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.