Library Press releases Alulite

Increase efficiency while lowering cost is top of mind for many manufacturers. Heading into this year’s IBC, broadcasters seems, more than ever, confronted with the same concern. As rising fuel costs strongly impact transportation prices, production budgets are significantly suffering. Now, you better think twice before sending all your material around the world… every ‘pound‘ counts! To save weight has definitely become a key parameter in product development.

Until now, the goal of developing ultralight equipment was mostly to enhance viewers’ experience, to place them in the middle of live action. This implied cameras to reduce in size, to be installable almost anywhere. One such challenge was realized this year to broadcast the DTM¹ car races. Fischer Connectors collaborated with WIGE and Link to develop a fiber-based system, in which cameras were placed in the race cars, pit lanes and antenna receiver boxes around the track. Not only this enabled the realization of a thrilling car racing coverage but - replacing the usage of helicopters to relay video and audio feeds - it also proved very cost-effective.

Obviously, when it comes to portable equipment - like hand-held cameras, battery packs, LCD monitors, or prompters - weight definitely also matters. To operate such material is more convenient and flexible for the shooting crew, especially in adverse outdoor filming conditions with uneven ground or harsh weather. Easier to handle, ultralight equipment contributes to superior tracking precision, thus higher-quality images. Moreover, it makes transportation simpler and cheaper. Again, more efficiency for every one: better picture with lower production costs.

For sure, the need for ultralight and miniaturized material is a key opportunity in the current market environment. But out of question to settle for less performance: lightweight and compact equipments, yet as efficient, even superior, as normal size products. This was our mind-set while developing our new Fischer AluLite Connector Series. Aluminium engineered, it is significantly 50% lighter than typical metal connectors. Ultralight, compact and offering excellent strength to weight ratio, this new connectors range is ideal for hand-held material, mobile equipment, batteries and power supplies, trollies, rack-mounted units or auxilary equipment.
Available in a wide range of bright colors, our Fischer AluLite connectors easily integrate with high profile product designs, while also offering a flexible color-coding system. Rugged, sealed up to IP68, operational from -50°C to +150°C, they can withstand the harsh field conditions of outside broadcasting. Accepting cable diameters from 1.4 to 10.7mm, they are available in multipole from 2 to 27 pins and, upon request, in coax, triax or hybrid contact configurations.

Further miniaturization in broadcast equipment design will keep evolving as an important market trend. If until now its main key drivers were improved viewers’ delight and increased user-friendliness for shooting crews, today an additional yet critical economical parameter has arisen. Will fuel cost ever stop rising? This question is, more than ever, up-to-date and it will certainly place lightness and compactness as top priorities in many product designs. So, if weight considerations are important in the development of your equipment, think about the new aluminium engineered Fischer AluLite Series - significantly 50% lighter than typical metal connectors. Sceptical?... Come and feel the difference yourself at our stand n°11.E61.

For more than 50 years, Fischer Connectors has been designing, manufacturing and distributing high-performance connectors and cable assembly solutions. Known for their reliability, precision, and resistance to demanding environments, its products are commonly used in high end electronic equipment such as medical apparatus, scientific or instrumentation devices, broadcast, defense and security systems. Primary design and manufacturing facilities are located in Switzerland, with subsidiaries and distributors located worldwide.

¹ Deutsche Tourenwagen Meisterschaft