Draka presents zero loss hybrid HD cable for use in extreme

Cabsat, March 3, 2009 – Draka Communications announces the latest version of its proven SMPTE 311M hybrid camera cables , the Draka SMPTE zero-loss HD cable, integrates patented BendBrightXS fiber with auxiliary and signal conductors . This new HD cable is aimed at the professional video production marketplace for the simultaneous transmission of power, video, audio and control signals.

" This enhanced SMPTE 311M HD cable is perfect to interconnect camera units and base stations with the connector interface standard," explains Marc-Oliver Hentschel, Marketing Manager for the multimedia and broadcasting group Draka Communications. “ It is suitable for all of the digital cameras systems from today’s manufacturers and will be a tremendous asset in rigorous external conditions.

Draka’s SMTP 311M Zero-Loss HD cable offers the benefits of no attenuation, enhanced macrobending loss performance, abrasion-resistant sheathing and a temperature operating range from – 40 to + 70 degrees centigrade within 0 to 95% humidity conditions. As such it is ideal for the temperature and humidity variations experienced in the Middle East.

As a genuine hybrid, Draka SMPTE 311M cable uses both fiber optic technology (two optical fibers) as well as conventional elements. BendBrightXS is a technology for optimising optical fibers in which a special field-confining trench ensures that the optical beam remains in the centre of the cable even when the latter is subject to extreme stress – for instance by bending and pressure. As BendBrightXS effectively eliminates faults originating in fiber optic cables, loss of transmission during live broadcasts can be virtually excluded.

BendBrightXS fiber technology has already demonstrated its value in single-mode fiber optical cables for the next generation of high-speed networks, with current applications planned for Qatar and in Dubai in the Middle East. BendBrightXS offers a hundred times bending improvement over standard single mode fiber cables and as such it offers a high degree of robustness for broadcast working environments.

SMPTE 311M is defined as an official transmission standard by the Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers. The standard also specifies that such camera cables are capable of transmitting high-resolution HDTV signals in addition to the usual standard television images. They are also suitable for high-speed recording, such as that used for the extreme slow-motion sequences taken at sports events.

SMPTE 311M cables are primarily used in studios and on location – for open air concerts or sports events, in arenas or broadcasting vehicles. Thanks to their robust coating they can even cope with extreme weather conditions and rough treatment, which makes them particularly suitable for use in challenging outside broadcast environments.

The cables are supplied with all the required accessories and are available either directly from Draka Communications or through wholesalers. Consumers can also purchase these cables from well stocked specialist retailers.

Draka, headquartered in Amsterdam, the Netherlands, is a €2.8 billion, publicly listed (Euronext) company with 9,550 employees worldwide. As from 2008, Draka’s activities are divided into three Groups: Energy & Infrastructure, Industry & Specialty and Communications. Draka Communications is a world leader in the development, production and sale of optical fibre, cable and network solutions. Draka has 68 operating companies in 30 countries throughout Europe, North and South America, Asia and Australia. For more information please visit www.draka.com.

Photos: High definition originals can be obtained from terry@eurocom.be

Photo: Draka’s zero loss SMPTE 311M HD cable is perfect to interconnect camera units and base stations with the connector interface standard. It is suitable for all of the digital camera systems from today’s manufacturers and will be an asset to broadcast crews working in extreme climatic conditions.