Telecast Fiber Systems and Inertia Unlimited Partner to Offer High-Quality Slow Motion for World Series
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Based on Vision Research's Phantom series of high- speed cameras, the X-Mo is an HD camera capable of shooting at up to 6,933 frames per second (fps) at 720 resolution, and more than 2,700 fps at 1080 resolution. When the camera is used for slow motion playback, the higher number of frames delivers a greater level of detail and better image quality than traditional slow-motion systems. Since the CopperHead 3400 was developed for use with 3D rigs, the system is able to multiplex both of the X-Mo's outputs — the standard live broadcast feed and the slow-motion output — onto a single SMPTE fiber cable.
"There is a great deal of bandwidth involved in sending both live HD and slow-motion feeds back from the camera, which previously required a large number of fiber and copper connections. Now, with the CopperHead 3400, we can transmit all the signals we need with a single box, over a single cable," said Jeff Silverman, owner, Inertia Unlimited. "Not only is the system much easier to set up and take down, but it offers greater reliability because there are fewer connection points. The CopperHead 3400 really is the only solution on the market that can provide this level of connectivity, in such a simple package."
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For the World Series games played in San Francisco's AT&T Park, the X-Mo captured live footage for slow motion playback at up to 360 fps from a point of view looking from the outfield directly across to the pitcher's mound and batter box. Although the X-Mo/CopperHead configuration had been tested earlier this year at other Major League Baseball games and the Commonwealth Games in India, the World Series was the solution's official launch to the sports broadcasting community. Inertia Unlimited has already contracted with FOX Sports to use the system for its broadcast of Super Bowl XLV in February 2011.
"Since its introduction at the 2003 World Series, the X-Mo system has re-defined slow-motion playback for HD broadcasting. There is no solution on the market today that comes close to its cutting-edge capabilities for delivering high-quality slo-mo," said Jim Hurwitz, director of product management for Telecast Fiber Systems. "We're pleased that the CopperHead 3400 is playing such an important role as Inertia Unlimited continues to evolve the X-Mo for today's most advanced sports programming."
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About Inertia Unlimited
Based in Jacksonville, VT, Inertia Unlimited provides both sales and rentals of the broadcast industry's most advanced slow motion, POV, and robotic cameras.
About Telecast Fiber Systems, Inc.
Telecast Fiber Systems, Inc. is the company known for its portable and fixed fiber optic systems for television broadcast production. Telecast's video, audio, and communications systems are used worldwide by TV networks, teleproduction companies, sports venues, and various private, educational, and government and military organizations to extend range, simplify cabling, and reduce labor costs and set-up time. Telecast systems have helped usher in the age of HD television production, and the company now is active in the development of 3D HD TV production. Telecast Fiber Systems is a subsidiary of Belden (NYSE: BDC), a leader in comprehensive signal transmission solutions for fiber, cable, wireless signal, and industrial networking applications.