What Are the White Domes? at DVinfo.net

Ken Tanaka · February 14th, 2002, 12:52 PM

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?

February 15th, 2002, 09:24 AM

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.

February 15th, 2002, 09:28 AM

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.

Ken Tanaka · February 15th, 2002, 10:52 AM

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.

Ed Smith · February 15th, 2002, 02:24 PM

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

February 14th, 2002, 12:52 PM	#1
Ken Tanaka Retired DV Info Net Almunus Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 6,943	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? __________________ Lady X Films: A lady with a boring wardrobe...and a global mission. Hey, you don't have enough stuff! Buy with confidence from our sponsors. Hand-picked as the best in the business...Really! See some of my work one frame at a time: www.KenTanaka.com

February 15th, 2002, 10:52 AM	#4
Ken Tanaka Retired DV Info Net Almunus Join Date: Dec 2001 Location: Chicago, IL Posts: 6,943	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. __________________ Lady X Films: A lady with a boring wardrobe...and a global mission. Hey, you don't have enough stuff! Buy with confidence from our sponsors. Hand-picked as the best in the business...Really! See some of my work one frame at a time: www.KenTanaka.com

February 15th, 2002, 02:24 PM	#5
Ed Smith Wrangler Join Date: Jan 2002 Location: Hampshire, England Posts: 1,545	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

February 15th, 2002, 09:24 AM	#2
globalvillage Posts: n/a	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.

February 15th, 2002, 09:28 AM	#3
globalvillage Posts: n/a	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.