Fibre connector speeds switch to HDTV

Fischer's fibre-optic 1053 HDTV broadcast camera connector is credited with a significant contribution to MTV's successful HD-readiness.

MTV Networks has equipped its state of the art HDTV camera system and bespoke outside broadcast vehicle with Fischer Connectors' industry leading 1053 Series high definition connectors.

MTV's Senior Vice President of Production Operations and Technology, Steve Kaufman says: "We have equipped 16 of our HDTV camera systems with Fischer's fibre-optic 1053 HDTV broadcast camera connector".

"Its capabilities have significantly contributed to MTV's successful HD-readiness".

MTV began working with Fischer over two years ago.

Mark Richards, International Broadcast Business Manager of Fischer Connectors remarks: "An organisation like MTV simply can't afford to have things go wrong; when recording a live event it needs to know that it's getting the footage it needs and the 1053 goes a long way to removing that worry".

"It's a proven system offering state-of-the-art technology and there simply isn't anything else quite like it on the market".

Fischer's 1053 HDTV broadcast camera connector has been designed to be fully operational and repairable in the harshest of environments.

The 1053 can be assembled quickly in the field, without the need for precise polishing of fibre-optic elements or the need to use special epoxies.

Codeveloped in an exclusive partnership with Corning, the 1053 Series combines the field-tested reliability of Fischer's established broadcast triax connectors with proven technology such as Corning's UniCam "no epoxy - no polish" fibre-optic contacts that have been successfully employed in many broadcast industry venues, as well as in high volumes for years by the telecommunications industry.

The 1053 HDTV connector incorporates Corning's reliable UniCam contacts within Fischer's field proven 1051 triax connector body.

Its fully sealed and strong connector body provides outstanding resistance to rough field shooting conditions such as extreme climate or crushing by heavy vehicles and other weight or tensions that cables might undergo.

SMPTE signal-compliant, the new 1053 HDTV camera connector features two single-mode fibre contacts, two high-voltage contacts and two low-voltage signal contacts.

Eliminating unnecessary optical connections throughout the signal path results in fewer contacts to clean and a lower signal loss.

MTV has long been regarded as one of the most dynamic broadcasters when it comes to embracing new technology and HD has been no different.

In February 2006 MTV launched MHD, its first HD channel.

Based in the snow-capped hills of Vail, Colorado, the channel draws content from across MTV's network, including MTV, VH1 and CMT.

Delivering much more than just music videos, the channel offers a varied schedule of programmes, ranging from MTV's Real World to live concerts from the likes of Kanye West and Coldplay, all broadcast in 5.1 surround sound.

Back to top