Argosy eliminates outside broadcast cable damage with innovative new design

Tactical fibre is used for a wide range of signals in outside broadcasts, carrying multiple signals over long distances. Installation on site means dragging the cable through ducts or across open ground, and inevitably this leads to damage to the terminations and affects signal integrity. Broken connectors means expensive repairs, and a gradual shortening of the cable which makes it less useful and eventually unusable.

The Argosy solution aims to deliver high return on investment and longer service life by protecting the fibres from costly damage. The solution is to make up multiple fibres – as many as 24 – to suit the customers’ needs. The fibres are protected in a unique breakout which prohibits them from rotating under use, and the entire end of the cable is protected with a captive heavy duty pulling sock. This solution together ensures that the load under deployment and recovery is transferred directly to the aramid in the tactical cable, and when laying on the floor protects against crushing of the breakout.

“We have worked with the outside broadcast and touring industry, and this is what they are asking for and require,” said Chris Smeeton, sales director of Argosy. “We design, specify and manufacture these assemblies from scratch in house to the specification of our customers. Yes, they are more expensive than simply bundling fibres together, but the cost of ownership tumbles because the constant repairing and chopping of ends disappears. And you need fewer assemblies because you can always rely on them to be in full working service.”

IBC sees the launch of another new product developed by Argosy, a stackable, enclosed cable drum. The drums, again manufactured in house by Argosy, can carry any type of cable. They are lightweight, robust for regular outside broadcast work, and stack to minimise the space occupied on site.

As well as the new assemblies and cable drums, Argosy will also be showcasing an alternative solution to fibre for high-resolution applications: the new Neutrik 4k/8k BNC connector and barrel. Additionally Argosy will demonstrate a new Belden cable, the Easy Connect Pro, designed for price sensitive AV installations, and the ATEN range of KVM products.

Visitors to the Argosy stand (10.C51) will also see other fibre products in the range alongside a broad range of its HD video and audio cables, connectors, high density HD video patch panels, video and audio jackfields, MDUs, KVM switches, racks, and network and data products as well as a variety of video accessories.

About Argosy
Established in 1984 Argosy has a broad range of experience in advising and supplying studio installation products such as cabling, connectivity solutions, equipment racking, cable management & patching and is recognised as a leading international distributor and expert in this field. With customer locations around the world, Argosy is renowned as a “one-stop-shop” for systems integrators and end-users alike, however large or small the project. The company was acquired by IEWC in March 2015 and now forms part of the company’s Broadcast and Communications division.