KINGS PARK, N.Y.—MultiDyne Video & Fiber Optic Systems is acquiring the assets of MRMC (Mark Roberts Motion Control), a pioneering developer of robotic camera systems, motion control solutions and automated camera tracking technologies for broadcast, digital cinema, sports production and live events.

Nikon announced in April that it was selling MRMC.

As part of the transaction, MultiDyne has established MultiDyne Robotics and Motion Control, a new company that will maintain the well-known MRMC brand.

The acquisition brings MRMC’s core technologies, intellectual property, manufacturing capabilities and key engineering expertise into the MultiDyne organization, creating a powerful combination of complementary technologies that extend MultiDyne’s reach to the very beginning of the content creation chain.

"MRMC is a world-class brand with an exceptional reputation for innovation, engineering excellence and customer success," said Frank Jachetta, CEO of MultiDyne. "This acquisition represents a natural and highly strategic extension of our business. MultiDyne has long been focused on the transport, processing and management of video, audio and data signals. MRMC places us at the point of image acquisition itself, allowing us to participate in a much broader portion of the production workflow. Together, our technologies create a powerful end-to-end ecosystem for content creators, broadcasters and live production professionals worldwide."

MRMC has been recognized as a pioneer in camera robotics and motion control for six decades, developing award-winning solutions that enable precision camera movement, automated tracking, virtual production workflows and cinematic motion control for some of the world's leading broadcasters, filmmakers and content creators.

The move comes during a milestone year for MultiDyne as the company celebrates its 50th anniversary, marking five decades of innovation and strategic growth across broadcast, digital cinema, Pro AV and live production markets.

The MultiDyne and MRMC product portfolios have virtually no overlap. Instead, the two companies serve many of the same customers, channel partners and markets with complementary technologies.

MultiDyne's fiber-optic transport, camera interface and signal processing solutions are widely used throughout professional production environments to move video, audio and data across complex infrastructures. MRMC's robotic camera systems, tracking solutions, motion control rigs and automated production technologies complement those workflows by controlling the physical movement, positioning and automation of the cameras themselves.

The combined portfolio will strengthen MultiDyne's position across broadcast television, sports production, digital cinema, virtual production, corporate AV, houses of worship, live events and emerging content creation markets, the company said.

The acquisition also significantly strengthens MultiDyne's international presence, particularly in Europe, where MRMC has built a respected global brand and loyal customer base. MultiDyne plans to maintain MRMC's operations in the United Kingdom while preserving the engineering expertise, product innovation and customer relationships that have made the company a trusted partner throughout the industry.

Neil Maycock, a member of the MultiDyne leadership team, will run MRMC as Managing Director and emphasized the importance of continuity for customers and partners.

"MRMC has earned tremendous loyalty throughout the broadcast and cinema industries because of its innovation, product quality and commitment to customer success," said Maycock. "Our priority is ensuring continuity for customers, partners and ongoing projects while creating a strong foundation for future growth. We see tremendous opportunities to expand the reach of MRMC technologies through MultiDyne's global sales channels, customer relationships and long-term investment strategy."

The acquisition represents the latest in a series of strategic growth initiatives that have expanded MultiDyne's technology portfolio, geographic reach and market presence over the past decade.

KINGS PARK, NY—MultiDyne Video & Fiber Optic Systems will introduce two new fiber transport solutions at the 2026 NAB Show—April 18-22 in Las Vegas—that support evolving IP and hybrid infrastructures, reduce fiber requirements and simplify system design.

On deck are the new FiberSaver-10G wavelength-shifting multiplexer and VF-9100 fiber optic transport platform. The FiberSaver-10G marks a significant expansion of MultiDyne’s FiberSaver Series, bringing high-capacity 10GbE connectivity to a platform known for maximizing fiber efficiency.

Designed for the modern IP-based data workflows of SMPTE ST 2110, Dante AV and NDI, the system can transport multiple 10G signals over a single fiber strand. Customers deploying fiber across live production scenarios can reduce fiber infrastructure by up to 94 percent using FiberSaver-10G without comprising bandwidth.

“10 gig is becoming the new baseline for media networks,” said Jesse Foster, Director of Strategic Accounts and Products at MultiDyne. “With FiberSaver-10G, we’re giving customers a simple way to trunk multiple high-bandwidth networks together and dramatically reduce fiber usage without compromising signal integrity.”

FiberSaver-10G delivers up to an 18 to 1 reduction in required fiber strands by optically isolating, wavelength-shifting and multiplexing multiple independent 10G networks onto a single fiber. This is especially valuable for mobile production trucks, stadiums, corporate campuses and large venues where fiber resources are limited or costly to expand. The platform supports flexible configurations across the series, allowing users to mix 1G, 10G and 25G connectivity within the same system. An external redundant power option ensures reliability in mission-critical environments.

Complementing FiberSaver-10G is the new VF-9100, the next-generation evolution of MultiDyne’s widely deployed VF-9000 fiber transport platform. Used in studios, stadiums and mobile production environments worldwide, the VersaFrame Series is known for high-density signal transport, wavelength shifting and format flexibility, the company said.

The VF-9100 features key enhancements that improve integration, usability and future scalability. A new hardware controller introduces RESTful API support for seamless integration with modern network management and control systems.

"RESTful API changes the game for how these systems integrate into today’s facilities,” said Foster. “Engineers can now monitor status, manage configurations and automate control through a single interface, regardless of vendor. It makes the VF-9100 a much better citizen in IP-based environments.”

Additional updates include a redesigned chassis with improved card guides for easier field servicing, enhanced rack-mount options for flypack deployments, and more powerful internal power supplies to support next-generation modules. The VF-9100 also introduces new modular cards for audio, serial data, GPIO and genlock/timecode.

Like its predecessor, the VF-9100 supports high-density signal multiplexing, enabling users to transport up to 18 signals over a single fiber — or 36 signals in dual configurations — while maintaining full flexibility across SDI and IP workflows.

While both FiberSaver-10G and VF-9100 deliver fiber savings, wavelength shifting and signal optimization, they are typically deployed for different purposes within the same environment. FiberSaver excels at aggregating existing optical signals and IP networks onto minimal fiber infrastructure, while the VF-9100 serves as a powerful, modular platform for signal conversion, transport and system-wide integration.

“Together, these solutions reflect MultiDyne’s continued focus on delivering practical, engineering-driven innovations that solve real-world challenges in broadcast and AV environments,” said Frank Jachetta, CEO, MultiDyne.

MultiDyne will demonstrate FiberSaver-10G and the VF-9100 at Booth C4425 in the Central Hall during the show.

HUDSON, N.H.—My role at Game Creek Video focuses on the design, maintenance, and long-term evolution of our mobile production trucks. In live production, especially at the scale we operate, broadcast technology must be flexible, dense and, above all, reliable. Over the last several years, MultiDyne has become a core technology partner for us, with several of their products playing distinct and critical roles in our workflows.

We heavily rely on three MultiDyne product lines: the VF9000 fiber-transport platform, the HUT camera acquisition system and SilverBullet miniature fiber-transport devices. Each one serves a different purpose, but together they allow us to move large amounts of video efficiently, both inside the truck and across stadiums.

All-in-One Design
The VF-9000 has become the backbone of our inter-truck fiber transport. Over the past several years, we transitioned to this platform after using other solutions, and it’s now installed across six of our mobile units, with multiple frames per truck. What drew us to the VF-9000 was its compact footprint and all-in-one design. Previously, we needed separate products for fiber transport and copper video conversion. The VF-9000 consolidates that into a single, dense and extremely stable platform.

From a production standpoint, we use the VF-9000 to move large volumes of SDI video between trucks. In a typical configuration, we’ll take up to 32 video signals from one truck, transport them over just a few strands of fiber and break them back out in another unit. That level of density allows us to share signals efficiently without running excessive fiber, which is especially valuable on large, complex shows. We primarily use the VF-9000 for video transport with embedded audio, and its CWDM (coarse-wavelength division multiplexing) capabilities allow us to maximize bandwidth while keeping our infrastructure clean and manageable.

Monitoring and troubleshooting are also major strengths of the VF-9000. The platform exposes SNMP (Simple Network Monitoring Protocol) data, which allows us to integrate it directly into our broader monitoring environment. Instead of walking into racks or checking front-panel indicators, our engineers can see real-time status, alerts and performance metrics through dashboards and web-based tools. We can even monitor the far end of a fiber link from another truck, which saves time and reduces on-site coordination during live events.

Out in the field, camera acquisition is handled primarily by the MultiDyne HUT system. HUT has proven to be one of the most universally compatible camera-transport solutions we’ve used—we haven’t encountered a camera platform in our fleet that it doesn’t support. Using SMPTE connections at the camera and single-mode fiber back to the truck, HUT allows us to leverage a venue’s existing fiber infrastructure while maintaining signal integrity and flexibility.

Alongside HUT, the SilverBullet plays an equally important role. While HUT focuses on camera transport, the Silver Bullet is our go-to solution for moving individual video feeds long distances throughout a venue. We frequently deploy them to carry monitoring feeds, auxiliary signals, or other video paths that need to travel alongside camera signals. Many venues are moving away from copper entirely, and the Silver Bullet allows us to run tactical fiber everywhere and convert back to SDI exactly where we need it.

NBA Cup Coverage
This gear was recently deployed together on high-profile broadcasts, including Prime Video’s NBA Cup coverage in Las Vegas, and it’s also in regular use on major productions like “Monday Night Football,” “Thursday Night Football” and Fox primetime football. These are demanding shows with zero tolerance for
failure. The HUT and SilverBullet are rugged, field-ready devices that just work. The VF-9000, despite its density, is modular enough that we can replace individual components without taking an entire system offline.

Our goal is to build trucks that are flexible today and ready for tomorrow as we support a variety of live productions for sports and live events. MultiDyne’s technology has helped us achieve this through reliable transport, smart monitoring, and the confidence to deliver world-class live broadcasts.

More information is available on MultiDyne’s website.

KINGS PARK, N.Y.—MultiDyne Video & Fiber Optic Systems will feature the latest updates to its rugged VersaBrix (VB) Series modular fiber optic transport platform for broadcast and live production professionals worldwide during IBC2025, Sept. 12-15, at the RAI Amsterdam Convention Center.

The VersaBrix Series is designed for field, flypack and permanent installs. It can easily manage 12G/3G/HD-SDI to HDMI 2.0, analog/digital audio, Ethernet (1/10GbE), intercom, tally, genlock, timecode (all uncompressed and near-zero latency) over a single strand of fiber. From extending PTZ and POV cameras to moving bulk signals across a truck or venue over fiber, VersaBrix offers reliability and flexibility, the company said.

MultiDyne will feature a new sleek, all-white chassis option for all four VersaBrix form factors, the two-, four-, six- and 10-slot versions, making them well-suited to anywhere gear is vision on-camera, it said.

“VersaBrix is truly a Swiss Army knife for signal transport,” said Jesse Foster, director of strategic accounts and products at MultiDyne. “You can move up to 18x 12G-SDI or 9x 10GbE signals over a single fiber without touching compression. And with new features like PoE++, HDMI 2.0 and our modular customization tool, we’re making it easier than ever to spec the exact system you need whether you’re in a truck, on a campus or elsewhere that requires live broadcast.”

With its compact 1RU design and shallow 7¼-inch chassis depth, VersaBrix is perfectly suited for smaller environments like OB trucks and flypacks. It’s also a time-saver in temporary setups where copper cabling isn’t feasible, making deployment easier without sacrificing performance, the company said.

VersaBrix supports seamless integration with CCUs, routers and switchers. It can be used with standard single-mode fiber or SMPTE hybrid cable. The low voltage, rack-friendly solution can be remotely powered over fiber.

See MultiDyne at IBC Stand 2025 11.C12.

More information is available on the company’s website.

KINGS PARK, N.Y.—MultiDyne Video & Fiber Optic Systems has announced that it will soon begin shipping new openGear solutions that condense the features and functionality of its popular hardware products onto modular cards.

The company reported that the solutions will be unveiled at the 2025 NAB Show and that the latest innovations enable several advanced fiber-optic applications for the openGear community, including high-density PTZ camera extension and the conversion of digital cinema cameras for broadcast workflows.

MultiDyne exhibits at Booth N423 in the Las Vegas Convention Center from April 6-9.

MultiDyne said the latest openGear innovations extend the company’s 15-year track record of reimagining its award-winning hardware product designs for modern signal processing scenarios.

“We've been planning this expansion for a while, and it all comes down to our commitment to making things easier and more accessible for our customers,” said Jesse Foster, MultiDyne’s vice president of products. “With the ability to fit up to 10 openGear cards in a 2RU frame, we are packing serious signal density while keeping things manageable. With DashBoard’s intuitive GUI, monitoring video signal type and optical input power levels is a made even simpler. Our customers achieve top performance with minimal setup.”

The company reported that the most striking example is the new HoneyBadger OG, which streamlines the power and performance of the existing x4RU Control Room side unit into a single 2RU openGear frame. HoneyBadger OG’s streamlined form factor opens many new opportunities to leverage MultiDyne’s expansive feature set for production-based fiber transport between venues, trucks, control rooms and/or studios, including 12G throughput, IP connectivity over single-mode fiber, and support for eight camera feeds and SDI return channels.

During the show, MultiDyne will also introduce openGear modules for its Emmy award-winning SilverBack Series of 4K/8K fiber camera adapters to manage incoming production workflows carrying cinematic-quality video acquired in the field.

MultiDyne developed the SilverBack Series to help content producers convert digital cinema cameras into SMPTE studio cameras. SilverBack OG modules will prove valuable for live multi-camera productions in entertainment, sports and worship environments that require space-efficient processing solutions onboard trucks and within small control rooms, it said.

MultiDyne will also introduce openGear modules for its VB Series (VersaBrix) which are ideal for POV/PTZ camera extension in live production. MultiDyne’s VB Series of compact throwdown products offer a configurable platform that users can customize to specifications, including specific I/O counts for video, audio, data and Ethernet transport. The VB Series compatible OG modules can process up to 4 12G-SDI signals to or from a machine room or core processing rack, and bidirectionally manage all the ancillary signals a camera needs including timecode, sync and control.

Widely used in the industry, openGear is an open-architecture, modular frame system that lets users choose the feature, performance, and budget options that best suit their specific application. Its open-source nature gives users control over monitoring through the DashBoard control system for the openGear ecosystem, which includes cross-compatibility across products from the entire community of openGear vendors.

MultiDyne’s openGear innovation rids the need for bulky hardware in tight spaces while maintaining full support for important production signals, including Bi and Tri-Level Sync, Timecode, Tally, 12G-SDI,1GbE, Serial Data, MADI, AES, analog audio, and more. This broadens a user’s scope while preserving the performance of MultiDyne’s specialty packages, such as the camera-dockable SilverBack and high-density HoneyBadger.

MultiDyne will also demonstrate its MDoG Series of IP Gateways, an award-winning series of openGear solutions introduced at NAB Show 2025, working across varied ST 2110 workflows. More details on the demos will be announced later this month the company reported.

SALT LAKE CITY—Cornerstone AV is a wide-ranging event production company that covers many services, including scenic development, content management and live-event execution. In addition to delivering the in-house experience, our live-event work often includes a broadcast element for streaming to external audiences.

Many of us came to Cornerstone with a broadcast television background. Those experiences inspired us to build a broadcast-style truck to support our live-event work. We like to say that we brought everything we learned from the TV world into the live-event world, including the core technologies used in studio facilities today.

Those technologies include several products from MultiDyne—the company shares our vision of applying broadcast-quality performance to the live event space, and its products exist comfortably in both worlds. MultiDyne also allows us to operate more efficiently by providing compact and problem-solving solutions that can be rapidly deployed, reducing our setup process by a significant margin.

FiberSaver Remapping
MultiDyne’s FiberSaver is one product that consistently pays dividends. As a digital multiplexer, its main benefit is to overcome the challenge of moving a multitude of signals over a finite number of fibers. It also provides the convenience of wavelength remapping. This means the unit’s wavelength-agnostic inputs can accept and multiplex digital optical signals from a variety of sources, move them over a common fiber strand at different wavelength rates and electronically reclock each signal to the appropriate standard of 1,310 nanometers required at the output. As opposed to passive reclocking that would be required without FiberSaver, its electronic reclocking reliably ensures robust and fresh signals at every output.

The FiberSaver’s one rack-unit design fits comfortably on our truck and is positioned just below our Ross Ultrix router. The Ultrix moves up to 24 signals to FiberSaver over a 1-foot single-mode fiber jumper, which allows us to maintain 100% fiber purity through the chain. The inclusion of BNC connections allows us to move SDI signals over copper as warranted alongside the optical signals moving over fiber. The unit’s bidirectionality supports 12 return feeds, which allows us to monitor graphics, prompter, scheduling and cueing from FOH.

MultiDyne can also customize solutions to support other needs at Cornerstone AV. That includes the VB Series “Build a Box” solution, which MultiDyne builds to specification to support any signal transport combination over fiber. These are portable solutions that we can throw down anywhere to carry video and ethernet signals through to the destination. We often use them in a last-mile scenario, taking signals in from FiberSaver and moving them to our projectors.

SMPTE-HUT
We are also fans of the SMPTE-HUT Series as it brings simplicity to those of us in a hybrid world. More specifically, the SMPTE-HUT is a universal camera transceiver that removes the limitations that come with hybrid fiber and copper cabling. The HUT device in our drive rack is powered through a TAC-12 single-mode fiber cable. A typical application will power long-lens cameras positioned at front of house or at each side of stage, which would place the drive rack behind the stage. In either scenario, there is a drastic reduction in cable length—often up to 50 feet—as we can feed the drive rack over fiber.

Consider the alternative of requiring separate 700-foot cable runs for each feed; the hours across setup and breakdown times can quickly add up. With the SMPTE-HUT, we reduce at least several hours of labor before and after the event. The same benefit applies to FiberSaver, which also solves the problems of limited space for, or availability of, more than one or two fiber runs. Collectively, all of our MultiDyne products simplify the challenges of operating in a hybrid universe.

More information is available at www.multidyne.com.

KINGS PARK, NY—MultiDyne plans to debut a new generation of the NanoBrix Series at NAB Show 2024, introducing new functions into the diverse family of miniature signal processing solutions. 

The new NanoBrix features a ruggedized enclosure, setting the stage for a second rollout phase that will allow users to house and connect multiple NanoBrix devices in a single chassis, the company said.

The NanoBrix Series became part of MultiDyne’s product family following a strategic acquisition, adding a broad range of flexible 12G/3G/HD/SD-SDI conversion and distribution solutions for managing high densities of analog and digital signals. The original NanoBrix Series includes a range of fiber-optic transceivers, multiplexers/de-multiplexers, distribution amplifiers and audio embedders/de-embedders, most of which will be retained in the new series.

MultiDyne will add new devices to the series over time beginning with a new 12G to HDMI converter at NAB The new NB2-12G-HDMI provides a way for broadcast engineers to monitor 5.1 audio streams and downmix the surround signal to 2.0 stereo audio. The device accepts a 12G 4K SDI signal and converts it to HDMI for live confidence monitoring. At the same time, the embedded surround signal is used to provide a L/R multichannel downmix for stereo applications, including television sets and web streams.

MultiDyne will refresh the appearance of the NanoBrix Series beginning with the NB2-12G-HDMI, with MultiDyne’s familiar branding added to brighter orange and black foundational coatings. The NB2-12G-HDMI and other updated NanoBrix products include 5-volt USB/USB-C powering and an accessory cable, along with magnetic mounting capability that makes it easier to conceal devices inside studios and equipment racks, according to the company. The NB2-SDI-HDMI is also available with a single-channel fiber input and can regenerate the incoming signal for daisy-chained monitors.

Jesse Foster, VP of Products and Western Sales, says that the NB2-12G-HDMI essentially offers the same functionality as the NBX-3G-HDMI-DMX, which broadcasters worldwide use today to monitor and/or downmix HD signals. 

“This specific product represents the continued expansion of our 12G products for the 4K single-link infrastructure,” said Foster, who adds that MultiDyne has also added 12G connectivity and transport to its HoneyBadger bulk fiber transport platform, introduced at NAB Show 2023. “These are problem-solving devices that allow broadcasters to troubleshoot the absence of surround channels in the 5.1 audio mix, or noise issues that result from oddities or artifacts in the stereo downmix.”

The updated NanoBrix Series will soon expand with the NB2-10G-TRX copper 10G over fiber transceiver, with optional PoE+ support. Foster says this product will be available in single and dual-fiber configurations and “will fit right alongside the NB2-12G-HDMI in the frame system, as will all future NanoBrix products.”

MultiDyne will also highlight its HoneyBadger, a ruggedized field fiber solution for today’s content producers faced with a broader array of formats, signals and connectors than ever while seeking to bridge the gap between fiber and IP. The 5RU solution removes limitations around local signal connectivity and extension through high I/O density and two independent 1Gb local-area network (LAN) extensions, the latter of which enables IP connectivity over single-mode fiber strands. 

MultiDyne will be in Booth C7107 in the Central Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center during the 2024 NAB Show, April 14-17.

KINGS PARK, N.Y.—MultiDyne Video & Fiber Optic Systems will introduce a new series of openGear solutions at the 2024 NAB Show that the company said will help customers build stronger bridges between the SDI and IP worlds. 

The new MDoG Series offers SMPTE ST 2110 network interface and low-latency JPEG-XS codec modules to efficiently manage uncompressed and compressed signals as they move between legacy systems and IP networks, with full redundancy to optimize performance. 

MultiDyne will debut the series at Booth C7107 in the Las Vegas Convention Center from April 14-17.

MultiDyne’s MDoG-6060 modules represent the company’s first IP Gateway solutions for uncompressed ST 2110 networks. The modules provide a reliable SDI-to-IP network interface with exceptionally wide bandwidth, helping broadcast and media companies optimize throughput for uncompressed 4K and HD video transport, the company reported. 

MDoG-6060 ST 2110 Gateways are available in multiple I/O configurations for 3G-SDI (3x3, 6x2 and 2x6) and 12G-SDI (1x1, 2x0 and 0x2) systems. Each configuration offers two 25GB network interfaces to support redundant transport streams, strengthened through SMPTE ST 2022-7 compliance. The ST 2022-7 standard provides hitless merge functionality, which means that the two network streams will borrow packets from each other to maintain signal integrity as they move through the network, ensuring streams are reassembled and intact upon reaching their destinations, MultiDyne said.  

“MultiDyne excels at moving video, whether using our proven fiber-optic transport or IP networking solutions,” said Frank Jachetta, CEO, MultiDyne. “One of our core strengths is helping our customers managing the throughput of video, audio and data signals in almost any scenario imaginable inside studios, onboard trucks and out in the field, and packaging high signal densities for reliable transport. Our latest openGear solutions are ideal for broadcasters in need of transitional tools that allow them to use their traditional gear in modernized media facilities.”

Jesse Foster, VP of Products and Western Sales, added that most greenfield facilities are built holistically to support ST 2110 workflows. “Many of our customers are on a path toward pure ST 2110, but there are still SDI islands throughout the infrastructure,” he said. “These facilities have made large capital investments in cameras, routers, graphics and other technologies that haven’t yet been fully realized, and they need gateways such as the MDoG-6060 to bring signals from these components into a ST 2110 network.”

MultiDyne’s new MDoG-6061 JPEG-XS codec openGear modules address the need for high-density signal transport in modern workflows where uncompressed transport isn’t yet a reality. The MDoG-6061 JPEG-XS encoders and devices support low-latency compression or decompression of up to two channels of 12G-DSI, with the added benefit of ST 2022-7 redundancy over dual 10GB network interfaces, the company reported. 

“Two uncompressed 12G transport streams will use all of the bandwidth available in a 25G ST 2110 pipe,” said Foster. “JPEG-XS compression establishes 20 times the efficiency over that pipe, using a fraction of the bandwidth with no noticeable latency or loss of visual quality. The optimized bandwidth usage translates to much lower costs for broadcasters, while content creators benefit from the codec’s low latency encoding and decoding capabilities for their live productions.”

As with all MultiDyne openGear modules, MDoG Series modules can easily be programmed and added to existing openGear frames with other cards to meet each customer’s specification, and are SNMP-compatible for IP-based network management and monitoring purposes.

LAS VEGAS–Live production takes on many forms, and OSA has long excelled at all-things related to AV-oriented production including corporate and entertainment events. OSA International has also produced many broadcast events over its nearly 40-year history and broadcast industry growth was among my key responsibilities upon joining the company in 2022. 

The lines between broadcast and AV continue to blur, especially when it comes to live production. One result of that convergence is the increasing presence of broadcast-quality solutions for AV productions. 

This is just one reason why we adopted MultiDyne’s VF-9000 Series for bulk fiber transport to support both OSA’s productions and those of our customers. We currently own 23 VF-9000 frames, which we package in custom racks designed in-house. It has been so well-received that many of our clients now specifically request the VF-9000 for their productions.

Compact Tech 
The VF-9000 is a high-density video fiber-optic transport platform with 18 optical I/O connections. These are configurable as inputs and outputs to serve the needs of each event and application. At 1RU, it is easy to find space on a truck or within a flypack, as well as within a small rack inside a venue to move signals back to a truck or video village. 

The VF-9000 can support 36 signals on two fiber strands, and its multiplexing capabilities vastly reduce the amount of fiber required for large-scale productions. It’s also extremely reliable in terms of both consistent performance and built-in redundancy features, which include dual power supplies.

Configuration is very simple. Whether for our own production or a client’s, we carefully handle all SFP fiber patching in advance to eliminate any potential damage and ensure that the wavelengths match. On the video side, various signals come into the VF-9000 through BNC connectors; on the output side, signals are generated and fed to routers, projectors, LED screens and other endpoints. 

The VF-9000 allows us to move many 12G signals at once with minimal if any need for throwdown converters, reducing our costs and technology infrastructure. The VF-9000 also supports 3G transport, providing plenty of format flexibility and futureproofing for all our live production verticals.

Configured for Sports Production
For sports production, the VF-9000 allows us to bring graphics, clock timers and other signals generated from inside the venue. In these situations, we will typically configure the 36 connections to serve 24 sends and 12 returns, the latter of which can include live camera and video feeds for instant playback.

The VF-9000 can also carry ethernet signals, and we often add these modules to support control functions for cameras, projectors and other equipment. The versatility of the system means that all this activity can take place within one VF-9000 frame.

Swapping modules is also a simple process. Module changes take place in our shop and are fully tested prior to each event—often, the frames are configured the same across each event. When no changes are needed, it’s a simple plug-and-play scenario. Once installed on the truck or elsewhere, the VF-9000 is a genuine set-and-forget solution, and along with our custom racking, offers weight reduction for lower shipping costs. It is a robust and reliable solution that simply works. 

For more information visit www.multidyne.com.

HAUPPAUGE, N.Y.—MultiDyne Video & Fiber Optic Systems has appointed AbelCine as its Platinum Partner for Cinematic Multicam Solutions in the U.S. 

AbelCine is a well-known and respected company involved in the design, integration, and support of production equipment for the entertainment industry. 

As a Platinum Partner, AbelCine will provide support for the full range of MultiDyne products to customers across the United States, with a specific focus on their family of cinematic multicam solutions, including the SilverBack family and HUT-APE (Hybrid Universal Transceiver – Advanced Power Extension) product lines, introduced in late 2022. 

In addition, AbelCine will provide sales, integration, front-line support, and service from its New York and Los Angeles facilities. 

"AbelCine’s knowledge of the broadcast and cinema markets, and their commitment to providing exceptional customer service and support aligns perfectly with MultiDyne's values," said Frank Jachetta, president of MultiDyne. "We are confident that this partnership will strengthen service to our customers and expand our presence in the rapidly developing cinematic multicam and broadcast markets. We are particularly excited about AbelCine’s strong visibility in the Los Angeles production community, where our large local customer base now has a trusted MultiDyne support partner for local service and product repairs. This eliminates the cost of shipping products to our New York factory while accelerating turnaround times for Los Angeles area customers."

The announcement follows a robust product development cycle from MultiDyne focused on helping content producers adapt digital cinema cameras into broadcast, multicam, and live production workflows. 

MultiDyne reported that those efforts have resulted in especially brisk sales for its SilverBack family of fiber camera adapters, which help content producers achieve a cinematic scope and dramatic feel for TV programming, sports, concerts, and worship events, among other productions. The success of the SilverBack family resulted in MultiDyne’s second Technical Emmy Award, which the company received during April’s NAB Show 2023.

Long known for their pioneering fiber-optic transport solutions, MultiDyne has substantially broadened its product range that take the company into new areas of the broadcast and production workflow. 

The company recently acquired Niagara Video, bringing MultiDyne into the compression and streaming space for OTT and IP transport and delivery. The SilverBack line pairs exceptionally well with these and other MultiDyne product lines, allowing users to transmit multiple cameras, intercom feeds, and data signals over a single fiber-optic cable. The APE product line offers flexible and versatile solutions for powering video, audio, and data signals over low-cost single-mode fiber optic cable while also introducing 24VDC power for the latest generation of Digital Cinema Cameras.

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. 

LOS ANGELES, Calif.—Sony Electronics Inc. and MultiDyne Video and Fiber Optic Systems have introduced VENICE 4K Live, a new bundle created specifically for cinematic live productions. 

Since its introduction, the VENICE has become a popular camera for feature films and television production thanks to its dual base ISO of 500/2500, built-in ND filters and more than 15+ stops of dynamic range. The new bundle is designed to tap into the trend towards cinematic storytelling in live productions and help production crews capture live events. 

The VENICE 4K Live bundle was developed with MultiDyne based on feedback from the top live event professionals in the industry. MultiDyne’s Emmy award-winning SilverBack Fiber Optic Camera Adapter transforms the VENICE from a cinema camera into a live event camera - allowing crews to embrace cinematic storytelling into their live productions, whether that is through the use of cinema lenses, shallow depth of field or low-light environments.

Funicular Goats Founder and technical director, James Coker, noted that in the last year alone, Coker used the Sony VENICE in over 40 live events. "The Sony Venice camera with a MultiDyne system makes what would be difficult or cumbersome shoots easier and more reliable: both live events and multi-camera events such as comedy specials and musical performances as well as live-to-tape style productions.” Coker said. 

"The fiber allows us to have full control of the camera settings over IP, using the Sony Graphic User interface,” he continued. “And since it's hard-lined, we can run timecode and audio, multiple video feeds, tally, and sound, not to mention a robust solution for iris control. In short, the system allows for ease of use, reliability, quality control, and seamless workflow for the most challenging productions."

The new VENICE 4K Live bundle includes:

• VENICE
• SilverBack V 4K Camera Back Transceiver
• 18-inch XLR Breakout
• Sony camera data cable
• Cable assembly packages
• Tally light
• SilverBack-VB Base Station 12G/3G Transceiver
• Universal Rack Kit
• 1-meter XLR Breakout for 4x4 analog audio
• RS-232 and RS-422 Data/Tally/GPIO Breakout Y-Cable for SilverBack-VB Base Station
• Sony RCP data cable for SilverBack-VB Base Station
• Juice-48 External Power Supply
• Two RU Rack Mount Kits for HUT-CP camera units and Juice-48 power supplies

The VENICE 4K Live is now available exclusively in North America for approximately $46,999.99 USD and $62,499.99 CAD. Presales will begin March 20, 2023 and first shipments will begin mid-April.

COLLEGE STATION, Texas—Texas A&M University is the home to KAMU-TV and FM, the primary PBS and NPR member stations serving College Station and the Brazos Valley. With reach into the Waco, Temple and Killeen markets, we reach thousands of viewers and listeners over the air, including three digital TV channels (national PBS programming, Create and PBS Kids).

PBS continues to strengthen its streaming presence to reach more viewers through initiatives like PBS Passport, which provides members with extended access to on-demand programming. PBS also provides free live TV streams at PBS.org, embedding the local member station’s feed into a branded web player (as in “KAMU Livestream”). 

Downmixing Problems
A recent change in the national PBS delivery systems caught the attention of KAMU Livestream viewers, which turned into a problem-solving mission to correct a perplexing audio issue. PBS made a change to the technology infrastructure of its centralized encoding system, which feeds live TV streams to member station web players. 

The previous system automatically downmixed 5.1 broadcast program audio to a 2.0 stereo mix for web streams at the handoff point from the encoder. As one of the first stations added to the new encoding infrastructure, we soon began receiving calls from KAMU Livestream viewers that they could only hear odd noises. We quickly confirmed that channels one and two of the 5.1 surround feed were coming through, and realized we had a downmix problem on our hands. 

We knew immediately that we wanted a problem-solving device that we could plug in to fix the problem. With limited budget and engineering resources, we wanted to avoid complex software solutions with downmix appliances that required extensive configuring, testing and finetuning to consistently downmix audio. We soon came across MultiDyne and its NanoBrix Series of distribution and conversion products, which includes a specialized audio product to specifically downmix surround audio to stereo.

Plug & Play
The NanoBrix NBX-5.1-DMX-PCM-3G is a miniature hardware downmixer that accepts embedded discrete multichannel audio and re-embeds a converted stereo downmix into the processed SDI output. The design is simple, with one input to take in the SDI signal, one SDI output with the embedded, processed audio, and a second reclocked output. This made for a quick plug-and-play installation. The downmix problem was solved upon connection.

The beauty of this product is that the problem was permanently solved. As previously mentioned, we wanted to avoid software solutions that required us to monitor and fine-tune settings. The NBX-5.1-DMX-PCM-3G positions two bi-color LEDs on the front of the device that indicate the presence of a valid SDI video signal, and the presence of embedded audio within that signal. 

Same as a traffic light, green illumination confirms that everything is moving forward, while red illuminations indicate that the signal has come to a stop. This provides simple and straightforward signal monitoring in case we need to troubleshoot. To this point, illuminations remain consistently green.  

The NBX-5.1-DMX-PCM-3G downmixer fits seamlessly into our studio infrastructure. The program audio is output from our master control switcher and into our router. The router passes the audio feed to the NBX-5.1-DMX-PCM-3G, which downmixes the audio and sends it back into the router. From there, the stereo feed is sent into our primary and secondary encoders, which feed the PBS infrastructure serving the KAMU Livestream viewers. 

We also like the fact that if we expand our streaming architecture to other encoders, this product will automatically perform the same task since it is already part of our routing system. The NBX-5.1-DMX-PCM-3G is therefore not only a cost-effective and simple way to solve downmix problems today, but a futureproof solution for new downmix requirements added down the road. l 

For more information, visit www.multidyne.com.

HAUPPAUGE, N.Y.—MultiDyne Fiber Optic Solutions has announced the acquisition of Niagara Video Corporation, a leading supplier of compression, streaming and IPTV solutions for the broadcast and commercial AV markets. 

The acquisition strengthens MultiDyne’s software-defined video transport offerings, and positions the company as a full-service provider of hardware and software solutions for moving high-quality video, the company said. 

Financial terms of the deal were not disclosed. 

“The MultiDyne brand has long been associated with fiber optics, but as a company we excel at processing and moving media,” said Frank Jachetta, CEO, MultiDyne. “At IBC2019, we added audio processing and monitoring to our portfolio with the acquisition of Census Digital. Three years on, we head into IBC2022 with another strategic acquisition that takes MultiDyne into exciting new territory.”

Jachetta also stressed that the Niagara Video business adds “proven hardware and pure software solutions to our in-house hardware portfolio” that will help the company proliferate media transport opportunities for its customers. That includes moving media from server-based engines and over more diverse network topologies, while ensuring seamless interoperability with a mix of industry protocols (HEVC, HLS, RTMP, SRT and more), he said. 

“We have expanded beyond dark fiber to moving content across the internet in different ways,” said Jachetta. “One example is how we can now reliably take video over the top (OTT), using open-protocol SRT transport for perfect video delivery. It’s about delivering broadcast-quality video over challenging networks for our customers.”

Jesse Foster, MultiDyne’s vice president of products, cited the growing eSports market as well as AV business verticals, notably corporate and education, as examples of how Viagara Video’s existing businesses will expand MultiDyne’s customer base. 

Foster also noted that the deal opens up a natural expansion of MultiDyne's core broadcast and live production business into the REMI production space, and an opportunity to offer complete solutions for worship facilities.

“This really opens MultiDyne to new verticals,” said Foster. “Compression is a necessary technology for remote connectivity, and Niagara’s portable GoStream encoders and decoders will provide our customers with the low-latency streaming and backhaul solutions they need for REMI production and live entertainment events. We see strong integration opportunities for MultiDyne fiber products with Niagara’s IPTV solutions, used widely today in the enterprise, corporate, government and hospitality markets. And we can now help our worship customers easily extend their signals from the sanctuary to external locations, thanks to clean integration between our fiber camera adapters, our fiber throwdowns, and Niagara’s live streaming solutions.”

Mike Galli, CEO, of Niagara Video Corporation, says that in addition to technology and in-house talent, the company broadens MultiDyne’s channel partner network through its own distributors and resellers worldwide. Galli will join the company as VP of Streaming Products, and MultiDyne will retain Niagara’s existing staff. MultiDyne will also exhibit a limited range of Niagara Video technologies on its IBC2022 stand (September 9-12, RAI Amsterdam, Stand 11.B17).

“We have built a network of channel partners with strong reputations that will help raise MultiDyne’s visibility in areas where they have less brand representation, including parts of Asia where Niagara Video has historically seen brisk business,” said Galli. “At the end of the day, we can help MultiDyne establish a robust streaming portfolio and bring them into the compression world with greater authority. And we at Niagara have always looked for the right partner to complete our vision. MultiDyne’s global presence, business reputation, and the range of customers and applications they support are all phenomenal.”

Black Pearl Management Group, owned and operated by well-known broadcast industry veteran Bob McAlpine, facilitated the acquisition process on behalf of both companies.

HAUPPAUGE, NY—OTEK TV recently used production gear from MultiDyne to provide streaming coverage of the annual Iditarod Trail Sled Dog Race.

Art Aldrich, a partner at consultancy OTEK TV, which specializes in corporate video production work and live streaming, said the company had used MultiDyne products for some virtual corporate golf productions in the past and this year, decided to use the company’s SilverBullet Series fiber-optic connectivity solutions to simplify his live production workflow in covering the race, while maintaining the cinematic look and feel that are hallmarks of his production work.

“There are many logistics to consider when live streaming from a golf course, including satellite uplinks, and fiber is clearly the best route to these uplinks,” said Aldrich. “I was introduced to MultiDyne’s SilverBullet Series, which are very compact, interlocking devices for single-link transport from a camera. I then realized that these would be perfect for this crazy one-month job I have in Alaska each year.”

As Aldrich explains, the live streaming element is as important as his video production work for Iditarod. On a good year, approximately 100 dog teams enter the race, and subscribing fans want to see them all finish. The teams finish at various times over the course of a week.

Aldrich has used GoPro cameras with HDMI to SDI converters prior to this year’s race, with an SDI cable back to the control room. “That was a weak link because there are so many bits in the signal path,” he said. “I decided to upgrade to SDI cameras and put them on fiber. We ran one tactical fiber cable and dropped SilverBullets on both sides. They are simple to connect, lightweight, dependable and unaffected by cold weather.”

The weather-resistant reliability was especially important, as temperatures can reach 50 below Fahrenheit without factoring in the wind chill. Aldrich notes that every cable and connection in his previous setup was a failure point because of the brittleness of this equipment in such extreme cold weather. There is also the added benefit of the SilverBullets being unaffected by distance, he added. 

“These are interlocking units that plug right into the camera cable,” he said. “It is one connection to power and one connection to fiber, with no limitations on distance. We are already hitting a limit of about 300 feet on the SDI coaxial cable, and the SilverBullet just makes everything simple. It shoots and delivers, and is easy to use.”

Aldrich adds that the SilverBullet includes small LED displays that provide much-needed confidence monitoring in the very cold weather. 

“When we set up gear, we need to protect our hands from the cold, as the weather can cause permanent burn to skin if exposed for too long,” he said. “Having those little LEDs to confirm that we are connected and don’t have to fiddle with settings is a huge bonus. And we have master control technicians in the city hall to verify our signals are getting there, which they always do with MultiDyne.”

HAUPPAUGE, N.Y.—MultiDyne Video & Fiber Optic Solutions has launched a new version of its flagship SilverBack-V series fiber camera adapters. 

The new version reduces the cost of creating high-resolution, cinematic quality productions, making them an appealing option for a much broader customer base, including live concerts, sports and church services. 

The new SilverBack-VB retains the main features required for HD, 4K and even 8K productions while streamlining the feature set for smaller budgets, the company said. 

The SilverBack-V and SilverBack-VB both convert digital cinema cameras into SMPTE studio cameras for use in live multi-camera productions. 

SilverBack-VB users will save costs for content producers that can now use lower-priced digital cinema cameras that today provide comparable images to more expensive cameras, the company explained. 

For example, a live production company can now mix and match high-end and lower-cost digital cinema cameras to reduce expenses, while houses of worship and live performance venues can achieve cinematic emotion for every in-house production at less than half the cost, the company explained. 

“Digital cinema cameras were traditionally used for filmmaking, but a larger sector of content producers now desire these cameras for their 35mm and larger image sensors,” said Jesse Foster, director of product development and western region sales. “The larger imager size provides a shallower depth of field and greater emotion by having the foreground on a different focal plane than the background. Digital cinema cameras also bring 4K resolution, HDR and Wide Color Gamut, as well as 24fps support for film-like motion blur as well as high framerate acquisition for slow motion. These benefits are now available to users that could not achieve their storytelling goals because they were priced out of the market.”

The SilverBack-VB is a 1RU half-rack-width enclosure that provides a robust, full-bandwidth fiber optic link between any 12G, 4K or HD camera and a truck, control room or video village position. 

The design puts more emphasis on video payload across four I/O options, including bi-directional 12G-SDI and 3G-SDI, while streamlining audio transport options to the essentials. Live multicamera production features such as intercom, genlock, timecode and serial data, along with colorful front-panel status monitoring, are retained to optimize live cinematic production flexibility.

The SilverBack-VB is also vendor-agnostic, allowing customers to mount the adapter onto their digital cinema cameras of choice, including cameras from ARRI, Blackmagic Design, Canon, Panasonic, RED Digital Cinema and Sony. 

The SilverBack-VB also adds PoE capability to power remote control panels and other production workflows over Ethernet – a first for the SilverBack series.

SAN FRANCISCO—While the pandemic has temporarily changed live entertainment, it hasn’t fully ceased. In the classical music world, organizations such as the San Francisco Symphony have continued to perform for audiences through digital platforms.

These organizations will hopefully return to performing for live in-venue audiences before too long, but regardless of how they deliver live performances, they still require professional video and audio systems.

The 2,700-seat Louise M. Davies Symphony Hall is home to the San Francisco Symphony and until recently had very limited production capabilities. Working with Enlighten Digital and systems integration partner Sunshine Audio Video, the symphony quickly went from zero to 14 cameras, and built a new control room to support live production and recording. Enlighten Digital raised the bar by specifying a 12G uncompressed fiber transport and signal conversion infrastructure from MultiDyne.

KEEPING EVERYTHING CONNECTED

The infrastructure is impressive, with 32 strands of fiber available to transport signals from all 14 Panasonic PTZ cameras. Each camera is equipped with a 250-foot spool of cable with fiber for connectivity in three areas: the main performance hall, a small studio and the “soundbox,” a smaller adjacent venue. Each area has direct fiber home run to the new central control room, which includes a green room.

Depending on the size of the event, one of three mobile equipment racks are used; the smallest can accommodate four cameras and the largest all 14, along with monitors and other gear. A mix of MultiDyne’s modular openGear fiber solutions accommodates the varied transport and conversion needs, including OG-4603 transmitter cards, OG-4607 receiver cards and OG-5310 video distribution amplifiers. We also use MultiDyne’s CWDM card, which can multiplex multiple cameras over one fiber to optimize signal transport.

The CWDM (course wavelength division multiplexer), has the added benefit of supporting Panasonic’s 12G optical camera output option. MultiDyne developed properly matched CWDM SFPs for each camera to ensure consistency when taking in multiple 4K signals from multiple cameras. These 12G video signals are multiplexed and then sent into the OG-4603 card, along with AES audio, genlock, timecode and serial data.

MIX AND MATCH

MultiDyne’s diverse feature set and capabilities were instrumental in our decision. While other vendors provide plenty of options for throwdown boxes, we wanted a more elegant and flexible solution. A bidirectional, multipoint fiber transport system like this would require multiple throwdown boxes and auxiliary devices.

MultiDyne’s openGear solutions allow technicians to mix and match cards within and share frames across different racks as needed. That provides commonality beyond any other fiber transport on the market, with the added benefit of using openGear’s Dashboard to monitor performance and make adjustments on the fly directly from a laptop.

MultiDyne’s technical support was also critical to our success. Due to a deadline, we were unable to perform our typical testing and commissioning process at the venue. MultiDyne’s sales and engineering team were available on short notice, and helped us deal with the technical challenges.

Rob Ross is the president of Enlighten Digital. He can be reached at rob@enlightendigital.com.

For more information, visit www.multidyne.com.

HAUPPAUGE, N.Y.—Bob McAlpine is heading to retirement, as MultiDyne announced on Jan. 18 that McAlpine has stepped down as the company’s chief operating officer, effective immediately.

Though stepping down from a full-time position with MultiDyne, the company says that McAlpine will join its newly formed Board of Directors and continue to consult for the company.

McAlpine joined MultiDyne as its COO in September 2019 following the acquisition of Census Digital. McAlpine helped facilitate the deal as president of Black Pearl Management Group, which he founded in 2018. 

Despite retiring, McAlpine will continue to operate Black Pearl Management Group, advising companies on mergers, acquisitions and global growth strategies; though as the release says, on his time.

McAlpine’s career in broadcast spanned 46 years, working in operations and engineering roles before transitioning to the supplier side. Previous positions in his career included PESA, QuStream, an earlier role with MultiDyne, Telecast Fiber Systems and Cobalt Digital, where he became CEO in 2016.

“Bob was a friend to MultiDyne and a mentor to me well before he first joined the company in 2007,” said Frank Jachetta, CEO, MultiDyne. “He has continued to be a mentor to everyone at MultiDyne since returning, and his contributions have been essential to our evolution as a company. He will continue to play an active and important role in our evolution, including some key growth initiatives that we expect to announce later this year.”

“My time at MultiDyne as COO was without question my final full-time position, and now I have the opportunity to spend more time with family while remaining active in the industry on my terms,” said McAlpine. “Very few completely detach from the broadcast industry after spending decades within it. I look forward to working with MultiDyne in a limited capacity, and helping other companies in the industry grow and prosper.”

HAUPPAUGE, N.Y.—In an effort to grow its dealer network in Southeast Asia, MultiDyne has appointed Elevate Broadcast as its master distributor for the region, effective immediately.

Elevate Broadcast is based in Singapore, which will use its business relationship with dealers to help grow MultiDyne’s presence in 13 Southeast Asian countries, including Singapore, Bangladesh, Brunei, Cambodia, Hong Kong, Indonesia, Laos, Macao, Malaysia, Myanmar, Philippines, Taiwan and Thailand.

In addition to helping grow MultiDyne’s dealer network, the company’s Elevate Learn subdivision will offer online training and education initiatives to accelerate the learning curve on MultiDyne’s products.

“We believe in the power of a robust dealer network, and working closely with companies that support the end customer day in and day out,” said Dennis Breckenridge, Elevate Broadcast CEO. “This approach is critical in Southeast Asia and the greater Asia-Pacific region, where relying strictly on direct sales is a challenge given the geographical spread and unique business cultures. Our collective broadcast and production experience, long-term relationships and understanding of regional industry trends will introduce MultiDyne to a much broader customer base throughout Southeast Asia.”

“We are thrilled to partner with Elevate Broadcast as we work to bring our message of value and innovation to more customers throughout this important business region,” added Frank Jachetta, CEO, MultiDyne.

For more information, visit www.multidyne.com.  

NASHVILLE—For more than a decade, TNDV: Television has provided live production support for the CMA Awards, working directly with media outlets onsite to support live coverage. That consecutive string continued for the 53rd Annual CMA Awards, which were presented Nov. 13, 2019, at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena.

TNDV’s technical responsibilities are focused less on the main event and more on supplying the equipment, infrastructure and crew to support surrounding production activities. This includes the ever-popular “Red Carpet” event, previously held outdoors.

This year, the Country Music Association (CMA) opted to move the event indoors at the nearby Music City Center, to avoid weather-related distractions that have marred years past. The transition threw us a curve ball heading into the event—we were now tasked with managing signal transport between two buildings across different city blocks, without any feasible way to run cable.

FORGING CONNECTIONS

We explored dark fiber as a viable transport option, and discovered a fiber interconnect between the two buildings. We calculated our fiber strand requirements and reasoned we would need 10 to get the job done. While technically possible, the expense for each strand far exceeded the production budget. We were given clearance for a single strand, and turned to MultiDyne’s FiberSaver.

The FiberSaver optical multiplexer can combine up to 18 HD-SDI feeds or optical signals of any wavelength onto a single strand. This architecture offered the solution for our “Red Carpet” event requirements: The ability to transmit and receive multiple signals between the two venues, while keeping the CMA on budget.

FiberSaver accommodated multiple video feeds (nine transmits, nine receives) available to media outlets before, during and after the event. Media outlets could choose from generic step and repeat feeds, limo arrivals, press room feeds and ABC’s network feed, and do so from any location between the two buildings. Traditional fiber hardware would require a strand of fiber per video feed in each direction, but FiberSaver carried all video feeds bidirectionally. The TNDV crew also leveraged Fiber-Saver to transport a bidirectional IP data feed, which allowed us to remotely control several robotic cameras.

AN EASY FIT

Setup was quick and straightforward. The FiberSaver offers a compact footprint and fits on tabletops inside each video village. We added each FiberSaver to a road case, prepared our SMPTE single-mode fiber interconnects and leveraged a custom-built BNC patch panel to manage inputs and outputs as they transitioned from fiber and copper. These simple connections allow the FiberSaver to work its magic and transport a clean multiplex between the two units. There is no need to recompress signals, as everything remains in the digital domain. FiberSaver provided a consistent digital signal for all 18 feeds, with no packet data loss or degradation.

We rely on MultiDyne for many of our live production needs, and use its SMPTE HUT transceivers and other fiber conversion gear. The FiberSaver’s level of reliability for the CMA Awards gives us the confidence we need to support optical multiplexing for today’s largest live productions and broadcast events.

Nic Dugger is the executive vice president of mobile production for TNDV: Television. He can be reached atnic@tndv.com.

For more information on MultiDyne, visit www.multidyne.com.

ST. PETERSBURG, Fla. & HAUPPAUGE, N.Y.—CP Communications is getting behind the wheel of a MultiDyne production van, as the company announced it has acquired a 22-foot vehicle to add to its garage. CP Communications is expected to use the van for smaller live productions, like high school and college sports.

MultiDyne will equip the van with the latest generation of its SilverBack V cameraback systems, VF-9000 fiber transmission platform and COMMS-300 fiber extenders to interface party-line intercom audio with analog line level signals. CP Communications will customize any remaining space based on the needs of the production with tools like Dante audio networking, Simplylive switches and AJT graphics and score bugs.

“The SilverBack systems provide us with the flexibility to convert ENG cameras to broadcast cameras,” said Kurt Heitmann, CEO of CP Communications. “We will add those systems to our four handhelds and two PTZ cameras to provide plenty of freedom and flexibility for live six-camera productions. The net result is that we can accomplish a quick plug-and-play setup of under two hours, while still having all the power of real-time fiber transport, live switching and instant replay among other professional systems.”

MultiDyne and CP Communications will demonstrate the details of this new partnership at the 2019 NAB Show New York, Oct. 16-17. The van will be displayed at MultiDyne’s booth, N937, while CP Communications will have its own setup at booth N910.

NEW YORK—MultiDyne will demonstrate its legacy SMPTE-HUT system at the upcoming NAB Show New York, Oct. 16-17. The company says the universal camera transceiver will free camera operators from the limitations of hybrid cabling. The latest iteration streamlines connectivity, reducing the dual-strand architecture to a single fiber strand. The latest SMPTE-HUT generation also integrates optical budgeting and remote power cycling, removing the need for external docks to regenerate signals for long-distance camera-to-studio transmission.

MultiDyne will also present its expanded range of audio monitoring and conversion solutions through its acquisition of Census Digital. One demonstration includes the C16V-2, a compact, lightweight and cost-effective 2RU, SDI-embedded audio and video monitoring system. The C16V-2 provides visual and aural monitoring of 16 audio channels from an SDI signal, and provides an LCD display of the video signal for confidence monitoring. The C16V-2 includes an intuitive user interface for easy access to signals and information, as well as 12 illuminated pushbuttons for channel source and mode selection for on-the-fly monitoring.

MultiDyne’s mobile marketing van, which the company will equip with its latest fiber transport, conversion and compression solutions, will also be on display in the company’s booth N937.

HAUPPAUGE, N.Y.—MultiDyne has announced that it has completed an acquisition for the Toronto-based signal processing, distribution, conversion and monitoring gear provider Census Digital. The deal includes Census Digital’s existing fiber transport platforms.

According to MultiDyne, the acquisition of Census Digital will strengthen its audio monitoring and processing portfolio of products for the broadcast, live production and commercial AV markets.

As part of the deal, MultiDyne will retain Census Digital’s Toronto headquarters. MultiDyne CEO Frank Jachetta will oversee the combined operations that will see MultiDyne and Census Digital engineers combine on new product development and integration of existing product lines. The Census Digital brand will remain in some product branding and communications for an as yet undetermined amount of time.

“While we anticipate new product lines that merge our combined strengths, we see many opportunities to build transport capability into existing Census Digital products, notably the C-Series of embedded audio monitors and openGear audio conversion and distribution models,” said Jachetta. “Know for its engineering prowess, Census Digital brings exceptional value and synergy to our market-leading fiber-optic systems. This is the right acquisition at the right time as we continue to diversify and expand.”

No financial details on the acquisition were provided.

AMSTERDAM—Part of an expansion to its range of video compression technology, MultiDyne Fiber Optic Solutions will present its new MD9200 range of encoders and decoders to the international audience at IBC 2019.

Meant to work for linear broadcast/production and streaming media workflows, the MD9200 is an effort by MultiDyne to extend its reach into the signal processing chain. The series of encoders and decoders are available as stand-alone desktop configurations and as part of the openGear card module form factor. While all versions of MD9200 are designed to provide strong bandwidth efficiency while maintaining signal integrity and visual quality, the openGear modules are compatible with MultiDyne’s entire openGear community or infrastructure products for a broader reach.

The encoder models of the MD9200 enable secure streaming from one to many destinations, supporting a mix of streaming protocols. Each independent encoder can accommodate unique frame size, frame rate, video/audio codecs and data configurations, as well as being able to independently encode HD and SD streams separately at high and low bit rates from a single SDI input.

With the decoders, both optimize 1080p AVC (H.264) and 1080i MPEG-2 compression, with optional support for high bit-rate 2160p HEVC (H.265) UHD streams. The openGear decoder can house up to 20 decoding modules in a single 2RU openGear chassis for signal decompressions to SDI and HDMI. The standalone MD9200-DEC can do the same for point-to-point streaming.

“The MD9200 series brings MultiDyne firmly into the compression world, which gives our core customers compelling end-to-end options to encode, compress, transport and deliver live HD, 4K and 8K content when paired with our fiber transport systems,” according to MultiDyne President Frank Jachetta.

MultiDyne is now shipping the MD9200 series. The products will be on display during IBC 2019 at booth 11.D40.

HAUPPAUGE, N.Y.—California-based mobile production and rental house Videoworks recently acquired Multidyne SMPTE HUT camera transceivers that it will pair with its Sony fiber camera systems after reports of signal problems. According to Videoworks, the move to MultiDyne boosted the performance for long-distance fiber-topic transport.

Videoworks has already put the SMPTE HUT technology to use during productions for the Pasadena Pops Summer Concert Series and the Long Beach Pops. SMPTE HUT was outfitted with two front of house cameras for the Pasadena concert, with video and data moving to a production truck through wire and fiber cables laid underground. While the Long Beach concert had SMPTE HUT devices also transport intercom and video content for venue screens over single-fiber connections to the truck.

SMPTE Hut can also simplify adaptation to different kinds of cameras and features clear labeling that enables configuration changes in less than 10 seconds.

LAS VEGAS—Though it has dropped “Silver” from its name, MultiDyne is still shining up its Bullet series of fiber-optic link products for the exhibit floor at this year’s NAB Show. Included in its lineup is the 12G-capable Bullet for high bandwidth video that launched at IBC and a Dante-enable Bullet, which also is capable of Ethernet transport, for digital audio.

The 12G Bullet comes in at 3-inches in length and connects to the back of any camera, monitor or other video source with the ability to add more units without additional power cabling. It also integrates cable equalization and re-clocking techniques to optimize signal integrity across short- and long-distance transport needs. Integrated OLED monitoring is also available.

The Bullet model for Dante and Ethernet offers an interlocked mounting capability to give users a quickly scalable option for video, audio and Ethernet feeds in the field. It also provides centralized power distribution.

All Bullet products are also available with a special 1RU tray capable of housing up to 24 devices and can support 12G SDI rates down to 5Mbps.

See all of MultiDyne’s offerings at its booth, C5013, during the NAB Show. To register for the NAB Show, visit www.nabshow.com.

LAS VEGAS—A trio of new additions to MultiDyne’s SilverBack series of camera-mount fiber transports will be showcased by at the company’s booth during the 2019 NAB Show. The updated series, which includes the global debut of two models, are designed to serve live productions needs for various budgets.

The first of the three is the already shipping IP-enabled SilverBack V, which was first introduced in 2018. The SilverBack V is a 12G- and 4K-capable camera-back system that can incorporate an IP output. As a gateway to multipoint IP networks, the SilverBack V enables users to move field-acquired content to many destinations, including sending video, audio and data to studios, post houses and mobile production trucks at once. The product also has an optimized bandwidth efficiency to accommodate data rates for live 4K and 8K productions.

Some SilverBack V features that will be new at the NAB Show are power management capabilities that remove the need for external power supplies,and the ability to support two camera heads with a common, integrated multiviewer that can monitor both cameras.

One of the world premiere products will be the SilverBack HP, a re-imagined version of the SilverBack II fiber transceiver that adds two-channel intercom and Ethernet to video, audio and data. The SilverBack HP offers full bandwidth fiber-optic links for 3G, HD and SDI signals from the field to a truck, control room or other receive point along with genlock, tally and audio.

The other new addition to the SilverBack line is the SilverBack Pro, which is designed to extend the SilverBack’s operational benefits to commercial AV and smaller event productions. This model provides the traditional SilverBack features at a lower cost.

MultiDyne will display these trio of products at its booth, C5013, throughout the 2019 NAB Show.

To register for the NAB Show, visit www.nabshow.com.

MADISON, WIS.—WisconsinEye provides unfettered access to the actions of Wisconsin’s state government, broadcasting public policy debates and decision-making processes to viewers with a balanced presentation. Our studio facilities near Capitol Square are equipped for high-end live production, with broadcasts delivered to local cable TV systems and over the internet.

We’ve been operating with the same broadcast and production infrastructure since we went on the air in 2007 and the system has recently shown signs of age. We needed a more reliable system to deliver 1080i HD content to our viewers so we hired Heartland Video Systems to upgrade our complement of 1080i cameras, production switchers, graphics systems and other related equipment.

GOODBYE PATCHBAYS

One of our primary goals was to use our existing fiber infrastructure to move content between the state capitol and our remote production studio two blocks away, but in a far more simplified, reliable and flexible manner. We had long used a patchbay system to connect up to 72 camera positions—a mix of fixed and roaming cameras—across four floors of various committee, assembly and senate rooms. The Heartland Video Systems team recommended transitioning to a MultiDyne HD-3500 fiber-optic system to replace this setup.

The move to MultiDyne has immediately streamlined connectivity through the permanent patching of 19 camera positions. This has reduced the time and labor required to patch and troubleshoot systems and eliminated the need to constantly plug and unplug the cameras. The system allows to very quickly bring up fixed and roaming cameras, adjust color and exposure, and reliably transport 1080i video, tally, RS-485 control, and other signals from the capitol to our studio. MultiDyne’s tally support has been a major added benefit, offering a clear indication as to which camera is on-air at any time.

The HD-3500 architecture comprises a series of transmitters (capitol) and 24 rackmounted receivers (studio). The transmitters are highly adaptable from an integration standpoint, and cleanly connect to our Ross PIVOTCam cameras and Vinten tripod base plates. Multidyne’s custom, bracket-mounted interfaces and connectors are far more flexible and adaptable than competitive systems we evaluated.

MAXIMIZING DISTANCE AND BANDWIDTH

The transmitters have also proven highly durable, an important benefit in production environments with roaming cameras. The black powder coat finish adds a sharp look and feel, making our camera systems look more professional.

The MultiDyne system allows us to move signals over single-mode fiber to maximize transport distance and optimize bandwidth usage. The architecture is clean from a connectivity standpoint at the receive points, using splice cabinets and a fiber patch panel with LC connectors to support the cable runs at the studio. This also eliminated the need for a fiber router, which reduced overall project costs.

The reliability of the MultiDyne system cannot be overstated. Signal drop-outs are non-existent, and signal integrity and quality is consistently robust. MultiDyne’s built-in monitoring capabilities are also clear and easy to understand. The LED interfaces on transmitting and receiving units display solid link lights as signals move over the fiber infrastructure. Similarly, blinking lights indicate the presence of RS-485 control and other data. There is never any uncertainty in regard to signal presence and connection quality.

The team at Heartland Video Systems expertly specified and installed this customized system on behalf of WisconsinEye, with MultiDyne delivering exactly what we needed across reliability, flexibility, adaptability, signal integrity and ease of use.

John Schroeder is the director of program production at WisconsinEye. He can be reached atjohn.schroeder@wiseye.com.

For more information visitmultidyne.comor call 516-299-9513.

HAUPPAUGE, NY—MultiDyne Fiber Optic Solutions has appointed John Ferder as its director of engineering. An industry veteran of more than three decades, Ferder has held diverse engineering roles at Chyron Corporation, Roscor Corporation and Phillips/BTS over a 10-year period before moving onto CBS in New York City.

He is the former Director of Studio and Post-Production Engineering at CBS, a position he held for more than 12 years. Ferder was responsible for the design, construction and support of all production and postproduction facilities in the CBS Broadcast Center, including renovations for The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, 60 Minutes and 48 Hours. He also spearheaded the 2008 construction of a new control room for CBS Evening News, and a new studio for CBS This Morning.

“Fiber is used today to transport files over the internet for many broadcast and production applications,” said Ferder. “We see new opportunities to improve encryption and compression to transfer files and higher data payloads over a single fiber faster and more efficiently. This will grow in importance as more facilities migrate to IP, and the release of the SMPTE 2110 standards will help to accelerate these developments. We will bring new, IP-focused products to market that are more compact, more efficient and aligned with businesses that build fixed and mobile production studios based on these standards.”

“John brings a fresh engineering perspective to MultiDyne that will take the company to new heights of product innovation, yet also streamline ease of use for our customers worldwide,” said Jachetta. “This includes improved accessibility to product information with clear and concise language, which will accelerate the learning curve for end users across all skill levels. We’re privileged to welcome John to the team.”

HAUPPAUGE, N.Y.—MultiDyne Fiber Optic Solutions last week announced two appointments aimed at helping to shape the company’s future.

Bob McAlpine, most recently CEO of Cobalt Digital, will serve MultiDyne in a key global advisory role. Jesse Foster, who was Director of Product and Business Development at Cobalt Digital, takes on the role of Director of Product Development and Western Region Sales.

Both will represent MultiDyne at IBC2018 in Amsterdam, Sept. 14-18, and meet with customers and the company’s partners. They will report to MultiDyne President Frank Jachetta.

Foster will be responsible for driving new product development to strengthen MultiDyne’s fiber-optic transport family and broaden its reach throughout broadcast and production infrastructures. His responsibilities also will include development of new MultiDyne openGear modular cards.

Foster joins MultiDyne as it opens a new service facility in the Los Angeles area (1221 Avenida Acaso in Camarillo, Calif.). In addition to repair, design and engineering services and technical sales support, the facility also will serve as a supply outlet for video accessories.

McAlpine joins MultiDyne through his Black Pearl Management Group consultancy, which he founded in August 2018. He will focus on the growth of sales globally and market penetration around the world, the company said.

More information is available on the MultiDyne website.

HAUPPAUGE, N.Y.—Live event production specialist CP Communications has purchased and deployed several VF-9000 bulk fiber transport systems from MultiDyne Fiber Optic Solutions to reduce configuration difficulties and ensure reliable connections for remote productions.

The company has installed the systems in its HD-11 and HD-21 RF production trucks. With the bulk fiber transport solutions, CP Communications has eliminated problems it formerly encountered with scalability, performance and technical limitations, MultiDyne said.

[Read: 2018 NAB Show: MultiDyne Unveiling Scalable Field Fiber Transport System]

With the VF-9000, a variety of new technical services are available, including support for native 3Gbps signal transport on the trucks. The ability to transport 3Gbps is a requirement for the high-profile sports productions CP Communications routinely handles for Fox, NBC and The Golf Channel. The VF-9000 allows CP Communications to accept native 3Gbps camera feeds over RF into its fiber transmission infrastructure. It is also downward compatible for standard HD feeds.

A key operational difference from its previous system is the flexibility to hot-swap, add or reduce SFPs to meet specific production requirements. The VF-9000 automatically recognizes SFP module connections as inputs or outputs, by format and by application. The architecture allows CP Communications to have an imbalance of input and outputs based on the needs of each production, instead of being limited to a certain number of each.

In addition to video and Ethernet SFPs, the VF-9000 allows production teams to transport MADI audio as part of the video feeds. With its automatic recognition capabilities, the VF-9000 then transitions to the proper setup upon coming online, eliminating additional configuration steps, MultiDyne said.

The compact 1RU VF-9000 units deliver robust multiplexer features, combining up to 18 signals over one single-mode fiber for efficient, high-density signal transport. As deployed in the trucks, the VF-9000 seamlessly integrates within the complete RF infrastructure, which includes a high-density routing system, mesh technology and wireless cameras and microphones.

It also connects to signal monitoring systems on both trucks, allowing operators to keep an eye on the health and performance of each feed and connection.

LAS VEGAS—MultiDyne Fiber Optic Solutions plans to debut its scalable, next-generation BullDog II Field Fiber Portable Transport system at the 2018 NAB Show. Compared to the original platform, the new BullDog II scales up or down to suit any user-configuration or signal count. And like its predecessor, it supports long-distance signal distribution between trucks, studios and hard-to-reach production locations requiring remote powered equipment.

BullDog II interoperates with the MultiDyne VF-9000 rackmount fiber transport frame, MultiDyne openGear cards and other BullDog systems. Users can add or remove MultiDyne modules and openGear cards to change video signal counts and increase audio density or Ethernet capacity. It supports multiple video formats (12G, 4K, 3Gb/s, HD/SDI, composite) as well as mic/line audio, intercom, tally, Ethernet, genlock and data. And full camera control is supported using the camera’s RCP via serial or a 10/100GigE Ethernet connection.

The new design integrates a monitor and touchscreen for better signal control and status monitoring between two points. Its compact, lightweight design makes it easier to take on-board trucks or into the field. Users can add Pelican cases, or accessories like handles and rack-mount kits, to protect the gear during transport. MultiDyne will roll out three different frame sizes for single-camera standup interviews to large-scale sporting events, with more to follow.

The 2018 NAB Show takes place in Las Vegas, April 9-12. Multidyne Fiber Optic Solutions will be in booth C6818. For more information, visit www.nabshow.com.

Read up on all of TVT's NAB Show Sneak Peeks and other 2018 NAB Show news here.

BURBANK, CALIF.—Bexel is stocking up on fiber optic cables, announcing an investment in its fiber optic rental inventory via a press release. As part of the expansion, Bexel has added a quarter of a million feet of fiber optic cable from TAC-4 to TAC-72 strand cable, plus SMPTE camera cable; MultiDyne and Studio Technologies fiber transport solutions have also been added.

Specifically, the investment features MultiDyne SilverBullet fiber transport solutions for transmission of SD, HD and 3G & 12G SDI signals on single mode fiber. The VF9000 fiber transport system with 12 3G HD-SDI and one Ethernet path over two strands of fiber is also part of the expansion. There is also the MultiDyne Hut SMPTE to tactical fiber cable converter for conversion and re-conversion back to SMPTE that is now part of Bexel’s HDX Shed fiber inventory.

The Studio Technologies gear recently added includes the Model 400 SDI-Over-Fiber transport system, with 12 3G HD-SDI paths over four optic cables. Bexel also now has a Live-Link Jr. remote camera interface to support two paths of 3G HD-SDI, Line/IFB and two wire or four wire intercom on one or two strands of cable.

“Our latest investment ensures that our customers can utilize a wider variety of cable lengths and strand counts with the combination of signal paths they require, coupled with the high quality and flexibility they expect from Bexel,” said Tom Dickinson, vice president of Technology at Bexel.

HAUPPAUGE, N.Y.—MultiDyne Fiber Optic Solutions has added Audinate’s Dante Audio over IP networking into its range of openGear systems for modular, high-density fiber transport and signal conversion.

Bulldog

With this integration, MultiDyne users can use Dante across fiber networks, allowing users to convert XLR audio, line-level audio, intercom and more to Dante and vice versa at the inputs and outputs of MultiDyne hardware.

Among the MultiDyne products that will benefit from this are the Bulldog field fiber transport system and the FiberNet optical network control system. For the Bulldog, the Dante-enabled openGear technology brings more channel capacity and functionality for field-based fiber transport to a studio or mobile production truck. Within FiberNet, the technology eliminates interface equipment that was traditionally required to bring audio onto the fiber network.

The interoperability between Dante software and MultiDyne hardware is assisted by the openGear 8x8 module. This module supports an 8x8 architecture but can be scaled to allow users to create a matrix within MultiDyne hardware to support multichannel capacities up to 64x64.

HAPPAUGE, N.Y.—MultiDyne is growing out its business, announcing two new initiatives for additional options for fiber transport systems. HammerHead Electronics is the company’s new online and call-in distribution business focusing on accessories and support productions; the MultiDyne Fiber Lab will manufacture, assemble and quality-assure SMPTE and tactical cables.

MultiDyne has brought on Mark Bachmore, who most recently served as director of sales for Broadcast Pix, to manage sales, service and day-to-day sales operations for both divisions. He will report to Charlie Lamberti, MultiDyne COO.

HammerHead will offer MultiDyne customers all accessories related to fiber transport and signal conversion, including batteries, connectors, tripods, optical modules, copper cables and SFPs. All SMPTE and tactical fiber from the Fiber Lab will also be available through HammerHead.

For the Fiber Lab, in addition to SMPTE 304 and 305 cables, the division will also look to leverage assemblies like LC-Duplex and APC patches.

Both ventures will operate from MultiDyne’s headquarters on Long Island.

LAS VEGAS—At the 2017 NAB Show, MultiDyne will present its new LightBrix VB-3800 Series fiber transport solution, which is designed to address evolving camera configurations efficiently and flexibly.

With its unique modules and adapters, it supports connectivity across today’s popular field production cameras. And having the camera position free of power outlets enables flexible setup, strike and mobility. It also adapts to the signal type and count of new and existing camera models. As new modules are added, it can meet the specifications of new camera models that come to market.

With its compact architecture, the VB-3800 ensures quick, easy mounting in advance of live shoots, with immediate pairing to a receive card in an openGear frame that’s ready for dashboard monitoring at the studio, head-end or mobile production truck.

The LightBrix VB-3800 Series offers several models built for mounting to POV box cameras and robotic PTZ heads, each of which supports between six and 24 fiber transport connections for video, audio, data and Ethernet. It also transports multichannel camera signals, including 4K quad-link and 12G, as well as optional supply power from the base unit to the transmitter and camera via SMPTE hybrid cable.

As the product line expands, the VB-3800 Series will evolve to accommodate UHD scaling and signal conversions, including conversions of 4K quad-link input signals to 12G and HDMI at the output.

The 2017 NAB Show takes place in Las Vegas, April 24-27. MultiDyne will be in boothC5109. For more information, visit www.nabshow.com.

HAUPPAUGE, N.Y.—The sales team at MultiDyne will have a new Director of Sales with the announcement of the hiring of Robert Bush.

Robert Bush

Bush is a former U.S. Marine Corps member. His civilian career began at Leitch as a bench technician and field service engineer. Additional positions have included time as a field service engineer and sales engineer/manager at Evertz, and chief engineer – broadcast for Monumental Sports & Entertainment. He has also served as a consultant for Mason Technologies and a freelance broadcast engineer at AARP HQ Studios.

Bush’s role with MultiDyne will partly involve promoting more fiber transport equipment and support to customers, per MultiDyne’s press release. Bush will report to Frank Jachetta, MultiDyne president.

HAUPPAUGE, N.Y.—Ross Mobile Productions has five 1080p trucks to cover sports and other live events, but many of the venues it conducts its coverage have an outdated cabling infrastructure. The company, as a result, has looked to make the move to fiber and has gone with MultiDyne to do so.

LiGHTCuBE

Ross is now using MultiDyne’s LiGHTCuBE and SMPTE-HUT systems for all five of its trucks. The LiGHTCuBE system provides a 14-inch cube for managing video, audio and data across long distances. The SMPTE-HUT, meanwhile, simplifies camera power and connectivity at great distances to enable conversion from SMPTE hybrid cable to single-mode fiber and back again.

The LiGHTCuBE features an array of I/O ports and is capable of handling 4K, HD, 1080i, 1080p or 720p. The SMPTE-HUT is capable of providing connection up to 1000 feet and offers a built-in optical reader; the reader is also available as a standalone unit to support 12GB/s applications.

Ross Mobile Productions is based in Fort Lauderdale, Fla.

NEW YORK–MultiDyne Video & Fiber Optic Systems will have its latest fiber-optic signal transport products on display at the NAB Show New York. The company said the new products represent its goals of lighter weights, fewer components and greater format compatibility for its customers.

The openGear series modules for high-density audio, video and data signal transport has fiber cards to support two bidirectional links for HD-SDI signals to 1080p 3 Gbps. Those same cards also provide 8x8 signal capacities for AES and analog audio, Ethernet, data and GPIO control.

The BullDog, a 4K-compatible modular platform for broadcasters and production teams in the field, has a compact (3.5-inch H x 6-inch W x 12-inch L) rugged enclosure with high-density I/O capacity, as well as signal compatibility across HD-SDI video, audio, intercom, control data, tally and power requirements. A Bulldog configuration can include both send and receive units to move signals over a single fiber or it allows a user to transport signals from the field unit to modular openGear cards back at a receive site.

MultiDyne also will have a new addition to its FiberSaver line on display. The FiberSaver-12G accepts up to 36 optical signals for transport over two fibers and is compatible with 3 Gbps and 1.5 Gbps signals.

MultiDyne Video & Fiber Optic Systems will be located at booth 1103.

HAUPPAUGE, N.Y.—MultiDyne has announced a trio of fiber transport and connectivity systems that are now available for shipping. The new gear includes a new series of openGear modules, an expanded BullDog fiber transport system and an expansion of the company’s FiberSaver series.

Bulldog

MultiDyne’s latest entry to the openGear series feature new fiber cards that support two bi-directional links for HD-SDI signals to 1080p 3Gb/s. The cards also provide 8x8 signal capacity for AES and analog audio, Ethernet, data and GPIO control. New portable counterparts to openGear frames have also been introduced that have the same format flexibility but increases modular density and configurability.

The BullDog system is a 4K-compatible modular platform designed for broadcasters and production teams in the field. The compact and rugged enclosure features high-density I/O capacity and signal compatibility across HD-SDI video, audio, intercom, control data, tally and power requirements. It is also interoperable with openGear cards. The BullDog configuration can include both a send and receive unit to move signals over a single fiber, or can transport signals from the field unit to openGear cards at the receiver site. The system design can also reconfigure signal paths and hot-swap cards.

A new 12G/bs version of MultiDyne’s FiberSaver line is also being made available. The FiberSaver-12G can accept up to 36 optical signals for transport over two fibers, all from a 1RU frame. The system is compatible with 3Gb/s and 1.5Gb/s signals for format flexibility and can put up to 18 SMPTE camera or IP signals onto one fiber. All fiber savers can transport any optical or digital signal.

MultiDyne will showcase these new products at its booth (11.D40) at the upcoming IBC 2016 show.

HAUPPAUGE, N.Y. & LOS ANGELES—MultiDyne’s LightBox 1430 portable signal transport system has made its way to Hollywood, as the company has announced that CBS Network News Los Angeles recently acquired a LightBox system to boost its ENG production. The MultiDyne technology features a user-specified I/O panel designed for the transport of audio, video and data signals over a single fiber-optic cable.

CBS News LA previously used a collection of signal connectivity components, including fiber converters, video and audio DAs, and intercoms for transporting signals, said John Weiser, supervisor of technical operations at CBS News LA, in a press release. Per MultiDyne, the LightBox 1430 offers an integrated and compact unit for quick configuration and signal distribution during live shoots. The system also features a two-wire intercom option that fits with CBS News Live’s truck.

The network acquired the LightBox 1430 system in January. According to CBS News LA, they have already used it for coverage of Super Bowl 50 in Santa Clara, Calif., and for a “CBS Evening News” segment live from Las Vegas.

TV TECH: What do you anticipate will be the most significant technology trend at the 2016 NAB Show?

Frank Jachetta

JACHETTA: I think we’re in the midst of a profound technology migration to the world of IP, and that will positively affect many aspects of our business. For us at MultiDyne, we know that we are a transport company, not just a fiber company, starting with the addition of an IP feature to our products. Adding the option for a 2022 IP output to the SilverBack is just the start.

The pace of this migration has increased significantly over the past 18 moths and I expect at the NAB Show we’ll see more advanced implementations of IP (SMPTE 2022.5/6).

TVT: What will be your most important product news?

JACHETTA: I can’t give away too much, but expect a variety of new features and capabilities for our SilverBack camera-bask transceiver line (SD/HD and 4K models); our BullDog field fiber transport system and handheld converter line, as well as the SilverBULLET. We’re also showing a new POV/PTZ camera system that is form fit to the base of most PTZ cameras. In general, at this year’s NAB Show we’re thinking “smaller, lighter and faster.”

I’m also excited to see what’s new in the area of 4K/8K product equipment. We have some things in the pipeline that are very complimentary to the higher resolutions being talked about now. At MultiDyne we’re anticipating the industry to move to 4K production very quickly (in many cases it already has begun the process) and 8K after that; Higher and higher resolution is here to stay. There are huge advantages to shooting in 4K beyond creating 4K content. The image can be cropped to HD size to capture the action up close or even create what looks like another camera at the shoot by cutting to different HD sections of the same 4K image.

TVT: How is your new product different from what’s available on the market?

JACHETTA: MultiDyne specializes in high-quality signal transport over fiber optic cable. We don’t process the signal or change it in any way, we just convert what’s coming in to an optical signal and then pass it down a fiber cable. At the other end, we convert the signals back to copper with as little change as possible. We only transport. By design, we output the exact same thing that was inputted. While maintaining this philosophy, we either make a card, a black box or camera-mounted systems for every single signal type or application. This allows the user to maintain the highest quality across the entire distribution chain and send signals much farther than they can over a copper cable. Fiber gives us virtually unlimited bandwidth for countless signals of any type, including 4K, 8K and beyond. We’re not limited in any way.

TVT: What is it about the NAB Show that brings you back every year?

JACHETTA: Missing the NAB Show would be like missing your wedding. We enjoy seeing our customers and marketing partners as well as a lot of the new technology on display on the show floor. The NAB Show has also always been a good opportunity for us to show the industry what we’re up to and get the feedback we use to improve the products and make them the best they can be. I encourage everyone to come visit us in Booth C5113 and see what all the excitement is about.

HAUPPAUGE, N.Y.—A new point of view/pan-tilt-zoom camera from MultiDyne is ready to roll. With it comes a built-in MultiDyne HD-3500GE series multi-rate serial digital video fiber-optic transceiver to support live transmission of full bandwidth SDI video signals over long distances.

The new POV/PTZ system includes bi-directional GigE transport capability and can synchronize multiple cameras during live event or studio production. The camera base housing is designed to be used both indoors and outdoors, and can stack under a PTZ camera unit for connectivity needed for accurate remote camera control.

The HD-3500GE also features GigE connectivity, allowing for control of PTZ cameras from up to 2 miles away over a single-mode fiber-optic cable. The GigE feature also benefits streaming video applications and signal transport over a local area network.

The HD-3500 provides a multi-rate, HD, fiber-optic transport link for up to 1080p 3G HD-SDI signals. It supports two channels of outbound digital AES audio or four analog digital channels with two bi-directional RS-232 or RS-422 data channels, as well as four GPI and one tally feed.

MultiDyne is a developer of signal conversion and fiber-optic-based transport systems.

HAUPPAUGE, N.Y.—With so many fans turning in to watch the NFL playoffs, MultiDyne is helping provide unique coverage of the games for CBS and Fox with its fiber-optic signal transport technology combined with the SkyCam robotic camera rig. SkyCam units will be part of the upcoming coverage of the NFC and AFC Championship games on Sunday, Jan. 24, and for Super Bowl 50 on Sunday, Feb. 7.

SkyCam "WildCat" system

The SkyCam “WildCat” system is made up of a Sony HDC-P1 box style camera tethered to a gryo-stabilized, weatherproof housing that includes an HD-3500 multi-rate HD fiber-optic transport link from MultiDyne Video & Fiber Optic Systems. HD-3500 link converts the SDI video signal from the camera to optical so it can travel across a fiber-optic suspension cable. The MultiDyne HD-3500 RX unit is then located in the control room to receive the optical signal and convert it back to SDI to be used in the live broadcast. Another pair of HD-3500 units is used to send the signal from the control room to the production truck.

The HD-3500 provides a multi-rate HD fiber-optic transport link that supports HD-SDI video signals up to 1080p at 3G/s. It also supports two channels of outbound digital AES Audio or four analog audio channels with two bidirectional auxiliary audio channels for four-wire intercom, as well as two bidirectional RS-232 or RS 422 data channels, 4 GPI, and one tally.

The SkyCam system will be used by CBS for Super Bowl 50 at Levi Stadium in Santa Clara, Calif.

HAUPPAUGE, N.Y.—MultiDyne has announced that its SilverBack 4K5 transceiver is now available and fully compatible with Red Digital Cinema’s Red Epic camera and Redcast module. The combination will offer support to a variety of live and studio production applications.

Red Epic with SilverBack 4K5

The Red Epic camera comes equipped with the Red 6K Dragon sensor, which capture more than 9x the pixels than traditional HD, according to the company. To accommodate this higher resolution, the SilverBack 4K5 provides power and five 3 Gb/s HD/SDI signal paths between the Epic camera and the base station.

This combination provides a flexible design with all the necessary communications, camera control, tally, data and other functions of a camera system. It can also interchange Red cameras with the same SilverBack transceiver, enabling signals to travel long distances over a SMPTE fiber cabling infrastructure.

The SilverBack 4K5 base station is a standard 1RU enclosure with LED status indicators for each signal, as well as a color LCD screen that displays system status and general health.

HAUPPAUGE, N.Y.—As part of the company’s Fiber First initiative, MuliDyne has announced that it will display a number of new transceiver systems at CCW 2015. Among the products will be new versions of the company’s camera-mounted, rack mountable and standalone audio and video signal transceivers, as well as a new signal transport module for PTZ camera systems.

MultiDyne will showcase new features for its HD-3500 transceivers, including Gigabit Ethernet connectivity and new sync functions. With a Gigabit Ethernet connection, the HD-3500 can control pan, tilt and zoom cameras from up to nearly two miles away over a single-mode fiber-optic cable. The GigE option will also benefit streaming video applications and the fast transport of signals over a local area network. The new sync feature allows users to sync multiple cameras with multiple HD-3500 units during live or studio productions.

Universal HUT

The Universal SMPTE HUT is set to be displayed as well. This latest addition to the SMPTE HUT line is half the size of a traditional HUT system and works with a majority of SMPTE hi-def and 4K cameras. Like other HUT systems, the Universal HUT is used as a fiber adaptor power supply that can stretch a SMPTE camera chain for miles.

There will also be new features on display for MultiDyne’s SilverBack fiber optic system, including the expansion of usability with Juice over SMPTE Hybrid cable for the SilverBack-II. The new Juice power, which was increased from 56 to 300 volts will move signals farther over standard SMPTE Hybrid cables. Users will also be able to use the Local Application Control protocol cameras. New features will be available in Spring 2016.

In addition, MultiDyne has developed a new fiber-optic video signal transport module for PTZ cameras. The system includes a transmitter integrated into the bottom of a camera’s housing and a HD-3500 receiver on the other end to convert HD video signal. Once converted to optical, the video signals can travel almost two miles on a single fiber cable.

CCW attendees can check out MultiDyne’s latest at booth 806. CCW 2015 takes place from Nov. 11-12 at the Javits Convention Center in New York.

HAUPPAUGE, N.Y.—MultiDyne has announced a pair of new optional features for its HD-3500 series mutli-rate serial digital video fiber-optic transceivers. The new Gigabit Ethernet and Sync features help convert and distribute the signals used to remotely control PTZ cameras from a distance and to accurately synchronize multiple cameras during live productions.

HD-3500

With the Gigabit Ethernet option users can control pan tilt and zoom cameras for up to two miles over a single-mode fiber-optic cable. It also aids streaming video applications and the fast transport of signals over a local area network.

The Sync feature is designed for genlocking multiple cameras and having them work in synchronization. When used with analog video, Sync can also be used for Teleprompter.

MultiDyne develops signal conversion and fiber-optic-based transport systems for the broadcast industry.

AMSTERDAM—MultiDyne has announced that it will premiere its new FiberNet system at the upcoming 2015 IBC show. A real-time uncompressed optical network topology, FiberNet takes interconnects multiple nodes of fiber infrastructures for managing, controlling and distributing uncompressed signals from one centralized location to a production crew anywhere in the world over a single fiber cable.

Professionals can either use control devices on the FiberNet network or their own control platform to monitor, manage and control bi-directional signals coming from an on-site production truck or studio control room. FiberNet also allows users to send any incoming signal to any output with a touch of a button.

FiberNet includes control software, a hardware or software control panel and supports all standards required on a patented hardware platform.

IBC 2015 runs from Sept. 11-15 in Amsterdam. MultiDyne will be located at booth 9.D40.

HAUPPAUGE, N.Y. – Fiber-optic cable provider MultiDyne is bringing a quartet of new products to Amsterdam for IBC 2015, focusing on bringing higher resolutions videos to broadcasters faster and sending uncompressed signals further over a single fiber-optic cable.

MultiDyne will have its new SMPTE Hybrid Universal Transmission Extender on hand, which works with any SMPTE-based HD camera. The HUT system allows users to separate their cameras from their CCUs by distances over 10km with single mode fiber. The new HUT is about half the size of the previous edition and includes a backup battery option.

Mini eXchange converters

A trio of MultiDyne’s SilverBack transceivers will also be on display. The two new products are the SilverBack-III and the SilverBack-III 4K6 camera back transceivers. The SilverBack-III offers all of the same features as the SilverBack 4K5, but is designed for high-quality, multi-camera 1080p/30/60 fps HD productions. The SilverBack-III 4K6 provides six 3Gbps signals to a base station up to miles away. New features for the SilverBack 4K5 will also be demonstrated.

In addition, the new Mini eXchange Converter for HDMI-to-Fiber/Fiber-to-HDMI conversion and the EOS 4000 and 5000 optical electrical switches for video file delivery over an IP infrastructure will also be at IBC 2015.

These products and more can be found at MultiDyne’s booth, D.940. IBC 2015 takes place from Sept. 11-15 in Amsterdam.

HAUPPAUGE, N.Y. – Fans got a closer look at what a golf swing is supposed to look like during the Fox Sports broadcast of the 2015 U.S. Open at Chambers Bay Golf Course in June. With the MultiDyne Video & Fiber Optic Systems SilverBack 4K5 camera back transceiver serving as the fiber link for X-Mo 4K camera system, ultra high-def and ultra high-speed acquisition was provided while also enabling data to travel 5,000-7,000 feet over a single fiber cable without image degradation.

SilverBack 4K5 attached to X-Mo 4K camera

The SilverBack 4K5 gives up to five 3Gbps paths required for 4K acquisition and brings those signals back to the on-site production truck to include into the main broadcast. The transceiver is used to systemize the most bandwidth intensive cameras by providing all bi-directional signals needed between camera and the base station, including up to six 3G HD paths, intercom, camera and lens control and gigabit Ethernet paths. Camera transceivers are connected with a single fiber-optic cable. Combined with the X-Mo 4K, the U.S. Open broadcast was able to capture golfers’ swings at 4K resolution at 1,000 fps and then slowed them down when put on air.

MultiDyne’s Fiber Saver HD-6000 system was also used during the tournament to move HD video signals around the course.

MultiDyne is a Hauppauge, N.Y.-based provider of video and fiber-optic-based transport systems.