Telecast Fiber Systems Launches CopperHead™ 3200

The industry leader in camera-mounted video transport solutions

Telecast Fiber Systems announced the availability of the CopperHead™ 3200, the first in the company's new Series 3000 family of camera-mounted fiber optic transceivers. The CopperHead 3200 offers an affordable yet powerful mid-range multicasting solution for a range of HD broadcasting applications including TV news and sports production, electronic cinematography, and multi-camera studio, truck, and flypack field production.

Since we introduced our CopperHead line in 2001, it has become the industry leader in camera-mounted video transport solutions — enabling broadcasters to extend the power of their camcorders and take maximum advantage of the high quality and reliability of fiber transmissions," said Jim Hurwitz, director of product management at Telecast Fiber Systems. "The CopperHead 3200 includes significant improvements and a range of products matched to specific broadcasting and film production requirements all at a cost-effective price point never available before."

The CopperHead 3200 is the first to feature a 10/100 Ethernet path

The CopperHead 3200 provides a robust fiber optic link between any professional camera or camcorder and the broadcaster's truck, control room, or video village position. Over a single fiber connection, the system simultaneously transports bidirectional digital (SDI or HD/SDI) and analog (NTSC or PAL) video, as well as all two-way camera control, audio, video, data, sync, tally/call, prompter, and intercom signals between the camera and the base station. In addition, the CopperHead 3200 is the first to feature a 10/100 Ethernet path to provide camera control for next-generation cameras or a remote link to laptops and servers. Because the system transmits all signals digitally and optically, broadcasters and producers are assured of the highest quality video and audio — free from interference, grounding problems, or drifting due to temperature variations.

The CopperHead 3200 camera unit mounts directly to any professional camera's battery interface system such as Anton-Bauer®, "V"-Mount, or PAG, connecting directly to the battery or other power supply solution such as the CopperHead PowerPlus or Power Wafer™ (for use with SMTPE hybrid fiber). The CopperHead 3200 base station is a lightweight 1RU frame located in the broadcaster's truck, control room, or video village that provides true plug-and-play operation without requiring any front panel adjustments.

Versions for 3-D cinema production

Following the launch of the CopperHead 3200, Telecast Fiber Systems will be rolling out the other members of the CopperHead 3000 family — including a model designed specifically for mobile ENG applications; one designed for budget-conscious organizations such as houses of worship, educational institutions, and governments; and higher-end versions for 3-D cinema production and cinema-quality cameras with dual-link requirements.

The CopperHead 3200 has already been adopted by numerous broadcasting and production professionals. An example is All Mobile Video (AMV), one of North America's foremost providers of video and audio production solutions and equipment, which has made the system a key component in its new HD Tapeless Carrypack system. AMV will be demonstrating the system in Telecast's booth at the 2010 NAB Show, #C8925.

About Telecast Fiber Systems, Inc.

Telecast Fiber Systems, Inc. is a division of Belden (NYSE:BDC), a leader in comprehensive signal transmission solutions for fiber, cable, wireless signal, and industrial networking applications. Founded in 1991, Telecast Fiber Systems specializes in portable and fixed fiber optic systems for television broadcast production. The company'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 accommodate all television production signals, including NTSC/PAL video, SDI and HD/SDI video, analog and AES/EBU audio, HD and triax camera interfaces, and intercom and data signals.