North Billerica, Massachusetts, January 8, 2008 - Microwave Radio Communications (MRC) today announced that its high definition wireless technology played a key role in ESPN Sports‘ broadcast of the 24th Breeders‘ Cup - the year-end championship for the North American Thoroughbred Association. MRC‘s new Link 1500 High Definition (HD) wireless camera transmitter powered ESPN‘s coverage of this World Champions event held at Monmouth Park in New Jersey. The Link 1500 HD system offers a state-of-the-art modular design that transmits both standard definition (SD) and HD images.
ESPN‘s coverage included 28 HD cameras, including car mounted versions that closely tracked the leaders throughout the race. In addition an overhead blimp provided aerial coverage while virtual displays marked the yardage to the finish line. Aerial Video systems (AVS) of Burbank, California supplied the MRC equipment to ESPN for its live coverage.
“The Link 1500 HD‘s new modular design provides for quick switch out of the RF section, which gives us the versatility of using multiple frequency bands” said Randy Hermes, President of AVS, “while the ease of frequency conversion gives us the flexibility to work away from the congestion normally found in the 2GHz band”.
In the week following delivery AVS leveraged the Link 1500 HD/SD system‘s renowned versatility to provide coverage for Monday Night Football on ESPN and Championship Off Road Racing on NBC, in addition to the Breeder‘s Cup.
About Aerial Video Systems (AVS) - AVS specializes in next-generation camera and video solutions and has been so recognized with seven Emmy Awards for technical achievement. Whether it be live video transmissions from the summit of Mount Everest, in the second seat of a Blue Angel‘s F-18 or from the bottom of the Pacific Ocean, AVS continues to develop and apply its advanced technology. AVS is proud of its distinction as a leader in state-of-the-art equipment for the broadcast and production industry.
About Microwave Radio Communications- MRC has played a critical role in supplying systems for television broadcasting, government, law enforcement, emergency services, satellite and telecommunications worldwide for over forty years. MRC provides the Next Generation of Workflow Solutions to facilitate microwave connectivity in support of distribution and contribution applications utilizing the latest enhanced transmission products and technologies. The latest MRC Workflow Solutions support the migration to HD, IP and diversity applications. From the most basic system design to the most complex integrated system, MRC is “the” solution provider for video microwave communications. MRC is an independent operating division of Vislink plc.