Telecast intros TeleThon multiplexer

Telecast Fiber Systems has released its new TeleThon optical and electrical multiplexer system, a hybrid device featuring the CWDM wavelength management functionality of the company’s Teleport system in combination with the high density of the Python II digital video transceiver system.

The TeleThon unit accepts electrical digital signals, ranging from 19.4 Mbps to 1.5 Gbps uncompressed HD/SDI and optical signals of up to 2.5 Gbps each, and multiplexes them for transmission in either or both directions. Up to 16 optical signals can be accommodated on one fiber, significantly increasing fiber capacity. The CWDM (coarse wavelength division multiplexing) capability of the TeleThon system simplifies and multiplies the effectiveness of fiber optic cables, reducing operator costs and improving overall signal transmission capacity.

“As more and more broadcasters transition to HD acquisition, they require a simple, yet cost-effective, means of moving or distributing that content,” said Richard Cerny, president of Telecast Fiber Systems. “The TeleThon is our latest tool to reduce the cost and complexity of moving large numbers of wideband signals through fixed or mobile infrastructures. With each fiber strand capable of moving up to 40 Gbps of data, fewer fibers are used, resulting in less expensive cables and connectors and lower life cycle costs for broadcasters.”

The new TeleThon system, making its debut at NAB2007, is a compact 1-RU unit ideal for HD studio infrastructures, sports and field production, HDTV distribution on corporate and educational campuses, and other facilities requiring reliable, efficient delivery of HD signals. The Telethon is interoperable with most other Telecast products.