What Are the White Domes?
 

Not being in the broadcast business I'll hazard asking about something that might be like "duh" to those who are.

Often while watching sporting events I'll see (shoulder) camera operators with gadgets that look like white domes mounted on short, vertical poles on the back of their cams. Are these wireless a/v transmitters? If so how do they work and where can I learn more about them?

Ken,

You hit the nail on the head, there. They're small, line-of-sight microwave transmitters. A lot of times, the unit will be mounted on a pole and hand held by a dedicated crew member. They did it that way at the presidential political conventions when I was there last time. Since so many people are standing, waving hands and signs, they pole mount the transmitters to insure that the signal gets to the receiver unobstructed.

Bill S.

Ken,

P.S. I can do a little research and forward some more technical info if you're interested. As for the cost of these units, they're not cheap. Definitely out of my price range, but I'll find out about that too.

Bill S.

Thanks so much, Bill. It settles a nagging curiousity I've had for quite some time.

No need to dig further. Since they're microwave I assume that they'll require a permit...and that they're not cheap. Might be a good thing to keep in mind for future multi-cam situations.

Thanks again.

Digital Version
 

I've heard that there is a special digital version (transmitter) which stops the breaks up you sometimes see on live events.

I've only heard that it is best suited to studio situations.

I can't remember where I saw or heard this but this question court something, which was in the back of my head.

Any body else know anything about this or whether it is true?

All the best,

Ed Smith