Harrisburg, PA, February 27, 2008 – The hundreds of thousands who tuned in for their first glimpse at the “must see” cars of the year during the 2008 Pennsylvania Auto & Boat Show kept on course as ABC 27 WHTM-TV used microwave technology products provided by RF Central, a leading digital microwave technology provider, to preview all of the vehicle debuts during the event‘s hour-long live broadcast.
To capture hundreds of new models designed by more than 35 auto manufacturers, ABC 27 used an RF Central RMR 2 way diversity digital rack mount receiver that was stationed in the northeast corner of the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex & Expo Center‘s large show floor. Receive antennas were hung nearly 10 feet high. Through this configuration, ABC 27 Director of Photography Bryan Barr was able to roam the expansive hall freely as he used RF Central‘s RFX-CMT-II HD upgradeable camera mount transmitter to shoot the live event in prime time.
While ABC 27 had used microwave equipment without wireless capabilities for broadcasting the show in previous years, Barr says RF Central‘s first time use during the 2008 production presented new solutions for overcoming former challenges. “We used to work with a tether cable; but in doing so, we realized we spent a lot of time disconnecting and reconnecting the cameras and constantly relocating to various areas of the room in order to capture the kinds of shots we wanted.”
Barr adds, “When coupling this with having to do a live broadcast in the midst of a massive show floor, measuring approximately 300 by 500 yards, that is surrounded by nearly 300 cars and large crowds, running cable is not the ideal option. Thanks to RF Central‘s portability and wireless design, these issues were no longer of concern.”
In addition to supplying the equipment, RF Central dispatched one of the technicians for on-location assistance, which Barr says is a reflection of RF Central‘s commitment to exceptional customer service. “RF Central‘s customer support is excellent. Not only are you able to get a technical rep on the phone right away, but you also have the option for on-site support and are able to talk with someone who is highly knowledgeable about the industry and the equipment.”
Barr continues, “In fact, many of the RF Central technicians you end up speaking with tend to be former broadcasters themselves, which offers a unique vantage point since they can relate to today‘s broadcaster needs and are able to offer a true enduser perspective when it comes to product design and service.”
About RF Central
RF Central, LLC manufactures and supplies state-of-the-art microwave equipment to television broadcast and government customers throughout the United States. As one of the premier suppliers of broadcast equipment required to complete the 2GHz BAS transition, RF Central has grown from a few employees in 2005 to over 60 full-time dedicated professionals today. Located in Carlisle, PA, RF Central also provides specialized integration, installation, and engineering services. RF Central is marked by its unique qualifications within the industry, its focus on customer service and its dedication to expanding and improving the terrestrial microwave options available to customers. RF Central, along with Nucomm, Inc. and Microwave Service Company, form the Vitec Group RF Systems business unit, part of Vitec Group Broadcast Systems Division. For more information, visit www.rfcentral.com.
About The Vitec Group
The Vitec Group supplies a wide range of equipment and services to the broadcasting, entertainment and photographic industries. Its products are distributed in nearly 100 countries, either through dealerships or direct to the end user or corporate customer. Vitec is based on strong, well known, premium brands that professionals rely on. Vitec is organized in three divisions: Imaging & Staging, Broadcast Systems and Broadcast Services. For more information, visit www.vitecgroup.com.
