Handling all the RF requirements of Love Island with the S6000 for the second time Plus 4 Audio needed a ground breaking systems solution that would push boundaries and further streamline operations on-site.
The TV show is filmed on a Fijian Island and with the celebrity stars diving in and out of water on a frequent basis, the system needed to be waterproof and able to cope with some testing operating conditions.
Trantec 's head of R&D Richard Ganley collaborated with Plus 4 Audio's Stewart Chaney to ensure that system met his exacting specifications. A powerful 'burner circuit' amplifier was added to a standard S6000 transmitter to boost output to 150mW, both were then packaged in a special waterproof housing to allow the celebs to dive in and out of a pool or the sea.
Working with Plus 4 from the outset Trantec fashioned an antenna distribution system that would ensure coverage over the entire site. Plus 4 Audio MD, Stewart Caney, says: "We turned up at Trantec's HQ with a plan of the site and they did the rest - antenna types, active gain, cable type, splitters, combiners and frequency plan. Trantec's experienced team assembled what is quite an esoteric solution. A dry run in the UK confirmed faultless operation and the system has been incredibly reliable on site. Ultimately Trantec listens to our needs and tailor solutions to cater for the most challenging broadcast applications - this sets them apart both in manufacturing and in systems support."
The format of Love Island is centred around one house where the celebrity participants reside. Plus 4 Audio deployed 32-channels on this main site with another eight channels being used for filming away from this central location.
As a champion of the S6000 Plus 4 Audio are very impressed with its 70 Mhz tuning range, which adds flexibility and reliability in the most hostile RF environments. Plus its long battery life - up to 24 hours on a single AA cell is another major asset. Also its miniature transmitter constantly scores highly with the cast being discrete and unobtrusive.
Plus 4 Audio has optimised the potential of both the S6000 and its sister dual channel version since its launch two years ago and now boasts a fleet of over 60 channels. Divided equally between the S6000 multi-channel 2U receiver and its dual -channel sister version - the S6002, the systems' have been deployed on TV shows as diverse as The Royal Variety Performance, Gordon Ramsay' fronted- Hell's Kitchen; Dancing on Ice; The Farm; The Paul O'Grady Show and Games Show Marathon.
(Chris Henry)
