News

Thomson and Telecast Fiber Systems Collaborate To Add Live System Capabilities to Infinity Digital Media Camcorder (22/9/2008)

Thomson (Euronext Paris: 18453; NYSE: TMS), the worldwide leader in video solutions, and Telecast Fiber Systems have developed a compact fiber optic camera link which allows the Thomson Grass Valley(tm) Infinity(tm) Digital Media Camcorder (DMC) to be used as a live system camera for studios, flypacks, and other multi-camera productions. This new interface adds yet more operational flexibility and convenience to the Infinity platform.

The Telecast Fiber Systems CopperHead system is a well-established and popular product for camera connectivity, providing two-way communication over lightweight fiber cable. The Infinity version carries a choice of 1080p, 1080i, or 720p HD video, PAL, or NTSC SD video, plus embedded audio from the camera - as well as return video, genlock, audio, and intercom to the camera.

Operators have full control over the video and audio with control operations using the Thomson Grass Valley C2IP Ethernet-based TCP/IP camera control system, and the standard OCP and MCP control panels from the Thomson Grass Valley LDK series camera line.

While the CopperHead system adds live system camera capabilities to the Infinity DMC, all of the camcorder capabilities remain fully functional. This means it is possible to use one or more Infinity systems as part of a multi-camera live shoot, and be able to record individual iso recordings on each Infinity DMC. Recordings to the Infinity can be made using the built-in, low-cost, portable REV PRO removable media disk, professional grade CompactFlash, or externally (using USB connectivity) to industry standard hard disk drives. File-based iso recording can be controlled from the remote OCP control panel over the fiber link as well.

"The benefits of this are huge, our customers will now have the flexibility to use the same device as either a studio camera or a camcorder," said Jeff Rosica, Senior Vice President of Thomson's Broadcast & Professional Solutions within the Systems division. "The Infinity Digital Media Camcorder is already the most flexible acquisition system available, giving the user freedom to choose the video resolution, codec, and recording medium that suits each individual job. Thanks to this collaboration with Telecast Fiber Systems, the Infinity can function as a camcorder and a live systems camera simultaneously." The Infinity CopperHead leverages the built-in connectivity and audio embedding processing in the Infinity. The Infinity CopperHead camera unit is therefore quite compact and light weight. Because it simply snaps into the Infinity DMC's standard A/B battery mount, it can be installed or removed in seconds, allowing quick conversion from portable camcorder to multi-cam studio camera and visa-versa.

Thomson is unique in supporting the entire media chain from high-definition content creation to multi-play services for home consumption. As broadcasters become broadercasters, Thomson is the right technology partner, as it will demonstrate at IBC 2008 in two booth locations - Hall 1, Stand D.11 and Hall 7, Stand F.31.

Pricing and Availability

Telecast's CopperHead system for the Infinity DMC will be available in two versions: the "TAC" model uses lightweight mil-spec Tactical fiber optic cable, with power being supplied to the Infinity camcorder via battery or local DC power source. The "Hybrid" model utilizes industry standard SMPTE hybrid fiber/copper cable that carries all of the signals on two single mode fibers, while power for the camcorder is supplied from the base station on integrated copper strands

The CopperHead system will be marketed by Telecast Fiber Systems. The camera unit has been specially designed to match the physical and aesthetic design of the Infinity digital media camcorder. The system is scheduled to begin shipping later this year. Systems start at $11,450.

www.thomsongrassvalley.com

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