News

Thomson Ships New Wireless HD Camera System (20/9/2007)

Announces New RF Module Supporting 2.025-2.110 GHz For The US Market

At the IBC convention this week, Thomson (Euronext Paris: 18453; NYSE: TMS) will announce that customer shipments of its Grass Valley(tm) Wireless HD Camera System have begun, providing broadcasters, OB truck operators, and video production companies unparalleled flexibility in HD productions for sports, entertainment, and news.

Thomson will also introduce a new RF module operating in the 2.025-2.110 GHz frequency range, which is required by the FCC for use in the US as part of what is commonly referred to as the 2 GHz relocation, currently scheduled for completion in September, 2007.

With its compact design, integrated battery mount, and bidirectional digital transmission, the HD Wireless Camera System not only frees users from carrying additional equipment, it eliminates adverse effects from multi-path reflections and allows them to pass through doors, make low-angle shots, and choose the most suitable camera-handling position-all while providing excellent HD picture quality. The Grass Valley Wireless HD Camera System addresses customers' ongoing need for fully upgradeable, future-proof and multiformat-capable products and systems that are affordable and flexible in order to maximize their media investment.

The HD Wireless Camera Adapter docks to all LDK HD camera systems, including the LDK 8000. It supports 720p50/60 and 1080i50/60 acquisition while using an innovative approach both to compression and transmission. The HD Wireless Camera System uses a state-of-the-art JPEG 2000 technology end-to-end signal with an enhanced COFDM physical layer-based transmission for 4:2:2 10-bit quality.

"The HD Wireless Camera System combines Thomson's unrivaled experience in broadcast cameras with the latest in IT technology," said Jeff Rosica, Senior Vice President of Thomson's Broadcast & Professional Solutions business unit. "The result is a system that gives users complete freedom of movement under the most demanding production conditions."

The connection between a wireless HD base station and the wireless system's omni-directional three-antenna diversity unit (using MRC technology), uses conventional triax cable enabling users to locate an antenna up to 600m (1,970 feet) from the base station using 11 mm triax cable. A video booster is available for long-transmission applications between camera and receiver antenna.

The HD Wireless Camera System is also fully compatible with studio production facilities, the C2IP camera control system, and utilizes the same operational control panels as other LDK series cameras that use the C2IP system.

www.thomsongrassvalley.com

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