BSI’s Dual Stream Mini Transmitter Unites 3D Production With Handheld Operation

In sports, getting the most stunning 3D images possible requires mobility. Smaller 3D camera systems and wireless transmission that can handle 3D content allow operators to untether themselves from fixed locations and act more as an RF-handheld operator. At the NAB Show, first-time exhibitor Broadcast Sports Inc. (BSI) is demonstrating its Dual Stream Mini Transmitter, which allows simultaneous transmission of two signals wirelessly, and its ability to transmit both as a live 3D feed.

“This [is a] completely wireless system for a 3D camera,” says Technology Development Manager Clay Underwood. “Up to this point, most of the [wireless 3D camera] systems have been with the larger rigs, [and] we wanted to try to get it down smaller and lighter weight and more manageable and something that we could easily deploy.”

Having worked with Panasonic in the past, BSI again teamed up with the camera manufacturer to parlay parts of past applications into the new Dual Stream Mini Transmitter. In 3D production, it ensures a synchronous signal from the two cameras responsible for capturing the footage for the left and right eye. BSI deployed the mini transmitter at the Winter X Games in Aspen, CO, deploying a camera operator to ski down the pipe behind athletes and capture the action wirelessly in 3D.

“One of the problems that happens with wireless is, if you build it out of other [companies’] pieces, it’s very large and very bulky,” says Underwood. “The whole intent [with wireless 3D camera systems] is to get it down to something where it doesn’t feel much different from a regular camera that the camera operators are used to using.”

In February’s Daytona 500, the Dual Stream Mini Transmitter allowed the production team to show side-by-side footage from the interior on-board camera that captured Jimmie Johnson’s Lap 2 crash.

Also at NAB, BSI is deploying its Intelligent Diversity Receive System within the confines of the booth, demonstrating the flexibility and control capabilities of the system on a small scale. The system uses proprietary technology to connect a network of receive sites throughout a desired coverage area, enabling operation of various wireless components.

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