IMG Media finds wireless NYC Marathon success via RF Central

IMG Media’s NYC Marathon coverage once again made use of state-of-the-art transmitter and receiver technology from RF Central to keep up with 35,000 runners over a 26-mile course.

IMG Media used 18 RFX-RMR-X6 six-way diversity receivers, four RFX-CMT-II camera-mount transmitters, two RFX-PHT portable high power transmitters and two RFX-PDT portable digital transmitters.

Deployed in a network design similar to a cellular phone system, the strategic combination of the RFX-RMR-X6, RFX-CMT-II, RFX-PHT and RFX-PDT created omni directional antenna functionality. Each of the RFX RMR X6’s six antennas received individual signals from the RF Extreme Transmitters, that united to form one strong signal, ensuring no “picture break up.”

According to RF Central Chief Technology Officer Jim Malone, “In the old days, we used to use tracking antennas for each vehicle because we did not have multiple input receivers, which meant being at the mercy of whatever we could possibly transmit from one source.

“Now that we have the ability to use multiple input receivers, we have six antennas that work simultaneously to capture audio and video, therefore, affording us the ability to capture enough signal and provide proper corrections to get a good decode, even in marginal coverage areas.”

RF Central’s RFX-CMT-II camera-mounted transmitter is equipped with a variable 6/7/8 MHz modulator, 100mw power output, and full MPEG menu control. Its RFX-RMR-X6 COFDM diversity receiver features an LCD touch panel interface with a built-in bar graph and graphic spectrum display that offers up to six antenna inputs and uses maximum ratio combining, capturing signals from each antenna to form one robust signal. Through compact design, the RFX-PHT transforms any vehicles into a live television platform.

RF Central’s RFX-PDT is a compact digital transmitter that is ideal for functioning as a helicopter downlink transmitter in broadcast and security applications as well as in harsh RF environments where size and weight combined with broadcast performance is important.