Meeting high performance needs for HDTV

To meet the high performance requirements of HDTV camera systems, Belden has introduced Brilliance® 7804Ex. These hybrid fiber optical cables are designed to surmount over-heating problem experienced in outside HDTV broadcasting. This is particularly common with black cables in direct sunlight because their internal resistance can be reduced to below critical level causing the camera to shut down in case of short circuit.

Heat resistant Brilliance® 7804X are designed to overcome these problems through the use of insulation with a higher thermal stability. This makes it ideal for use in outdoor as well as indoor transmissions: to link different cameras to an OB van in outside broadcasting or to service permanent installations connecting studio cameras to the control room. When a patch panel is used, a whole range of video images on different channels becomes available.

Brilliance® 7804X is a composite cable which includes a high voltage power line for HDTV camera, two control lines and two optical fibers for video and audio transmission. The cable is available in three versions: halogen-free and PVC versions for studios and permanent installations and a PUR version for mobile applications. All of them are available with put-ups of 305, 500 and 1000m and can be supplied with special put-up for easy connecting on the drum.

The new cables are ideal for use in professional broadcasting, studios, sport stadia, concert venues and live outside broadcasts. Werner Eich, Belden EMEA Marketing manager for Entertainment says: ‘Belden’s new hybrid optical fiber cable is designed to meet today’s high standards for HD television cameras and as well as to fulfill future performance requirements. We anticipate that the cable will be widely used, particularly by people involved with outside broadcasting where the very highest quality of TV transmission and performance is required.’

The new 7804Ex cable incorporates two single-mode tight-buffered optical buffers for video and audio signals, two stranded conductors (24AWG x 0.61mm) for control and four (20AWG x 0.94mm) for power. A stranded steel strength member (14AWG x 1.8mm) runs along the center of the cable core) while an overall braid shield delivers structural integrity while maintaining good flexibility and prolonging cable life. All elements feature heat-resistant PE insulation and can be used with a variety of HDTV connectors. An additional option is to have 12mm sheath, instead of standard 9.2mm, to prevent cable crushing in the TV studio. The cable meets ITU-G652D and is SMPTE311M compliant.