Switching On: The Case For 3G SDI Relays As Cost-Effective Passive Switches

As anyone involved in specifying broadcast equipment is only too aware the pressures of delivering a reliable, high quality solution, within a challenging budget can be fraught with compromises.

Yet the very nature of filming high profile public events means that whether covering a marathon, a motor race or a music festival, Directors demand that they can easily switch from one input or output to another in order to best capture and broadcast the action, that will deliver the most compelling viewing experience.

LEN's 3G SDI Relay (L3GR01) for coaxial cables provides a passive, and therefore highly resilient, solution for switching between two inputs or to choose between two outputs, so that the Director will always be able to ensure viewers can see that pivotal, defining moment, all without the additional costs and complexity associated with powered switches.

Unlike using a traditional powered switch, utilising LEN's passive relays not only eliminates risks associated with failure or interruption of power supply to the switch, but coupled with the ability to set-up the relay to switch in on failure of an incoming SDI signal from a remote source, this approach provides a compelling switching solution for live events where multiple continuous broadcast quality feeds are an essential component of a successful broadcast.

So, because the relay is a passive component, it will "failsafe" so that one signal path is still open even in a total power failure situation, ensuring continuity of transmission.

Furthermore LEN relay switches benefit from a higher open state than conventional matrix relays, leading to lower leakage between contacts, which in turn means that signal integrity is safeguarded. This results in a highly reliable, broadcast quality feed during both planned and unexpected change-overs.

The L3GR01 3G SDI Relay can support data rates up to 3 GBits/sec and is transparent to all 3G, HD and SD formats. When used in conjunction with LEN's LMPR01 1U Rack Frame, up to 8 relays may be mounted on a 19 inch panel.

As a leading provider of signal enhancement products, Crewe, England-based LEN's equipment is widely specified and trusted by professionals throughout the world, for use within the most challenging and hostile broadcast environments.

Other LEN products, which can cost-effectively reduce the risks inherent in outside broadcast of high profile public events include the market leading Cable Clone, which enables video signal to be quickly and easily tested in the Outside Broadcast Unit as the cable runs are being rigged; Passive Ground Isolators providing a solution for interference free access to high quality video in SD, HD or 3G SDI across an extremely wide area; and passive SDI Video Splitters which provide instant flexibility to increase the number of SDI feeds and are ideal for example, where it is beneficial to extract a monitor feed.

Contact LEN:
Telephone: +44 (0) 1270 886157
Website: www.len.co.uk

This article is also available to read at BFV online here, page 43.

(JP/MH)