Patch panels equip OB vans for Dolby E

Supplier of media patching products and accessories to broadcast OEMs, Deltron Emcon has supplied systems integrator Neil Wilson Enterprises (NWE) with high-density patch panels for two new state-of-the-art outside broadcast vehicles.

Offering greater flexibility and space savings than traditional 24x2 panels, Deltron Emcon's 32x2 panels provide programme makers with more production freedom by increasing the potential number of sources.

The two vehicles, one new the other a refurbishment, are part of a leading UK broadcaster's move to high definition TV (HDTV) broadcasting.

In order to incorporate the complex equipment needed to support the "next generation" technology NWE had to find a way to ensure maximum flexibility for a wide range of equipment and setups.

Neil Wilson, proprietor, explains: "Each vehicle has 20 or more high definition cameras, video disk recorders, high definition VTRs, graphics sources in addition to the audio signals".

"Space is at a premium and the high-density BES VJF62 panels from Deltron Emcon gave us 50% more packing density than the 24x2 alternatives".

"With 60 panels in each truck the space saving was significant".

The new vehicles also feature the latest in audio broadcasting, multichannel surround sound using the Dolby E system.

NWE took the novel step of using Deltron Emcon video patch panels for the audio signals, in order to ensure the required quality and performance for the 2MHz Dolby E signal.

"We did look at other suppliers but their products were considerably more expensive for no better performance", continues Wilson.

"We have bought BES products before and had every confidence in the quality of their engineering".

Each panel is 1U in height, made from robust aluminium and offers 3GHz bandwidth with minimal reflections and attenuation.

Newly designed connectors ensure transmitting signals with a datarate in excess of 1.5Gbit/s with minimal degradation.