Array Wireless Inc., a technology leader in the creation of efficient, high linearity microwave power amplifiers, announced that its enabling amplifier technology was successfully used to support the filming of aerial stunt sequences for the upcoming movie “Escape Plan,” starring Sylvester Stallone and Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Paired with a low latency HD camera and microwave transmitter, Array Wireless’ linear power amplifier was used by RF Film to deliver real time imagery of aerial stunt sequences to the film’s production team. The power amplifier enabled the transmission of high definition video at distances further than previously available, giving the director greater freedom to pursue more exciting footage. RF Film uses a helicopter equipped with a nose mounted turret, which houses the transmission and film equipment. The filming helicopter is used in-trail to a stunt helicopter, to capture near-in, high action shots as both helicopters are in free flight.
“RF Film is a pioneer in the development of wireless, mobile HD camera systems, and was the first to apply this type of linear amplifier technology to film production,“ stated Cliff Cooke, president and chief executive officer of Array Wireless. “Since 2006, RF Film has chosen Array Wireless’ amplifiers as the “go-to” technology for integration into the camera systems used for all the major Hollywood films they’ve worked on. These wireless systems enable real-time viewing from longer link distances, meaning the director can get the right action shot every time.”
RF Film has a reputation for providing innovative camera systems designed with the best performing, highest quality technologies available. Real-time wireless HD camera systems cut hours of production time for complicated shots, enable multiple camera feeds to one location, and reduce set-up costs by eliminating the need to run cables and use additional manpower.
Array Wireless’ patent-pending linearization technology minimizes waveform distortion and improves multipath performance providing superior signal quality for complex multi-carrier modulation schemes, while minimizing DC power consumption, heat and weight. The company’s product line incorporates leading-edge GaN HEMT semiconductor technology from Cree Inc. This powerful combination of Array and Cree® technology results in smaller and more efficient product packages that are well suited for the wireless HD camera systems used for film production, including rigs fitted to ground and airborne vehicles, and head mounted and hand-held devices.