The first truly new wireless antenna for professional sound applications introduced in 70 years is how AntennaWare was promoting this new solution, designed in cooperation with Raycom. This partnership brings the extended range and reliability credentials of BodyWave technology into the Sub-Ghz bandwidth for the first time and in a form factor that works alongside current UHF wireless microphone transmitter packs for film and TV production.
The careful design and application of RF systems is vital to avoid potential pitfalls in performance, the best conditions for a clean uninterrupted transmission can very often not meet the exacting requirements of the set or live location.
As a supplier of professional audio equipment and particularly high-end RF products for over 30 years, working in collaboration with the industry’s top manufacturers, many of which it represents on an exclusive basis, Raycom has extensive experience of the wireless challenges faced by the film, broadcast and live production communities. A keen interest in latest product development has always been paramount to the company's work.
Based on AntennaWare's unique antenna technology, the first Sub-GHz BodyWave antenna promises notable increases in wireless range and reliability of signal in a form factor designed specifically to be compatible with virtually all bodyworn UHF transmitter packs. It is expected that this clever accessory will become a vital part of the sound engineers toolkit, used to ensure a robust wireless link for audio content acquisition in scenarios where current solutions struggle.
AntennaWare also has considerable experience in developing products that address very specific issues in several industries with great success. Their stand at IBC 2023 attracted the attention of the team from Raycom who recognized immediately the potential of this unique solution to solve transmission problems caused through absorption and detuning where antennas are in close proximity to the body.
"The use of BodyWave in this new antenna can be the ultimate get out of jail card. Reliable audio transmission is vital to avoid costly delays in production. This clever little antenna works with the body rather than fighting against it, also preventing the huge losses when the TX antenna is on the ‘wrong’ side of the wearer relative to the receiver. The peace of mind provided from BodyWave will be welcomed in the film and TV industry the world over," explains Pyers Easton, the CEO of Raycom, and highly knowledgeable RF guru.
"Raycom continually looks for creative advances in technology that will enhance production work flow whilst not breaking budgets. BodyWave is the perfect match for this ethos," adds Andy Clement, Commercial Director of Raycom.
Formed in 2020 by Gareth Conway and Matthew Magill as a spin-out from Queens University, Belfast, AntennaWare combines 20 years of cutting-edge academic research with industry expertise to produce an effective and powerful product. As the only antenna specifically designed for wireless wearables, BodyWave antenna technology offers increased radiation efficiency, increased detuning immunity, and unique BodyWave propagation. In addition, the BodyWave antenna range also includes BLE, UWB and DECT radio frequencies.
"We are delighted to partner with Raycom for this application and have BodyWave used in these highly prestigious applications. We met at IBC 2023 and quickly realized the massive benefits for these mission critical applications," states Gareth Conway.
www.antennaware.co.uk
