Grass Valley, a unit of Thomson, expanded its line of high-definition and multi-format camera systems with some new accessories that improve interoperability and performance. New additions include the SuperXpander 7" viewfinder and the MOBox for interoperability with triax and fiber optic cable infrastructures.
"At Grass Valley, we firmly believe that the high performance of broadcast camera systems is based on powerful sensor and processing technologies, the highest level of image quality, and the greatest possible flexibility and interoperability. If a camera lacks any of these features, then it's not a complete camera system," said Marc Valentin, president of Thompson's Grass Valley business unit. "The entire system must be effective for our customers."
The announcements support Thomson's two-year plan, which includes a comprehensive strategy to help its global media and entertainment customer base acquire, create, edit, manipulate, add, redefine and package high-value content.
Details of camera accessories:
SuperXpander: For maximum convenience and ease of use to the camera operator, the new SuperXpander for cameras from Grass Valley combines large lens backrest with a new 7" viewfinder, mounted close to the camera's optical axis. The camera can stay with the SuperXpander during transport, saving space and allowing it to be ready for when needed.
The new viewfinder uses a multi-format, high-brightness monochrome CRT that provides maximum definition. The SuperXander can be used with both standard definition and high definition cameras from Grass Valley and, due to its modular construction, can be used in equipment based on triax, hybrid fiber or dual fiber.
Fixed Operation Box: Most of the most important sports fields are wired to reduce the preparation time of each cable broadcaster. Currently, most of these facilities use triax cables, but there is a tendency to install fiber optic cables. Meanwhile, mobile production contractors are going to need to work with both types of cable.
The MOBox (Mixed Operation Box) allows contractors to do their job in a simple and flexible operational way. Grass Valley HD cameras deliver excellent quality with triax. Where a stadium is suitable with fiber, a new cover is available for each triax adapter of the chamber to convert it to fiber; and a compact base station (three cameras in 2U rack spacing) allows reverse in the mobile unit. Units equipped with Grass Valley cameras and MOBox devices will be able to deliver great HD images anywhere with equal ease.
Improved triax performance: A new version of the HD triax transmission system will be presented at NAB 2006. This version will improve overall S/N performance and expand the safety range of a camera from 1000 meters (3,300 feet) to 1500 meters (5000 feet).
