D+P Multimedia supplies IDX System to Power Live Video Transmissions for Cricket Ireland

"We needed a system which would allow us to stream live television coverage of matches over the internet while also benefiting our performance analysis for the players," comments Cricket Ireland coach Peter Johnston. "A vital requirement was the freedom to place cameras at any location without worrying about power supply cables or signal feeds.

"After surveying the available sources, we approached D+P Multimedia Products Ltd who specialise in providing all leading broadcast equipment brands. They designed a complete solution for us based on Panasonic AWHE40S compact pan/tilt/zoom cameras. Video is fed back wirelessly from each camera to the control suite. The production equipment is housed in two flight cases and includes video monitors, a network switch plus a live streaming interface.

"The system is reliable, easy to learn and very efficient to operate. The IDX transmitter and Panasonic camera combination gives excellent quality high definition video in any lighting levels cricket would be played in, as well as night mode if that were ever required."

"We recommended and installed IDX CW-F25 transmitters which are fully up to the standard needed for high quality on air video contribution," adds Tommy McManus, technical sales manager at D+P Multimedia Products. "They have proved very reliable and are fully certified for licence-free use throughout Europe. Transmission range is more than sufficient for the distance required in cricket coverage. It is enhanced by the use of beam-forming technology operating over 4 x 4 MIMO channels. Adaptive variable bit rate ensures stable output under all signal conditions.

"All control, production mixing and monitoring equipment is housed in two Gator wheeled 10U flight cases which operate from AC mains. Each of the portable racks is fitted with power, video and network distribution along with slide out shelves and equipment boxes.

"Each camera is enclosed in a Dotworkz outdoor housing with custom power distribution, mounted to a portable mast which can be raised to a height of over 7.5 metres. This is a seriously strong custom-made aluminium pump-up pneumatic telescopic mast with a fully integrated tripod. It has a huge 59 mm top tube and extra thick 101mm base tube making it an exceptionally strong and portable mast that packs down in to a portable case.

"The Panasonic AWHE40S camera is connected to an IDX CW-F25 transmitter. Camera and transmitter are powered by a custom made Pelicase with six V-Lok plates wired in parallel plus IP rated waterproof connectors and six IDX CUE-D150 rechargeable batteries per mast. The batteries provide ample energy capacity to allow an entire match to be televised between charges.

"Network signals from a Panasonic AW RP50 remote controller are transmitted via the outbound link of the IDX CW-F25 to the two Panasonic cameras. Each camera is a complete one-piece head with a motorised 30 times optical zoom lens and integrated pan and tilt plus a preset memory capable of storing up to 100 positions. The camera operator can remotely guide the head through a +/- 175 degree pan range and -30 to +90 degrees of vertical tilt.

"The IDX CW-F25 transmitters simultaneously carry H.264 High Profile video back to the Blackmagic Duo video source monitors and a Panasonic AW-HS50 vision mixer which allows live mixing from both masts along with inputs from other local sources. A third Blackmagic Smartview HD monitor is configured for programme and preview multiviewing. A combined video and audio output feed is then sent to a Blackmagic Ultra Studio Express interface which encodes the live output stream on a Apple MacBook Pro using Telestream Wirecast Pro to send out to the web. Each of the two CW-F25 Transmitters supports return video, intercom, tally, RS422 remote and Ethernet networking, giving the remote camera operator the full features of a wired link. The system includes an IDX VL4S battery charger plus 12 IDX CUE-D150 146 watt-hour high-grade Lithium Ion V-Mount batteries."

Cricket Ireland
Cricket Ireland is the governing body for cricket in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland), overseeing the Ireland cricket team and Ireland women's cricket team. It also organises the premier club cricket competition in Ireland, the Irish Senior Cup and the Provincial Competition which it hopes will gain first class status. Reflecting the rising popularity of the game in Ireland, Cricket Ireland is committed to developing the grass roots of the sport with the aim of achieving the ambitious target of 50,000 participants by the end of 2015.  The Senior Men’s team has achieved great success with participation at seven World Cups since 2007, achieving memorable victories over Pakistan, Zimbabwe, Bangladesh, England and the West Indies to name a few.  Ireland hopes to have Test status by 2018.

D+P Multimedia Products/Camerakit.ie
Established in 1990, D+P Multimedia Products Ltd operates from a purpose built 3,500 square foot fully stocked Sales Showroom in Terenure Village, Dublin 6W, alongside Camerakit Hire Department and group warehouse facilities, making this a one-stop shop for the film, broadcast and professional video Industry. The D+P technical sales team has over 50 years combined industry expertise and offers no-nonsense impartial advice to help customers find the best solution for their specific needs. D+P has sold and hired professional video equipment, media and consumables to a broad range of customers mainly in Ireland but in more recent times right across Europe. These include broadcasters, production and post-production companies, freelancers and education facilities.

IDX Technology
IDX Technology is the premier manufacturer of Lithium Ion battery power systems, HD wireless transmission solutions, and V-Mount technology for the broadcast, professional video, professional audio and portable electronics industries. Its mission is to develop products that professionals can use with confidence and convenience. By offering the highest quality of product and world-class service, IDX customers are allowed to operate their equipment as expected and concentrate solely on capturing and creating.

As pioneers in the use of Lithium Ion, IDX was the first to produce Lithium Ion NP batteries which meet the needs of camera users demanding higher power and less battery weight. IDX built on that award-winning Lithium Ion NP success by introducing the ENDURA System, with revolutionary features such as PowerLink which provides the exclusive ability to stack a second battery and double the power. The evolution then continued with the introduction of the E-HL9 Series featuring high draw capabilities and excellent performance in an extreme range of environments. IDX provides sales support and service second to none from locations in Europe, the Middle East, Japan and the Americas.