London, May 2006

Are you ready for HDTV content?

Fujikura Europe announces the release of its new optical fibre TV camera cable for the video broadcast fixed and mobile market

Fujikura Europe introduces its new Optical Fibre TV camera cable for high definition video broadcast. HDTV gives superior quality images compared with standard definition TV images, but they do need to be filmed using specialist cameras.

Fujikura’s optical television camera cables are cables comprising of image transmitting optical fibres used between the camera and transmission system for broadcasts at the studio of the TV station, stadium, or concert venue, as well as the customary power and control wires required for the operation of HD camera systems.

Manufacturers of HD camera systems such as Sony, Panasonic and Ikegami are pro-active in this marketplace, along with Hybrid connector suppliers LEMO, Fischer and Fibreco.

“With the consumer firmly in the driving seat, the demand for high-definition content is expected to take off in earnest this year – with the football world cup just around, we expect to see a high adoption of HDTV sets.” says Brian Leonard, product manager at Fujikura Europe Ltd.

The advantages of filming with special HDTV cameras are that operators can zoom in closer to the subject without degradation of picture quality. This has proved extremely beneficial for the programme makers of ‘Planet Earth’ which uses HDTV equipment extensively so as not to disturb animals in their natural environment and so allowing viewers to truly see animals natural behaviour.

“Over the past year the momentum for the introduction of HDTV in Europe has been unstoppable; as more and more broadcast companies prepare to launch dedicated channels and content control to its subscribers. With market analyst’s predicting that 4.5 million households in Europe will switch on to HDTV by 2008 – it’s no wonder that broadcasters cannot afford to ignore it.” continues Brian.

Fujikura is one of the world's top five optical fibre manufacturers - producing singlemode, multimode, non-zero dispersion shifted, ribbon and polarisation maintaining fibres. With its super flexibility structure and high standard of durability, its TV camera cable – OGBC-DTL is SMPTE-311M certified.

“We are already talking to a number of outfitters and rental companies of outside broadcast equipment, and direct to stadiums that are responsible for their own broadcasting about their fibre cabling needs – this is very much a topic of the moment. Our cable is of the highest standard and delivers exceptional performance.” concludes Brian.

For more information contact Fujikura Europe on +44 (0) 20 8240 2000 or visit www.fujikura.co.uk.