MultiDyne Video & Fiber Optic Systems launched a new power extension to allow production companies to free themselves from the limitations of SMPTE cable, and merge broadcast and digital cinema signal chains. The company’s new APE family achieves both by adding advanced power extension capability to MultiDyne’s SMPTE HUT and SilverBack systems via integrated DC power supplies.

MultiDyne developed the APE family to for DC-powered cameras from leading vendors, and the devices are plug-and-play with automatic camera recognition. The HUT-APE “frees camera chains from the limitations of hybrid copper and fiber cabling by enabling cameras to be separated from their CCUs.” MultiDyne says it achieves this by tricking the camera and CCU into seeing a physical copper connection. Content producers can then instead use affordable, conventional single-mode fiber, which brings added benefits such as improved performance (no RF, EMI, or grounding issues), accelerated set and strike times, and reduced weight for transport on OB trucks and within flypacks.

The HUT-APE offers long-range power for DC-powered systems, broadening the range of camera manufacturers and types now supported. Content producers can now pair a HUT-APE with the latest high-end SMPTE studio cameras from Grass Valley, Panasonic and Sony, and provide power from up to three kilometers away over SMPTE hybrid fiber. The HUT-APE can be paired with a companion throwdown power converter to provide 12 and 24-volt accessory power to lights, monitors and other production equipment in places where local power isn’t available.

The chain gets even more interesting when extending capability to include MultiDyne SilverBack fiber camera adapters. SilverBacks are fiber-optic camera adapter systems ideal for multicam production environments. MultiDyne’s latest SilverBack-V and SilverBack-VB systems specialize in converting digital cinema cameras into SMPTE studio cameras for live multi-camera productions, adding a cinematic feel to sports, TV and worship content, for example.

The SilverBack-APE is an advanced power extension adapter that includes multiple outputs and integrates into the SilverBack series. It matches with camcorders or digital cinema cameras from any manufacturer, including the new 24-volt ALEXA35 camera from ARRI, which is quickly becoming very popular in the film production community. The APE lineup adds value by not only adapting 24-volt cameras from ARRI and other vendors to multicamera productions, but also by powering Grass Valley, Panasonic and Sony studio cameras. This makes it a great fit for the rental market.