Global introduces world-first radio frequency camera system

In June, 2010, Global Television introduced a unique-in-market camera system that dramatically enhances coverage of live sport and brings fans at home closer to the action than ever before.

Developed in Australia by Global, this camera system marries an HD optical disc camera with an RF system. It allows television footage to be stored and forwarded via RF without the need for line-of-sight to an antennae. Previously, that had been a prerequisite for hand-held cameras not connected to the camera control unit (CCU) by a cable.

Global’s RF camera system means the camera operator can now go anywhere within a sports venue to secure the most compelling behind-the-scenes footage for example:

• Dressing rooms
• Player arrivals
• Tunnels beneath the grounds

It also ensures that prize on-field shots make it to air: in the past, a great shot might have gone through to the keeper if the director had not instructed a particular camera to record or transmit at the moment. But now individual camera operators can capture the action they see at any point.

The camera system can be used for both high definition (HD) and standard definition (SD) digital television coverage and is approximately 2kg lighter and easier to set up than cameras requiring a fixed line-of-sight.

It was first proven at the Nine Network’s NRL State of Origin coverage in 2009.