Many of the toughest decisions that I had to make when I formed Cashmark Media in 2001 were equipment related. What type of gear would best meet the needs of my small video production company? And what switching equipment, cameras, camera adapter systems, monitors, test equipment, etc. should I buy?

Since my purchasing power was not unlimited, the price, as well as the performance capability of the equipment, were equally important to me. After months of scanning dozens of web sites, reading numerous articles in magazines like TV Technology, mulling over stacks of manufacturers' brochures, talking with equipment users and dealers, and making a trip to NAB, I began writing checks.

        As I never know where we will be working, I decided to assemble portable racks instead of building a traditional style truck. The racked equipment can be operated from our climate controlled trailer when we are outdoors, or as flyaways for indoor projects and other situations where a truck would be impractical. After visiting with the Camplex at NAB, I purchased Sony's DSR-370 and 570 camcorders, Sony hand controllers, and four CP-301B-S5 Camplex adapter systems. What a great combination that has proven to be!

        Now, when I interface my camcorders and hand controllers with Camplex systems, the camcorders operate as full blown production cameras. As the Camplex system delivers all of the video, audio, intercom, tally, and data control signals needed for a shoot, it sends DC power to operate the camera, recorder, lens, and viewfinder-----all over one 75 ohm cable. For runs up to 250 feet I use a low loss RG-59 cable. For longer runs I use Belden RG-6 with no loss of power or broadcast signal quality.

        Not only am I happy with the production capabilities of Camplex, but a really important plus for me is the reliability of the systems. Operating in fly aways is extremely hard on equipment, but my Camplex CP-301 systems have performed flawlessly for over three years. We have had such great luck with the Camplex gear that we just added a new flypack with four CP-601 systems with SDI. The picture quality is truly impressive, and most people can’t believe all of the stuff that is traveling down the one small coax line.

        The jobs we perform span the gamut, indoors and out---rock concerts, sporting events, corporate meetings, TV shows, training videos. Like the firehouse dog, when the bell rings, we jump on the truck, ready to go. Unfortunately our current building is at ground level, so we can't slide down a pole, but we've outgrown our location and are looking for a new space. If anyone knows of an old firehouse for sale in the Midwest, let me know! In 2005 the company was fortunate enough to enjoy a 60% increase in revenue. Camplex contributed greatly to that growth.

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