Telecast Fiber Systems Solutions Enable Live HD Links for Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival

Advanced Fiber Optic Transport Gear Enables Delivery of High-Quality Video Feeds Throughout Sprawling Venue and to Outside Broadcasters

WORCESTER, Mass. — June 23, 2009 — When the bands took the stages at the Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival in Manchester, Tenn., recently, advanced fiber optic transport equipment from Telecast Fiber Systems played a starring role. Chicago-based mobile production company Trio Video relied on the Telecast Fiber Systems products to facilitate smooth and seamless transmission of high-quality HD video feeds throughout the 100-acre venue.

Although Trio Video’s primary business is sports production (e.g. it services WGN TV, Comcast SportsNet Chicago, as well as the NFL on Fox TV), the company has built a niche offering production services for large, multiday, multistage music festivals such as Coachella, Lollapalooza, Austin City Limits, and Outside Lands. Trio began using Telecast Fiber Systems fiber optic solutions for these events when it launched its first HD vehicle in 2004.

At Bonnaroo (produced by Axis/Superfly and Third Wave Productions), Trio provided music content from six stages (using over 25 HD cameras with 6 control rooms) to numerous cable providers and broadcasters including Fuse TV, XM Radio, CNN, and MTV, as well as AT&T Entertainment Services, which transmits live stereo Web casting and cell streaming.

 In addition, Trio provided fiber transmission of multiple channels of HD video to various areas on the festival site; for instance, live video of a band playing on a given stage might be shown on high-resolution monitors in sponsored VIP tents located on the opposite side of the venue.

“Whether we’re feeding live HD from a Cubs game to a Japanese TV network or music festival coverage to over 15 entertainment outlets, the Telecast equipment is instrumental in our being able to provide the highest-quality, most cost-effective services to our clients,” said Peter Kimball, director of program development and production for Trio Video. “At a live music event, fiber transmission is critical for spanning long distances that simply aren’t feasible using coax cable, and the Telecast equipment makes it possible. Not only has Telecast helped us take advantage of new media delivery opportunities such as mobile broadcasting, but we’re able to offer more enhanced on-site services such as the ability to feed content from multiple stages to points all over the venue.”

For the Bonnaroo coverage, Telecast’s Python™ transmitter/receivers enabled Trio to transmit and receive up to eight signals, or transmit up to 16 one-way signals to the main production truck. In addition, Trio used the Telecast Adder™ II audio multiplexer and a set of Rattler™ miniature fiber optic serial digital video transmission modules to move audio and video feeds around the venue.

For video delivery to the VIP areas, Trio developed a custom solution based on the Telecast equipment to deliver up to 30 channels of content. “The ability to send 16 HD feeds down a single piece of fiber results in significant manpower savings because we’re not having to run individual copper lines for each,” said Eddie Sheridan, Trio’s on-site technical manager. “All of the Telecast solutions are easy to use — plug them in and they work. And the Telecast support has been top-notch.”

“Trio’s innovative use of fiber optics to enhance the experience of on-site concert-goers as well as broadcast audiences speaks to the great versatility and flexibility of fiber,” said Richard Cerny, president of Telecast Fiber Systems. “We’re glad that Telecast solutions are helping Trio to realize fiber’s full potential for high-quality event production.”

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About Trio Video
Since its inception in 1982, Chicago-based Trio Video has earned an industry-wide reputation for excellence. Today, Trio is the leading mobile television production company in the Midwest and operates nationwide providing facilities and crews for broadcast/cable clients, entertainment companies, professional sports teams, and major corporations. More information can be found at www.triovideo.com.

About Telecast Fiber Systems, Inc.

Telecast Fiber Systems, Inc. is a leader in portable and fixed fiber optic systems for television broadcast production. The company’s video, audio, and communications systems are used worldwide by TV networks, teleproduction companies, sports venues, and various private, educational, and government and military organizations to extend range, simplify cabling, and reduce labor costs and set-up time. Telecast systems accommodate all television production signals, including NTSC/PAL video, SDI and HD/SDI video, analog and AES/EBU audio, HD and triax camera interfaces, and intercom and data signals. More information can be found at http://www.telecast-fiber.com//.

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