BBC R&D DEMONSTRATE DIGITAL RADIO CAMERA

THROUGH their Research & Development (R&D) division, the BBC are at the heart of a digital media innovation.
At IBC 2001, experts from BBC R&D demonstrated their cordless digital radio camera which can be connected to coders provided by any manufacturers. The coders have a bit-rate low enough to achieve reliable operation from a single radio-frequency channel. The cordless operation of the camera allows economic operation within studio and remote locations where set-up time and the need for swift camera moves are vital.
The digital radio camera comprises a wireless television camera, enabling easy access for close up shots. Although cable-free cameras have been used for years in sports, news and outside broadcasts, with analogue transmission the pictures often distort or break up. With this new digital technology, a more reliable link is offered. The digital radio camera conveys a signal that is wholly consistent with new digital and widescreen broadcast services. It is particularly useful for broadcasting live events but is also proving valuable in other areas of programme-making as it provides potential time and cost savings.
Although the digital radio camera is in use at the BBC, it is not yet available as a finished product. It was displayed at IBC to demonstrate the breadth of digital expertise that will soon be offered by BBC Technology through their unique relationship with BBC R&D. (CD)