The fully digital HD1 is the high-end flagship of our fleet, offering great versatility and high quality HD transmissions. Equipped with future-oriented technologies and accommodating up to 24 cameras, the HD1 is one of the biggest and most modern HDTV OB vans in the world. The ability to switch every piece of equipment from HD to SD offers media companies lots of flexibility. Overall 25 workstations are available in a 54 square meters space.

To connect all the pieces, we needed a connector that combined HD fiber optic capability along with the robustness of copper technology. Since the HD1 truck travels from venue to venue, we needed a connector solution that provided the highest quality and could stand up to hard knocks. And, should something break, we needed to be able to repair the connection on-site with a minimum of hassle and downtime.

Based on our long relationship with Fischer Connectors and their triax products, we invited them (and others) to submit HD connector samples for testing. To win the contract, the 1053™ connectors had to pass a series of stressful tests. We connected cameras to CCUs and while the camera was working, the connectors were stressed in ways simulating potential OB conditions. One of them was placed in an environmental chamber delivering a temperature of -20°C. Another connector was placed in a container of water. Yet another connection had a forklift driven over it. One final test involved the placing of a connector under a pallet of loaded cable drums (approximately 600kg). Even though the cable was then pulled strongly the camera continued to operate. None of the fiber-optic connections failed.
The Fischer 1053™ Series was the only one that passed all tests successfully. We were truly impressed by this outstanding performance. As a result, we have selected the Fischer 1053™ connector for use with the Thomson LDK 6000 camera systems in the HD1 truck.

In summer we used the HD1 truck to acquire all the matches that took place in Cologne and Hamburg for the world’s biggest football event. Everything went well and we are fully satisfied with the performance of the Fischer 1053™ HDTV connector.

Gregor Mucha is technical director for WIGE TELEVISION and has been with WIGE since 1986. He may be contacted at Mucha.G@wige.de. For additional information on Fischer Connectors, visit www.fischerconnectors.com