HAUPPAUGE, N.Y.—At the 2023 NAB Show, MultiDyne Video & Fiber Optic Systems has announced that it will be showing a new bulk fiber transport platform that brings several classic MultiDyne strengths together into one common platform with exceptional signal density for HD, 3G (quad-link 4K) and 12G (single-link 4K) productions.

The new HoneyBadger platform is ideal for stadiums, arenas, campus and venue-wide signal extension, metropolitan intra-facility connections and classic point-to-point links between trucks, control rooms and studios, MultiDyne reported. 

Offering an expansive feature set for production-based fiber transport, HoneyBadger provides support for eight camera feeds and SDI return channels — both expandable through HoneyBadger’s modularity. 

With HoneyBadger, there are no limits for local signal connectivity and extension, MultiDyne said, thanks to its high I/O density and two independent 1Gb local-area network (LAN) extensions. 

Users can also extend four partyline intercom channels (wet or dry), eight bi-directional line level analog audio outputs and eight mic-pre inputs with phantom power over two cost-efficient single-mode fibers, which allows customers to manage all long-distance bulk fiber transport needs from one box. That also includes analog tri-level or bi-level genlock outputs, legacy GPIO/serial control signals and more, the company said. 

“HoneyBadger doesn’t care about the size of your university campus or the expanse of your remote sports production coverage,” said Jesse Foster, vice president of products and western sales, MultiDyne. “Everything the content producer needs for multi-camera or multi-announcer productions converges within the HoneyBadger design, which is essentially an active broadcast junction box that is easy to transport, manage and maintain. It is a field fiber solution for a new generation of content producers faced with a broader array of formats, signals and connectors than ever while seeking to bridge the gap between fiber and IP.”

A typical HoneyBadger application for live production will employ a 5RU remote unit for media contribution and transport and a 4RU unit at the receiving location. They both provide standard connectivity for full-size BNCs for video, XLRs for audio, and terminable Phoenix connectors for serial data and GPIO control signals, Foster explained. 

Foster adds that the HoneyBadger is designed to install into an actual JBT junction box that venues and other users can build into the architecture of a facility or building and is usually a stainless-steel, wall-mounted enclosure. “HoneyBadger was built with streamlined architectures and quick, simple connectivity in mind. In addition to our field-based systems, we see opportunities for venues to purchase and install these as all-in-one  signal transport solutions that technicians can access and plug into for hassle-free, quick-launch productions," Foster said. 

MultiDyne will demonstrate HoneyBadger at NAB Show 2023 in Booth C4730. 

SANDEFJORD, NORWAY AND NEW YORK—Barnfind Technologies, a manufacturer of multifunction, signal-neutral fiber transport solutions, this week launched Barnfind USA, its U.S.-based support, service and sales arm.

John Cerquone, founder of Manhattan-based manufacturer rep firm CER-TEC Inc., will serve as president of sales at Barnfind USA, the company said.

The new company will make its public debut as an exhibitor at the NAB Show New York, Oct. 17-18, at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York City, where it will demo Barnfind products, including its new BTF1-41 frame, the company said. Executives will be on hand to talk about the company’s U.S. plans and the launch of its New York and North Carolina offices.

“We are very excited to grow our presence in the United States, an extremely important market for Barnfind,” said Wiggo Evensen, Barnfind CEO. “We have a top-notch team in place with vast knowledge of the broadcast and media industries and years of experience in the key markets we serve.”

Key executives at the newly formed U.S. support, sales and service company, include Renard Fiscus, vice president, field operations; Andrea Cummis, vice president, technology; and George Gonos, vice presdent, marketing and administration.

Besides the BTF1-41 frame, Barnfind will show enhanced versions of its BarnOne frames and BarnMini converters at the NAB Show New York in booth N1029.

More information is available on the Barnfind USA website.

NILES, ILL.—Boston PBS station WGBH has a new remote studio at the Boston Public Library, and to help it deliver TV and radio signals to its main facility seven miles away, the station has acquired a fiber-transport caddie from Joseph Electronics. The custom transporter caddie allows WGBH to send bidirectional signals between the remote studio and main facility, including A/V, ancillary and data signals.

According to Emeric Feldmar, WGBH’s director of engineering, traditional microwave methods were not possible, the station needed a custom solution. As a result, WGBH relied on JE to provide a caddie that has full-duplex connectivity that allows operators to manage four cameras with full robotic control; two separate Gigabit Ethernet paths; return video and audio for PA, intercom, reference, and monitoring; GPIO; DMX lighting control; and all microphones for radio and television.

Joseph Electronics designs, manufactures and supplies custom fiber systems for broadcasters and system integrators.