A demonstration of handheld COFDM transmission technology and a behind-the-scenes look at Ford Field's new teleproduction facilities was attended by 29 members and guests of the Detroit Section on December 10.
Andrew Larsen, Microwave Radio Communications' regional sales manager, discussed the development of small-form-factor MPEG coding combined with COFDM transmission in a compact package that MRC offers as the Reporter. A camera equipped with the transmitter and a small omnidirectional antenna was carried around Ford Field, including behind stands and through tunnels. Attendees observed little or no signal breakup at the receiver, also equipped with an omnidirectional antenna, perched high above the stands. Those in attendance noted an improvement over conventional analog systems which are affected by multipath and require the use of tracking directional antennas to achieve clean video.
Following the demonstration, Ford Field Audio/Visual and Broadcasting Manager Robb Wilson and his staff conducted a tour of the new facility, home of the NFL Detroit Lions, which opened this year. The tour included the all-digital 16-by-9 control room, which produces program material for the scoreboard video panels and the hundreds of TV receivers in the stadium. Also included was a look at the media facilities, the network TV connection equipment, and the on-field interconnect system.