Strategic partner Wige Media AG deploys new Triax camera cables for the extreme conditions of the Bavarian Alps bringing high downhill racing thrills in high definition to millions of viewers around the world
Amsterdam, April 11, 2011 – Draka Communications, a global leader in the cabling and optical fiber industry announces that its high-end Triax HD Pro + Broadcast Solution was chosen for the highly successful HD transmissions during the demanding conditions of the Alpine Ski World Cup 2011 this February. In Garmisch-Partenkirchen more than 40 international TV stations were able to relay spectacular high definition images to downhill ski enthusiasts around the globe.
In Garmisch-Partenkirchen more than 90 per cent of the multimedia cables were provided by Draka. In extreme mountain weather conditions, Draka partner Wige Media rose to the challenge of installing 200km of camera cable with 70km interconnecting a total of 66 TV cameras. A key part of site interconnectivity was the deployment of Draka’s latest Triax HD Pro + Broadcast Solution which made its debut at IBC 2010 last year. Then, Draka and Fischer Connectors jointly announced an integrated HD Triax camera cable with operating lengths up to 1100 meters, adding 30 per cent more working freedom for camera crews. Capable of HD transmission quality with low attenuation values and minimum DC resistance, this Triax cable combines light weight with flexibility.
In the extremes of the Bavarian Alps, the Triax HD Pro + Broadcast Solution passed sub zero temperature tests with ease. At temperatures below minus 18 degrees centigrade, the cables remained supple and easy to handle for camera technicians needing to work through snowstorms and knee-deep mud. This high profile event also demanded a high degree of flexibility in project execution. Due to changeable weather and snow conditions, race courses had to be relocated at short notice, requiring quick reactions, for which the lightness and sturdiness of these cables provided appreciable advantages.
“ Wige Media and ourselves are pleased that our latest Triax cables exceeded the expectations of the organisers of this showcase event , “ says Oli Hentschel, Draka Product Manager, Studio Broadcast. “ As well as being able to do the best job in worst-case conditions, our high-end solution extends the investment lifecycle for the massive base of Triax users, providing user convenience while meeting the demands of HD broadcasters.”
Triax – a standard for broadcast professionals
Triax is the main technology to interconnect HDTV cameras and related equipment in the professional broadcast industry. Resulting from extensive research and development between Draka and Fischer Connectors, this new integrated cable solution has been field tested to validate the additional highly useable transmission distance available from Triax HD equipment, while providing optimum signal performance.
Draka’s Triax HD Pro + Broadcast Solution is optimized for HDTV transmissions under extreme conditions. It connects camera and CCU and offers an optimum transmission quality based on low attenuation, lowest DC resistance (even over longer distances), a long life span and minimal weight. The cable is designed with a
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universal jacket suitable for indoor studio and outside broadcast applications. Its high tolerance, rugged and waterproof design assures reliable transmission between camera and control unit in studios or broadcast vehicles, where long cable lengths are used under exceptional circumstances. It is maintenance-friendly and easy to clean, a point highly appreciated in the snowy conditions of the Bavarian Alps.
About WIGE MEDIA
WIGE MEDIA AG is a globally active media company with several subsidiaries. The company, based in Cologne, Germany, has been a listed stock corporation since 2000. The WIGE Group provides sports and event productions include Outside Broadcasts, Editorial & Marketing, Data and Results Services, Events & Incentives as well as comprehensive Media Consultancy Services. More information at www.wige.de
Draka
In 2011 Draka was acquired by Prysmian, a leading player in the industry of high-technology cables and systems for energy and telecommunications, with sales exceeding 4.5 billion Euro in 2010. The Prysmian Group is a truly global Company, with subsidiaries in 39 countries, 55 plants in 24 countries, 7 Research & Development Centres and 12,000 employees. Prysmian is listed on the Milan Stock Exchange in the Blue Chip index.
Draka, headquartered in Amsterdam, has 9400 employees in countries worldwide and 2010 revenues of over € 2.4 billion. Draka has a presence in 31 countries in Europe, North and South America, Asia and Australia.
Draka’s activities are divided into three groups: Energy & Infrastructure, Industry & Speciality and Communications. Draka Communications with its four business units, Telecom Solutions, Multimedia Specials, Optical Fiber and Cable Solutions is a global market leader in the development, production and sales of fibers, cables and advanced network solutions. More information at www.draka.com/communications.
Photo:
Draka Triax HD Pro Plus Broadcast Solution played a key part in the successful HD transmission of the Alpine Ski World Cup 2011: In the Bavarian Alps, Draka’s high end HD cables passed sub zero temperature tests with ease. Even at temperatures extending below minus 18 degrees centigrade, this HDTV solution remains supple and workable for camera technicians having to cope with conditions from snowstorms to knee-deep mud.
More Information
Contact:
Draka Communications,
Oli Hentschel,
Tel: +49(0)151.188355 11 or marc.hentschel@draka.com
Draka Communications PR,
Nicole Esser,
Tel: +49 221 677 3551 or nicole.esser@draka.com