BMS Wireless Video Steps Up Entertainment Value for St. Louis Blues

When the St. Louis Blues moved from an analog video system to a wireless system from Broadcast Microwave Services, the impact was felt — and seen — immediately. Instead of the sketchy signal that three operators were forced to contend with in the analog world, there is no such thing as a bad RF location at the Scottrade Center.

“It really stepped up the fans’ entertainment value,” says Chris Frome, event presentation director for the Blues/Scottrade Center. “Now every fan can be seen on the video board.”

The BMS system allows camera operators to venture anywhere in the arena and certain locations on the concourse as well. The in-game host can use the onboard microphone lines to do live remote shots from the concourse, so extra wireless audio antennas are not required.

“We even used the system for helmet and mascot cams,” Frome says. “Since the unit is self-contained with no auxiliary antennas, we can easily use it for off-site productions. The unit makes a great producer monitor for Steadicam shots, live camera for charity functions, and we even used it to transmit audio and video across the street for ceremonial functions.”

Prior to choosing BMS, Frome consulted other companies’ trade-show demos to ask about latency issues. “I was worried about latency issues and the high cost of installing antennas throughout the building. BMS assured me [that there are] no latency issues, and our staff was amazed at the clarity and reception of the unit. The RF signal is outstanding, with no more line-of-sight issues either.”

Setting up the system took just a few minutes, and Frome was shocked by the small size of the system’s antennas.

“I asked if they shipped the correct antennas because I didn’t believe it would work,” Frome says. “It’s amazing that the signal can pass though doors, seats, and 12-in.-thick concrete. The BMS system is the best capital improvement since we installed the video-board system. Eliminating the analog system labor of a pointer and a chaser will pay for itself in three years.”