ATLANTA—CP Communications, with the help of Radio Active Designs’ UV-1G wireless intercom systems, covered the whole nine yards of Super Bowl LIII events, before, during and after the big game.

CP Communications was tapped with handling wireless audio transmission for pre-and post-game events handled by NFL Network, CBS Sports and ESPN. For that, company utilized nine UV-1G base stations and 40 RAD bodypacks.

The UV-1G wireless intercom systems feature bodypacks that operate in the VHF band. With Enhanced Narrow Band technology, the UV-1G offers RF channels with a bandwidth of 25 kHz similar audio characteristics of a traditional FM system. The system also provides roaming for 600 meters.

Other features that assisted CP Communications during their week-long productions included the scene change feature, which allows each pack up to 40 talk paths and the ability to communicate with 20 wired comm channels. There is also base linking for matrix-like functionality with up to 18 inputs/24 outputs and audio routing to/from packs. Users can also change belt pack parameters, including radio frequencies, button assignment, talk paths and audio channel via software with intuitive UI.

The RAD products were a key part of CP Communications’ coverage of Super Bowl events like Super Bowl Opening NIght and post-game ceremonies and shows.

ALEXANDRIA, VA.—I started Jetwave Wireless in 2014 with the goal of providing production wireless technology and integration expertise. Our focus is on helping customers fill their production needs from studios to live shows with a turnkey one-stop solution for wireless. We work mainly on enhanced coverage and antenna distribution system technology.

One of our recent clients was Bleacher Report, a division of Turner Sports since 2012, which has been providing sports-related digital media to millions of online sports fans since its inception in 2007.

With continued growth on the horizon, Bleacher Report recently moved into larger production facilities in midtown New York and enlisted Diversified Systems Integrators (DSI) to handle their audio/video/lighting needs. DSI, in turn, brought in Jetwave Wireless to design and install the production wireless systems utilized in the facility.

Two UV-1G RAD systems were deployed at the new Bleacher Report facility for wireless support.

FINDING THE RIGHT SPECTRUM
Our number one priority with Bleacher Report was to design a wireless system—microphones, intercoms and IFB—that would stand up to the potential problems that occur when operating in the RF-challenged heart of New York. We needed to take into account the growing impact of the 600 MHz auction and how that would affect production, so we favored wireless intercom systems that were out of the UHF band to save that spectrum for higher priority devices such as wireless microphones and IFB.

Fortunately, we had worked with Radio Active Designs’ UV-1G wireless intercom systems before and knew that the UV-1G base station operates in a sliver of the UHF band. The belt packs operate completely in VHF, which saves us valuable UHF spectrum. Also, because each base station supports up to six RAD packs, (instead of the legacy standard of four), by installing two UV-1Gs, we could put up to 12 belt packs into operation without any concern.

The quality and sound of the system is exceptional and installation is very direct. It sounded great as soon as we plugged it in and dialed it up. The two base stations are rackmounted in the central equipment room (CER) along with a custom distributed antenna system designed by Jetwave Wireless.

With the antenna system, all wireless systems can cover a large area and operate in multiple zones. We placed two antennas in Studio A, Studio B, the newsroom, CER, hallways and basketball court located on another floor to create an antenna solution that was flexible and reliable.

LESS POWER, MORE CONTROL
A typical FM wireless intercom system requires 300 kHz of radio band to function properly. By implementing Radio Active Designs’ Enhanced Narrow Band technology, the UV-1G base station requires less than 30 kHz of the UHF band, freeing up valuable UHF bandwidth for other wireless devices. In addition, since the belt packs operate in the VHF band—which is virtually empty—this allows every operator their own channel, eliminating any issues that can occur when forced to “double-up” in a UHF system.

There are a lot of operational changes in the RF spectrum and Jetwave Wireless’s job is to help our clients navigate those paths and create solutions that will work for them long into the future. The Radio Active Designs UV-1G system helps us do that.

Jim Dugan is the owner of Jetwave Wireless. He can be contacted atjimdugan@jetwavewireless.com.

For more informramtaition, please visit atwww.radioactiverf.comor call 402-477-0695.

BURBANK, CALIF.—We opened RGEAR in 2006 with the goal of becoming the premier boutique audio and video rental house with a specialty in reality television. Founded by technical supervisor Steve Abrego and audio supervisor Gregg Kita, REGEAR has exceeded expectations and continues to grow due in part to a constant eye on new products and technology.

When production companies come to us with their show, we help them figure out how to technically make that happen on the production side. The idea is to let our customer concentrate on the creative while we handle all of their technical needs, including providing the skilled professionals necessary to pull it all together.

Isaac Abrego and Josh Duran, an audio tech for RGEAR, on the set of “cutthroat Kitchen.”LIGHTENING THE RF LOAD
Lately, the RF bands we use for production audio have become more crowded as we continue to increase the amount of wireless needed for each show. At the same time, the usable UHF range is decreasing. Staying ahead of the curve and addressing complications early is one of the reasons we have been so successful. So we evaluated the amount of RF required and started looking for products that might lighten our RF load. During this process we were introduced to the UV-1G wireless intercom system from Radio Active Designs. We started using it immediately on one of our major projects, Food Network’s popular television show “Cutthroat Kitchen” and its spinoff “Camp Cutthroat.”

The UV-1G wireless system is unique in that the base station uses only a sliver of UHF while the beltpacks operate solely in the mostly uninhabited VHF range. With the available amount of RF spectrum getting smaller, our first goal was to free up available UHF frequencies. By having the transmit signal from the beltpack to the base station operate in VHF we are able to open up space in our UHF coordination needed for cast and camera sends, while also limiting the quantity of RX antennas used per install.

In addition, by operating on a larger wave length (VHF), the signal from each individual beltpack can transmit further and with greater penetration. This is helpful on set but we have also found it equally beneficial in conference applications. It allows the signal to propagate through a room filled with people (usually a problem for frequency coordination in a higher spectrum) with little signal loss; an excellent bonus to having the system in our inventory.

RESTRUCTURING
Another perk is that we can quickly “restructure” the system to match it to the ability of our clients. For instance, “Cutthroat Kitchen” and “Camp Cutthroat” are two very different setups. However, we are easily able to structure the system so they can be utilized for both productions in a way that is seamless for the user and requires minimal labor on the installation end.

Keeping a thumb on technology is extremely important in this industry—and these days there is plenty to keep an eye on. The Radio Active Design gear has proven to not only help minimize potential RF difficulties, but has also helped us stay ahead of the RF technology curve.

Isaac Abrego is the audio manager at RGEAR after joining the company in 2015. He can be contacted atiabrego@rgear.com.

For more information, please visitwww.radioactiverf.comor call 402-477-0695.