Canford has launched a fibre-optic multiplexing transport system, capable of carrying up to eight 3G/HD/SDI signals on a single SM optical fibre, or up to 16 with two systems linked.

The system comes in two configurations, either eight in a single direction or four each way in the bi-directional option. For the standard single direction system, the transmitter and receiver are both 1U devices. The bi-directional system consists of two transceivers, which are also housed in 1U cases. Each version of the system is also available in high- or low-wavelength band options – the lower band avoids the water peak wavelength to maintain maximum transmission lengths.

All transmitters, receivers and transceivers have optical expansion ports so that two systems can be combined to provide transport of 16 SDI signals in one direction or eight in both directions over a single optical fibre. All of the units’ SDI ports are re-clocked automatically and have automatic rate detection, so that jitter caused by long coaxial runs will not affect the maximum optical run-length and vice versa.

A front panel OLED screen displays optical power, SDI signal presence, temperature and system voltages. Alarms can be set up to trigger an audible tone or relay contact-closure, giving peace of mind when it comes to detecting and resolving distance, grounding and interference issues.

The systems are all available ready mounted in ‘racked’ flightcases. The flightcase version may be specified with adapter panels, which can be front or rear mounted to interface between the unit’s ST fibre connection and deployable rugged fibre, including SMPTE 311/304, Neutrik opticalCon, Stratos/Tyco Pro-Beam/Telecast MX expanded beam and other systems.

The Fibre Multiplexing Transport System has been extensively trialled in the field by one of the UK’s leading OB specialists, and was used during the London Olympics and Queen Elizabeth II’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations.