LYNX Technik
SBS Shizuoka Broadcasting Co., Ltd.
~Yellobrik fiber optic converters: combining convenience and robustness~
4K Fiber Transmitting System OTR 1441/OTR 1442
Technical Department Production Technology Manager
Mr./Ms. Kazuki Isobe
SBS Shizuoka Broadcasting Headquarters
Shizuoka Broadcasting System (Shizuoka Broadcasting) is a JNN affiliate broadcasting station that produces and broadcasts a wide variety of programs, including news, sports, and informational variety shows , primarily in Shizuoka Prefecture .
Furthermore, Shizuoka Prefecture is known as a "football kingdom," and broadcasts are extensive , ranging from youth tournaments to J.League matches .
Shizuoka Broadcasting Co., Ltd. introduced yellobrik's "4K Fiber Transmission System" OTR 1441 and OTR 1442 in 2016.
This time, we interviewed Mr. Isobe from the Technical Department about the operational aspects of J. League broadcasts, and asked him about the key points in equipment selection, the benefits he has experienced in actual operation, and his impressions of using the equipment.
4K (3G-SDI Quad-Link) Fiber Transmitting System
OTR 1441, OTR 1442
The OTR 1441 and OTR 1442 are transmission systems that can transmit four 3G-SDI signals over a single optical fiber.
This transmitter and receiver set allows for the uncompressed transmission of 3G-SDI signals via optical conversion, without degradation or delay.
By connecting OTR 1441 and OTR 1442 with an expansion port, it is possible to transmit eight SDI signals over a single fiber optic cable.
* The OTR 1441 and OTR 1442 are sibling models with the same body but different CWDM wavelengths.
Performance
"We have used yellowbrik in various settings, including sports broadcasts such as soccer and event broadcasts, and it has always operated stably."
Most recently, we used it for a two-camera live broadcast from a remote location within the station building during a year-end and New Year's special program. For J. League broadcasts where we have been covered, we regularly use OTR 1441/OTR 1442. We use yellobrik to distribute video footage created in the broadcast van to each station.
This system transmits simple SDI video, but any malfunction can have a significant impact on all recipient companies , so we prioritize "robust operation" above all else.
Reasons for selecting the yellobrik OTR 1441/OTR 1442
The fact that it could transmit 4 channels of SDI video over a single fiber optic cable, despite its compact and simple configuration, was very appealing.
At broadcasting sites, we primarily use Tajimi Camera Cable as the fiber optic cable. Because this cable contains two fiber optic cores, CWDM (Wavelength Division Multiplexing) functionality is essential for multi-channel video transmission.
When implementing CWDM, a separate multiplexer /demultiplexer is generally required in addition to the optical transmit/receive module . However, the OTR 1441/OTR 1442 integrates these components, offering a significant advantage in environments with limited installation space and cable routing constraints .
Furthermore, the ability to connect the OTR 1441 and OTR 1442 via an expansion port to achieve 8-channel video transmission (or 4-channel bidirectional transmission) over a single optical fiber was also groundbreaking.
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Robustness
Nine years have passed since its introduction (as of the time of the interview), but the main unit has never malfunctioned.
Furthermore, since the unit does not overheat even during prolonged continuous operation, there is no need to worry about the "heat-related problems" that are common with this type of equipment.
On a minor note, I was initially concerned because the included AC adapter lacked a mechanism to prevent the plug from coming loose, but this was resolved by purchasing an AC adapter with a screw lock.
Shizuoka Broadcasting also uses optical transmission modules from other manufacturers, but yellowbrik is highly reliable and can be operated with peace of mind, so it is a piece of equipment that is highly regarded within the company.
Feedback on the optical transmission box 'yellobridge'
This time, we had Shizuoka Broadcasting Corporation take a look at our original product, the "Yellobridge Series" optical transmission box (scheduled for release soon), and asked for their feedback from a field perspective.
Yellobridge is a box that houses multiple Yellobridge optical transmission modules in a single unit, enabling multi-channel transmission. Two versions are planned: a compact half-rack size version and a full-rack size version that allows for flexible configurations.
"The half-rack version has just the right size and weight, and I felt like I'd like to try it out."
Regarding the specifications, there weren't any areas that needed improvement, and it seems like it could be put into immediate use in the field.
"I found the full rack version to be very convenient because it allows for the flexible integration of six yellobrik modules."
However, since we already own OTR 1441/OTR 1442 modules, large-scale events requiring this many optical transmission modules are limited. Therefore, I thought it would be convenient to have a service that allows us to assemble and rent the necessary modules when such operations are needed.
Expectations for Yellobrik in the future
「静岡放送で LYNX Technik /yellobrik シリーズの製品は、SDI 4 チャンネル送信機/受信機セットの OTR 1441/OTR 1442 のほか、 FS 機能搭載の HDMI→SDI 変換機 CHD 1812 を導入しています。
最新版のカタログを見ると、多彩な信号の光伝送に対応していることが分かりました。現場では RS422/RS232C といった制御系信号の伝送の需要もありますが、OBD 1510 Dという製品が対応しており、ガンスイでデモ機も保有しているとの事なので 機会があれば OTR 1442 と組み合わせて試してみたいと思います。」
yellobrik シリーズは、“伝送のイメージが無いような信号”にも対応しているため、 新たなシステム構築の可能性が広がります。
今後も他社にはない独自性のある製品を期待しています。」
summary
We would like to express our sincere gratitude to Shizuoka Broadcasting for their cooperation in conducting interviews over such a long period of time.
We will use the feedback we receive to inform our product planning team and LYNX Technik, and incorporate it into future product development.
We will continue to strive to meet your expectations for the yellowbrik series.