Copperhead 3200: a robust fiber optic link

Telecast Fiber Systems will show at its stand at NAB 2010 a powerful mid-range solution for the distribution of high definition signals through fiber optics, simultaneous and bidirectional digital (SDI or HD/SDI) and analog (NTSC or PAL).

Copperhead 3200 is the new solution from Massachusetts-based company Telecast Fiber Systems. This is the first of the new 3000 family of fiber optic transceivers for professional cameras. The Copperhead 3200 offers a powerful multicast solution for a range of high-definition broadcast applications, such as television news and sports production, multi-camera in studio, on mobile units or in flypack field production.

Jim Hurwitz, director de gestión de productos en Telecast, ha comentado que “el Copperhead 3200 incluye mejoras significativas y una gama de productos adaptados a entornos broadcast y de produción cinematográfica a una relación calidad-precio desconocido hasta ahora en este nivel de producto”.

Copperhead 3200 provides a robust fiber optic link between any professional camera and a mobile unit or production control via a single fiber connection, simultaneously and bi-directionally carrying digital (SDI or HD/SDI) and analog (NTSC or PAL) signals as well as camera control, audio, video, data, sync, intercom and tally signals between the camera and the base station. Additionally, the Copperhead 3200 is the first to offer 10/100 Ethernet to provide control on next-generation cameras or a remote link for laptops and servers. Because the system transmits all signals digitally and optically, broadcasters and producers will have higher quality video and audio free of interference, or bypass or ground problems due to temperature changes.
The CopperHead 3200 unit mounts on the camera directly on any Anton-Bauer, V-mount or OAG type material interface, directly connecting the battery or other power sources such as CopperHead PowerPlus or Power Wafer (on hybrid fibers with SMTPE). As for the base station, it is housed in a 1RU, plug-and-play, without the need for adjustments on the front panel.

Following the launch of the Copperhead 3200, Telecast Fiber Systems will develop other solutions for mobile applications in ENG, houses of worship, educational institutions, and government environments, as well as for 3D cinema production and other cinema cameras with dual-link requirements.
We can see an example of the new Telecast systems during NAB on some of the high definition mobiles that the North American All Mobile Video (AMV) will move to Las Vegas.