NBC Olympics Gets a Charge out of Anton/Bauer

Anton/Bauer has been selected to provide batteries, chargers and lighting to NBC during the network’s coverage of the Vancouver Winter Games, working behind the scenes to help NBC ENG crews power up for every bobsled run, figure skating spin and ski jump.

As a longtime NBC Olympics partner, Anton/Bauer has provided its mobile power solutions and accessories to NBC since 1996. In addition, Anton/Bauer provides exclusive, on-site technical support 24/7, giving users access to dedicated customer service prior to and during the entire broadcast span.

“Good customer service on-site at the games is absolutely essential,” says Chip Adams, Vice President Venue Engineering, NBC Olympics. “During the Olympics, you can’t be standing around trying to get a problem solved when you’re in the middle of a number of broadcasts happening simultaneously. Anton/Bauer has an extremely customer-oriented team and I’m looking forward to working with them again in Vancouver.”

This year, Anton/Bauer worked with the NBC Olympics team to integrate state-of-the-art lithium-ion batteries into its arsenal of equipment. These lightweight batteries can be used on the camera, eliminating the need for cumbersome battery belts and reducing the load on the cameraman. Crews will also have access to Anton/Bauer’s new ULHM-LED, an efficient LED light module designed for use with the world’s most popular on-camera light, the Anton/Bauer UltraLight.

“Anton/Bauer has really been on the forefront of developing new battery technologies,” says Adams. “I have always been impressed by the great solutions Anton/Bauer comes up with to help us power our camera systems more effectively and efficiently. The company’s products are rock solid. Anton/Bauer has introduced us to next-generation solutions which continue to change how we approach the Olympics and improve our kits. One of the nicest new products we’ll be using this year is the Anton/Bauer ULHM-LED module that consumes less power, making sure our crew members have more power for longer periods of time.”

In addition to the ULHM-LED module, Anton/Bauer will provide a large variety of batteries, chargers and other equipment for the games. A sampling of Anton/Bauer products that will be on-site includes the lithium-ion Dionic 90, Dionic 160 and nickel-metal hydride HyTRON 140 batteries, along with the Quad 2702 and Dual 2722 chargers, as well as the UltraLight 2 camera mounted lights. Anton/Bauer brackets, lighting, belts, cables and other accessories will also be employed. Thirty-five NBC Olympics ENG and RF camera crews will pair the Anton/Bauer equipment with Sony PDW800 XDCAM and Sony PMW-EX3 HD cameras.

“As we head into our 40th anniversary year, Anton/Bauer is proud to also celebrate the milestone of having provided our mobile power solutions to NBC Olympics for more than a decade,” says Michael Accardi, President, Anton/Bauer. “We have made remarkable advances in our mobile power system technology since we began working with the NBC Olympics crews in 1996, and will only continue to outdo ourselves when it comes to providing the most reliable, high-quality products in the industry.”