Bluebell: optical transport solutions

Bluebell designs and manufactures customizable solutions for the broadcast, telecom and professional audiovisual sectors. Their products enable video, audio and data to be transported over long distances using fiber optic and IP networks.

Customization is key when it comes to product development at Bluebell. By listening to customer needs and maintaining a flexible approach, Bluebell is able to deliver application-specific solutions on tight deadlines.

Solutions include stand-alone field deployable products and fixed installation solutions.

IP / SDI Gateway Edge Devices
Fiber extension
Housings and Camera Bases
Stand-alone Blue Nano Modules
SDI conversion
BC160 / BC100 frames

IP/SDI Gateway Edge Devices

BN880 UHD ST2110 Gateway

The BN880 range of ST 2110 Gateways offer multi-channel conversion between SDI and ST 2110. Two variants are available: 2 channel 12G-SDI and 4 channel 3G-SDI. Each channel processes one video, four audio and one ANC data flow. Freely re-map up to 16 audio channels per audio flow.

Additional features include dual 25 Gigabit Ethernet IP media ports (SFP28) with ST 2022-7 hitless redundancy support.

Various modules include:
BN880/2T: Dual 12G-SDI Encapsulator
BN880/2R: Dual 12G-SDI Decapsulator

BN880/1T/1R: 1x 12G-SDI Encapsulator + 1x 12G-SDI Decapsulator

BN880/4T: Quad 3G-SDI Encapsulator
BN880/4R: Quad 3G-SDI Decapsulator

BN880/2T/2R: 2x 3G-SDI Encapsulator + 2x 3G-SDI Decapsulator

Software options include:

  • PTP Synchronised Genlock output
  • Clean & Quiet Switching* (bandwidth limitations apply)
  • Ember+ instead of NMOS

Edgware Encapsulator / Decapsulator

The Edgware Encapsulator module is a powerful edge device positioned between broadcast and IP networks. A single SD-SDI, HD-SDI or 3G-SDI channel is wrapped in IP protocol and multicast over standard 10G Ethernet networks. Set up two IP addresses so that the units pass either compressed or uncompressed video between the Encapsulator and Decapsulator. Configure the modules for SMPTE 2022-6, 2022-7 or ST 2010.

BB450-IP Video + Analog Audio Encapsulation / Decapsulation

The Bluebell BB450-IP SMPTE IP 3G-SDI + 8-channel audio gateway is the logical step into the world of Broadcast IP. With the BB450T-IP transmitter, eight analog audio channels plus a 3G-SDI video signal are encapsulated in SMPTE 2022-6 / 7 or SMPTE 2110 and made available over a 10G Ethernet fiber network interface (in Unicast or Multicast). The BB450R-IP decapsulator extracts 3G-SDI and eight channels of differential line level audio from both SMPTE 2022-6/7 and SMPTE 2110 IP networks.

This equipment is controlled either by the front panel touchscreen, or by the graphical user interface hosted on any PC in the network. Compatible with Ember + control systems, the BC450-IP in SMPTE 2110 mode can also be used with AES67, AVB and Dante devices. As a single-mode interface, it’s a compact, highly versatile unit that can be placed many kilometers from the switch.

SMPTE Hybrid Alternative Connector Kits

Shax Systems

The Shax system enables the deployment of SD-SDI, HD-SDI, 3G-SDI, 6G-SDI, 12G-SDI, 4K, 8K and HDR broadcast cameras (equipped with standard SMPTE 304M hybrid connectors) using ordinary single-mode optical fiber.

Replace the hybrid fiber/copper cable between the camera and CCU with standard fiber cables. Suitable for Outside Broadcast and Fly Away applications, both ends of the system are integrated into robust, compact and lightweight aluminum enclosures. Shax extends the reach of the camera system. The entire system is ideal for stadiums, arenas and concert halls with pre-installed fiber networks.

Shax systems are compatible with Sony – Ikegami – Hitachi / Panasonic / Grass Valley cameras.

ShaxX

The ShaxX system supplies power to cameras equipped with standard SMPTE 304M hybrid connectors. When combined with the Shax-CCU, cameras can be remotely deployed using the ordinary singlemode fiber optic network.

ShaxX-Dual

Le ShaxX-Dual est conçu pour alimenter deux caméras à partir d’une seule alimentation secteur par le biais de leurs propres câbles hybrides.

ShaxX-Lite

With a compact form factor, ShaxX-Lite is the cost-effective solution when less power is needed.

Custom Silhouette Enclosures & Camera Pedestals

Bespoke Weatherproof Enclosures

The Silhouette range is tailor-made, allowing users to integrate customized Bluebell solutions into one of three compact, waterproof enclosures. Models depend on the number of electrical, optical and power inputs/outputs. One application is the control of robotic camera heads, providing power and control to the remote end.

Optional features :

  • Up to three different power sources
  • SMPTE 311 hybrid connectors, Neutrik hybrid Opticalconn connectors or ST connectors
  • RS323, RS 422/485, GigE & tally
  • 12G video transport
  • RTS or Clearcom talkback extensions
  • Analog line-level audio channels
  • Tri-Level synchronization
  • Jumbo packetized Ethernet transport

Camera Pedestals

These custom-built fiber optic signal transport bases are designed to fit Sony and Panasonic PTZ cameras. They are ideally suited to applications where the distance between the camera and base unit is too great for electrical signals.

The base unit on the control room side can be either a 19″ rack-mount chassis that receives signals from several cameras, or a Silhouette box for connection to a single camera. These systems carry 12G-SDI, 3G-SDI, HDMI 2.0, Genlock, Ethernet and RS232/422/485 control.

Blue Nano

Optical Converters

Blue Nano series converters are stand-alone modules used for 4K, 12G-SDI, UHD, HDR optical conversion. Constructed with aluminum frames and lockable XLR power connectors, these super-rugged compact devices are specially designed for outdoor broadcast environments or for use in a fixed 19″ rack installation.

The Blue Nano Range converts E-O and O-E for video, audio and data signals.

Equipped with LC connectors in single- or multi-mode and CWDM or DWDM, these devices carry signals over longer distances than copper cable.

The range includes converters for video (12G-SDI, 3G-SDI, HD-SDI, SD-SDI and ASI), audio, intercom, Ethernet and HDMI.

Bluebell Blue Nano Modules:

BC313T / R: Electrical to Optical Transmitter / Receiver 3G-SDI, HD-SDI, SD-SDI, ASI
BC323T / R / TR: Dual Electrical to Optical Transmitter / Receiver / Transceiver 3G-SDI, HD-SDI, SD-SDI, ASI
BC368: Compact Rack Based Multi-format Converter

  • BN-4: 4 Channel CWDM Multiplexer
  • BN324: 12G Fiber Video Interface Series
  • BN366T / (R): 4 x 3G-SDI (De)Multiplexor
  • BN380H: 4K HDR HDMI to Optical Converter
  • BN385: 3G-SDI, Dual Port Gigabit & Genlock Transmitter
  • BN390T / R: 4 x 3G-SDI to 12G Optical Demultiplexor / 12G optical to 4 x 3G-SDI Demultiplexor
  • BN352: 1 input 4 output Distribution Amplifier
  • BN623: Electrical to Optical Transceiver for Audio & Control
  • BN810: Multi-rate Ethernet to Fiber Converter Module 10/100/1000BaseT
  • BN812: Ethernet to Optical Converter with PoE+

Dense Compact SDI <->Fiber Converter

WB170 Compact 1RU 3G-SDI Transport & Multi Format Interface

Convert up to 32 independent 3G-SDI, HD-SDI, SD-SDI and ASI signals into fibre optical cable with the WB170 ultra compact 19” rack-mount media converter.

Populate the WB170 with WB172 transmitter or receiver cards or the Multi Format WB172-63 SFP cards.

Each incoming signal on a WB172T is auto-sensed, equalised and then reclocked prior to conversion and transmission down a separate single optical fibre. The WB172R corresponding receiver converts two independent optical signals into electrical 3G-SDI, HD-SDI, SD-SDI and ASI. The incoming optical signal is fed to a trans-impedance and limiting amplifier before being electrically reclocked on the outputs.

Adapt the functionality of the unit thanks to various SFP converter modules. Multi format SFPs include conversion to and from Composite, HDMI, DVI, optical and SDI.

CWDM multiplexing is also available using an extended frame version.

Applications include:

  • Studios requiring 3G/HD links to main CAR and with wall mounting capability
  • Integration with existing routing/equipment infrastructure to provide multiple fibre I/O
  • Low cost & high density distribution
  • Remote ingest points and tie-lines between OB vans and Studios

BC160 / BC100 Frames

Modular Rack Mounting Systems

The Bluebell BC160 and BC100 modular rack mounting systems are high density fiber converters designed for bulk optical transport. The BC160 provides features 6 card slots in 1U, while the BC100 features 15 card slots in 3RU.

Both of these reliable optical signal conversion platforms feature dual redundant power supplies and network monitoring. They work well in Outside Broadcast trucks, fixed installations, and fly-away systems.

System monitoring includes card type, PSU status, voltages, internal temperature, etc. External monitoring via an IP network is also possible with an optional BM102 network card (SNMP protocol v2.1 compatible).

Multiple interface cards are available to populate the BC160 and BC100 frames.

BC160i & BC100i with Touchscreen Interface

BC160i and BC100i feature the same functionalities as the BC160 and BC100 with the addition of a touchscreen display interface.

Need more information about Bluebell products?

Ask for a demo or a quote!

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