New York City Marathon 2006

Total RF and RF Central’s wireless technology was instrumental this weekend in providing TV coverage of the New York City Marathon.  “This is the granddaddy of them all,” said RF Central CTO James P. Malone. “This is the marathon that all others look to as the standard.”

In addition to the stationary cameras used for the broadcast, in order to convey the depth and breadth of this world-class event and to cover the excruciating drama of the runners, IMG looked to Total RF for the capability to cover the course from eight (8) mobile facilities.  For this year’s event Total RF provided IMG with four motorcycle based chase cameras, two truck based gyroscopically stabilized (FLIR) camera systems and two aerial based FLIR systems.  In speaking of the digital system Malone stated ““We have six antennas for each receiver that collect the signals on the rooftop and maximum ratio combining diversity systems to reinforce the signal whenever there is loss due to interference.” 

“COFDM allows us to spread data over multiple carriers in the same band and interleave them so that one carrier reinforces another.  Data is redundant and an echo canceling system cleans up the signals."   

NYC - November 2006

Total RF covers the 2006 Chicago Marathon

On Sunday, October 22, Total RF, working for WBBM Chicago (CBS2) in Chicago, TV Tokyo and the LaSalle Bank facilitated the television broadcast of the 29th Annual LaSalle Bank Chicago Marathon.  Wending their way through the North side, South side, Chinatown and Little Italy communities of Chicago over 40,000 runners competed in this World Class road event.

Total RF provided continuous, live, uninterupted Start to Finish coverage along the course using technology supplied by RF Central, LLC.  Transmission of the event was facilitated by the use of RF Central’s digital COFDM transmiters (RFX-CMT) and multiple input diversity receivers (RFX-RMR-X6).  The obvious benefits of RF Central’s digital based equipment over previous analog equipment was apparent in the flawless coverage provided throughout the 26 mile course without the use of any relay helicopters. 

Chicago - October 2006

Total RF in Ireland

Total RF assisted NBC in its broadcast of the 2006 Ryder Cup from Dublin, Ireland in September.  Total’s digital RF handheld cameras provided complete 18-hole coverage of the competition from the “K Club” in County Kildare.  In addition Total was responsible for audio and communications support for NBC throughout the matches.  Over sixty thousand feet of fiber optic cabling was supplied, allowing Total to design and install a broadcast infrastructure that facilitated a seamless broadcast of this World Class event

Spain’s José Maria Olazábal is interviewed at the conclusion of his match.  Total RF provided the wireless microphones and COFDM digital wireless camera systems used by NBC for this event.

Ireland - September 2006

Letterman Rocket Car

Proving our motto that “difficult jobs are our passion” Total RF recently brought together the assets necessary to provide truly unique, live “in car” coverage.  Known for its audacious stunts, the Letterman Show turned to Total RF to provide real time in car video from a VW “Rocket Car” operating in the California desert.  The video went live to New York for Mr. Letterman and his studio audience and ultimately was broadcast nationally on the show that evening.

In order to accomplish the shot Total went with its cutting edge COFDM transmitters. Where state of the art technology and experience is required - Total RF is clearly the RF provider of choice.

California - August 2006

High Definition Coverage for the Stanley Cup Finals!

Did you catch the 2006 Stanley Cup Final on June 19th? The Carolina Hurricanes became the 2006 NHL Stanley Cup Champions, and RF Central’s Camera-Mounted HD Transmitter (RFX-HD-CMT) was on the ice with the team, not only during games 3, 4, 6 and 7, but also to capture the post-game ceremony in High Definition for NBC, CBC and RDS (Reseau des Sport). The video of the Commissioner’s awarding of the Conn-Smythe trophy and Lord Stanley’s Cup, as well as of each Hurricane skating with the Cup held high was all facilitated by RF Central’s low delay wireless camera-mounted HD transmitter (RFX-HD-CMT).

The camera itself was operated by a cameraman on skates! Provided and supported by RF Central subsidiary Total RF, CBC, RDS and NBC used these shots extensively during the celebration. Virtually all of the "on ice" celebratory video coverage was provided through the HD wireless camera mated to one or more RF Wireless Systems’ Canon HD video cameras. RF Wireless Systems, Inc. is RF Central’s retail partner in Canada.

North Carolina - June 2006

NBC goes digital at 2006 Senior Championship

In May NBC Sports transitioned to digital HD for its coverage of the Senior PGA Championship in Oklahoma with broadcast coverage that demonstrated the extraordinary capacity of the new wireless digital technology supplied by Total RF.  The NBC broadcast covered the entire course, including practice greens, ranges and interview areas thereby facilitating a live broadcast that conveyed all of the drama, history and pageant of this great event.  

This massive HD broadcast was, in large measure, made possible through the use of RF Central and RF Extreme digital transmitters and receivers supplied by Total RF.  Much of NBC’s broadcast infrastructure; including all of the fiber facilities (well over five miles of cable!) was also supplied by Total RF.

Oklahoma - May 2006

Tour of California

The Tour is a seven stage Professional Cycling event held over eight days in California.  The Tour’s course takes it from San Francisco, north through Marin County then south along the California coast to Los Angeles.  Broadcasting this new World Class Cycling event demanded the application of Total RF’s unique engineering and logistical expertise.

With the use of Total’s new digital broadcast technology and based upon the engineering experience of Total’s team live coverage was provided at each and every stage.  One extraordinary example of the benefits derived from Total’s experience and knowledge was the ability to transmit broadcast quality video over a path of 100 miles! 

California - February 2006

CNN first to use wireless High Definition camera

This year CNN provided the pool feed for television coverage of the President’s State of the Union Address. In addition to the static cameras permanently mounted in the gallery of the Hall, CNN wanted the ability to follow the President on the floor of Congress as he entered, gave his speech and left.  As the broadcast was to be in High Definition it needed a wireless HD camera and CNN turned to Total RF. 

Using the RF Central HD camera with imbedded Total RF remote camera control CNN brought to air views from the floor that were unique to the coverage.  Fred Fellmeth, COO of Total RF said of the broadcast, “In its first real life application the HD link provided incredible views that conveyed the solemn beauty of the Hall and the stature of the event to the audience.”  

Washington DC - January 2006

New York Marathon completes its Digital Transition

Using digital broadcast technology from start to finish - Total RF provided complete coverage of one of the world’s great Marathons to air without the use of microwave relay aircraft! 

Broadcasters of are now freed of the perpetual issue and concern engendered by flights over highly urbanized, congested areas or the uncontrollability of the weather! 

NYC - November 2005

RF Central LLC Acquires Total RF Marketing