Bluebell has shipped a comprehensive fibre optic system (FOS) to SIS LIVE, Europe’s largest uplink and OB facility provider, as part of their new SISCaster HD compact OB vehicle. Launched at IBC2009, SISCaster HD provides full HD capabilities and offers new opportunities for multi-platform event coverage, including live broadcasting, web streaming, and mobile content delivery.
SISCaster uses the latest self aligning VSAT satellite technology to offer unlimited streaming at a choice of bit rates to any server required. By using fibre optic links for the transport of essential services, the SISCaster OB is freed from any distance constraints imposed by the high bandwidths of HD signals. The OB vehicle can now be positioned to offer best line of sight to the satellite. The Bluebell system is designed around the Probe-6 portable fibre optic enclosure and the standard BC-100 19 frame based system. The Probe is designed to be a rugged, cost effective throw-down box for OB, ENG, and SNG applications. One Floorbox Probe enclosure provides links from a remote production area to the SISCaster. Carried over four fibres, the Probe multiplexes multiple broadcast signals, including three digital video and 12 discrete audio feeds, reverse video for signal monitoring, plus 4-wire bidirectional audio comms and Ethernet links. A second Commbox Probe enclosure provides 6 channels of discrete bidirectional audio for communication and commentary, dual composite video and audio links plus Ethernet.
Signals are multiplexed on to tactical fibre using CWDM technology. The entire SISCaster philosophy is based are a simple to operate technology making it affordable for a wide range of production applications.
