him.

 

I'm afraid I can't be much help either. I've played with some of the Maplin-grade "video senders" (for the OP, think Radio Shack quality) that are out there and the quality and reliability was never anything I could consider for production use. The most I've ever got out of them was a grainy monochrome picture from the grid when we needed a visual cue for something we couldn't see from the box.

 

Certainly there are lots of genuine microwave systems out there (look at the stuff from racing cars etc.) but none that I know would come close to the budget mentioned. My only suggestion would be to talk to the local broadcast equipment hire place and see what you can rent for the times you really need the gear.

 

Bob

 

A concurrent post has been automatically merged from this point on.

 

Good point, and I apologise for not paying enough attention to location details/clues.

 

However, all the companies that I have mentioned operate worldwide,

 

Cobham equipment is made and marketed in the USA, I have had few dealings with them but contacting their U.K. site will give you a link to their American site.

 

Gigawave are a U.K. based company but work very much worldwide, a quick look at their web site will give a list of associated companies worldwide who use/hire/sell their equipment. They have been sponsors of the FIA GT Cars championship which is a worldwide evnt and their in car cameras and equipment are state of the art.

 

Link, are again a U.K company working worldwide, their equipment is often used at racing circuits where reflection problems can be difficult and their diversity receive system is excellent..

 

The cost of buying any of these systems is faily high, so renting would be a good start.

 

Good luck Jon

 

P.S. I seem to have re sent the last post, I don't know how, so sorry to anyone who has read it again.

[jpuig]

Hi Everyone.

 

I do multi camera shoots of live event and then I've been using Final Cut Pro to edit together all my footage from both cameras. Which is a bit of whip.

 

I also, have a sony anycast that is a mixing board for video. I shoot a few local TV shows on it and can go wired right into the anycast from multiple cameras. I use sVideo, connections, but it has RCA and firewire inputs as well.

 

However this is limiting as my camera men can't move around very much.

 

I'm looking for a way to transmit a wireless video signal from 2 cameras to the Sony Anycast. Distance of about 30-40 ft... maybe a little more. This way my cameramen can be much more mobile.

 

I can probably spend around $4,000. But I'd love to go less expesive if I can.

 

I'm still filming in NTSC standard Def but are looking to upgrade to HD camera's soon.

 

Any suggestions?

 

Thanks

 

-Drew

 

 

Dear Drew,

 

You can take a look at the company www.wireless-bcn.com whee you can identify good quality and competitive prices ( 4000-5000 Euros) for portable Digital transmiter ( COFDM) .

 

I hope it helps

 

Joe