PRESS RELEASE
Following recent revisions to wireless microphone licensing in Australia and New Zealand to permit digital modulation, Sony’s new DWX Digital Wireless System is now available locally, with frequency blocks within the new 520 ~ 694 MHz range. The DWX system is a significant improvement over analogue systems seamlessly bringing UHF wireless microphone technology into the fully digital domain and as a result, there are DWX systems already in use at Network Ten, the Nine Network and Southern Cross Austereo.
Designed to integrate tightly with the current range of Sony XDCAM shoulder-mount camcorders, as well as being ideally suited to television studio and live performance venue installations, the DWX Series has already been the wireless system of choice for numerous major broadcasters and prestigious live performance venues in Europe and North America including the BBC, NBC, CBS, Turner, Disney and the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation.
The DWX system comprises bodypack (DWT-B01), handheld (DWM-02) and plug-on (DWT-P01) transmitters, with choice of camcorder slot-in (DWR-S02D) and rack-mounted (DWR-R02D) receivers. The system also features adapters for use on professional camcorders without wireless mic slots or standalone use by sound recordists. This is complemented by a range of accessories including extension antennas and remote control options.
Sony Australia & New Zealand Senior Product Manager for Content Creation Nick Buchner said, “Drawing on Sony’s extensive expertise in professional microphones, digital audio and sound design, our objective was to engineer digital wireless systems that provide a significant improvement in audio quality and operational flexibility for electronic news and field production professionals, as well as live performance. DWX is well proven having been available overseas for several years, so we are very pleased that recent regulatory changes now allow us to introduce this class-leading technology into Australia and New Zealand.”
Using a purpose-designed Sony codec chip, the DWX system delivers 24-bit/48kHz digital wireless audio transmission quality. The system is distinguished by its low latency and its secure and reliable operation.
The DWX system delivers a wide dynamic range of more than 106 dB, a wide frequency response of 20 Hz to 22 kHz, and exceptional transient response. Incorporating a newly developed digital modulator, the system permits an inter-modulation-free, equally spaced channel allocation which allows for large-scale multi-channel operations. Additionally, the system’s technology provides up to 50% more simultaneous wireless channels. For example, up to 14 channels of simultaneous operation is possible on a single UHF TV channel (at 7 MHz bandwidth).
An innovative digital modulator permits highly stable wireless transmission which is extremely tolerant to interference. In addition, digitally modulated and encrypted data helps to provide highly secure transmission and minimise the risk of interception.
Sony’s Cross Remote feature allows transmitter functions and status to be monitored and controlled from the receiver or from Wireless Studio control software on a connected PC. For example, the battery state and settings of a transmitter worn under clothing can be easily checked and settings changed over the wireless link.
The DWT-B01 and DWT-P01 digital wireless transmitters feature:
• compact bodypack or plug-on transmitters, accept mic or line input
• selectable output power for stable and long-distance transmission (1/10/50 mW)
• easy-to-read, full dot-matrix OLED display
• DWT-P01 supplies 48V phantom power
The DWM-02 digital wireless transmitter features:
• handheld type, with robust metal construction
• choice of using Sony or third party microphone capsules
• selectable output power for stable and long-distance transmission (1/10/50 mW)
The DWR-S02D digital wireless receiver features:
• world’s first two-channel slot-in space diversity receiver
• mounts directly into two-channel digital slot on current Sony XDCAM camcorders
• rear-mountable to other camcorders with DWA-01D adapter
• can be operated standalone, using DWA-F01D adapter
• supports analogue or AES3 digital audio output
• rugged, lightweight compact design
• easy-to-read, organic full dot-matrix OLED display
The DWR-R02D digital wireless receiver features:
• two-channel rack-mount space diversity receiver
• AC or 12V DC powering
• supports balanced and unbalanced analogue or AES3 digital audio output
• LAN connection
• easy-to-read, OLED display
• choice of optional external antennas
DWX system products are available now, from Sony authorised Content Creation and pro audio dealers across Australia and New Zealand.