Shanghai Media Group, one of China's broadcast companies is using a variety of Vinten heads, tripods and other accessories to equip their OB trucks at the Olympics in August. Vinten, a Vitec Group brand, provides support equipment to Outside Broadcast (OB) truck companies. For the Olympic outdoor broadcasts, the Shanghai Media Group OB trucks are equipped with Vector 70 pan and tilt heads; HDT-1 heavy-duty tripods and ENG dollies.

“Vector pan and tilt heads are our preferred option because so many of our OB camera operators are so familiar with them,” said Lin Yunchuan, Vice Director of Transmissions at SMG.  “They are easy to adjust, which may save critical time for the operator in the fast-moving sports OB environment.  And both the Vector 70 and Vector 90 have plenty of capacity for the large cameras we are using, with maximum payloads of 154 lbs. (70kg) and 198 lbs. (90kg) respectively,”   added Mr. Lin.

The Shanghai Media Group is a multi-media television and radio broadcasting, news and Internet company.  Formed in 2001 from a merger of four domestic Shanghai based radio and television companies, SMG has consistently broadened its coverage base and audience, launching a new all-English news channel in 2007, which reaches audiences in Asia, Europe and North America via satellite transmission and in co-operation with local broadcasters. SMG has a dedicated Sports Channel which will carry most of the Olympics coverage, supplemented with updates on the News Channel.  Others include dedicated entertainment, arts, drama, documentary and children's channels.

Another reason SMG uses Vinten heads is because of their unique Perfect Balance system.  The Perfect Balance system offers precisely the right of amount of torque to counterbalance the camera throughout its tilt range, making the camera seem weightless in the hands of the operator.  The consistent freedom of movement means it is equally easy to move or pan the camera in any direction, and it minimizes the physical effort of working the camera and holding it in position - a significant advantage when working on a busy OB location for long periods.

In addition to the heads, SMG has teamed these with Vinten's tough HDT-1 heavy duty single-stage tripods.  The HDT-1 has a massive 308 lb. (140kg) maximum payload, and the best torsional rigidity and robustness of any heavy-duty tripod on the market.  It easily supports the large camera and lens combinations being used by SMG, making it ideal for the Olympics environment.

For smooth, moving coverage of track events, SMG will be using the lightweight and compact Vinten ENG/EFP folding OB dolly, fitted with fast-action foot-operated brakes.

“The robust, high-quality construction and proven reliability of these Vinten products, all in a cost-effective package, were significant factors in our decision to use Vinten for our Olympics outside broadcast coverage,” said Mr Lin.