Bluebell Opticom To Demo New ShaxX SMPTE Hybrid Cable At NAB

Bluebell Opticom Ltd. has announced the ShaxX, a rugged system that provides full bi-directional signalling and power for broadcast cameras fitted with standard SMPTE 304M hybrid connectors.

The ShaxX allows OB and remote crews to forgo SMPTE hybrid cables and take advantage of preinstalled fibre networks to cut rigging time.

"In production scenarios that require the camera operator to work far away from the CCU, SMPTE hybrid cables are often impractical. So there is great demand for getting power to the camera without using SMPTE hybrid cables. The ShaxX meets that demand," said Paul McCann, Bluebell Opticom, managing director. "By taking power out of the hands of the CCU and inserting it on the camera end, the ShaxX eliminates the need to transfer power all the way from the CCU to the camera, leaving only the transmission of signals back and forth on lightweight single-mode optical fibre that's reliable and easy to rig. The ShaxX complements our standard Shax devices and, when paired with our modular fibre interface cards, can offer resilient signal transport and management of complete camera chains."

The ShaxX works with Bluebell's Shax hybrid alternative interface to provide power to the camera without having to transport it from a remote CCU, removing the expense of rigging SMPTE hybrid cables. Users connect the ShaxX unit to the camera with a SMPTE hybrid jumper cable. The ShaxX unit, which is connected to mains power on the camera end, powers the camera.

At the same time, the ShaxX is also connected to two strands of single-mode fibre in order to carry signals from the camera to the CCU and vice versa. The Shax unit on the CCU end receives those fibres, and is then connected to the CCU via a SMPTE hybrid jumper cable. When used in combination with Bluebell's BC series modular fibre interface cards, the ShaxX can multiplex multiple camera links over a single fibre.

By replacing the SMPTE hybrid cable with plain fibre between the CCU and the camera the ShaxX gives the production team freedom to position cameras for the best shot, rather than being restricted by the location of mains power.

It is enclosed in a robust and ruggedised aluminium case, making it ideal for OB and fly-away applications. LEDs on the front panel give operators instant feedback on the status of the link between camera and CCU.

Bluebell will demonstrate the ShaxX at the 2015 NAB Show in booth N4422.

www.bluebell.tv

(IT/CD)