Bittree, a leading manufacturer of high-quality audio and video patchbays and patch panels, today announced the immediate availability of its new SMPTE Camera Hybrid Patchbay. Featuring a newly designed SMPTE-style connector, the space-efficient unit is the company’s first hybrid connector patchbay and supports up to 12 camera connections in just 1RU. Bittree will showcase the new patchbay in Booth SU10507 at the 2020 NAB Show, which runs April 19-22 in the Las Vegas Convention Center.
Designed for OB production trucks, multi-studio, and stadium environments, the SMPTE Camera Hybrid Patchbay provides a smaller, more organized patching system for cameras and CCUs. It eliminates the need to send a technician to change I/O connections on the outside of a production truck, simplifying field and color correction setup. Also, it allows for the easy changing of camera positions when moving cameras within central studios or stadiums. A throughput device, the SMPTE Camera Hybrid Patchbay supports all-fiber rich content productions.
“Fiber-based systems are becoming more and more popular with 4K-driven productions because they allow for more bandwidth and longer cable runs,” said Bryan Carpenter, senior sales consultant at Bittree. “With support for 8K resolution, our new hybrid patchbay is a great long-term investment for any facility or mobile production unit.”
Each newly designed low profile patch point on the front panel features a locking, quick-thread hybrid connector with a red alignment indicator and polarizing pin for reliable connectivity. The new patchbay uniquely incorporates expanded beam technology on the front optical patch point connection, eliminating the need for frequent cleaning or adjustment. A convenient dust cap with lanyard is also supplied on all patch points and patch plugs. The fiber rear interface offers a choice of three types of single-mode connections – Dual ST, LC, or SC.
The SMPTE Camera Hybrid Patchbay also features four large contacts to accommodate 2-16 AWG power conductors and 2-24 AWG AUX (data) conductors. Connecting on the rear of the unit to these electrical connections is accomplished with Bittree’s standardized E3 connector. The patchcord and internal cabling are SMPTE-311 compliant. For extra resilience to elements, the patch points are IP67 rated.
“Nobody in the industry can match the 12-position form factor density of our SMPTE Camera Hybrid Patchbay,” Carpenter added. “We’re also the first company to use expanded beam technology on the optical connection for this type of patchbay, which is a big advantage for our customers because there’s no maintenance.”
Bittree’s ultra-flexible jib type cabled hybrid patchcords are available in assorted lengths, including a short 1-foot (31cm) item SPC1200 for creating neat loop-style connections. Both the SMPTE Camera Hybrid Patchbay item SPB12ST and patchcords are available to order now. Please visit www.bittree.com or contact Bittree for pricing and alternative configuration options.
