Videosys RF Wireless Camera System
Modern live productions rely on camera systems that can move freely through busy and complex environments while maintaining reliable, broadcast-quality connectivity. To support this, CPL has invested in the Videosys Connected Live wireless camera system, a professional RF-based platform designed for high-performance live production environments, alongside developing a custom backpack solution to improve flexibility and operator comfort on site.
Unlike lower-power 2.4GHz or 5GHz wireless systems often used on smaller productions, the Videosys platform operates using licensed RF transmission, delivering far greater reliability, range and stability in demanding environments such as arenas, festivals and large-scale live events. Combined with ultra-low latency performance and flexible IP integration, it provides a dependable solution for roaming camera operation where reliable wireless connectivity is critical.
The system has already been deployed across a range of live productions, opening up new creative possibilities on stage. In use, it has allowed operators to move freely through performances and demonstrations, capturing close-up moments from within the action rather than from fixed positions in the venue.
Built around the Videosys Connected Live platform, the system includes a CL-RTX transmitter, CL-NODE wireless nodes, CL-BASE unit, Luminex GigaCore network infrastructure and Panasonic remote camera control hardware. Together, this creates a complete system, combining transmission, monitoring, control and network distribution within a single setup.
The system is designed to work with cameras using V-Lock power, making it highly adaptable across different types of productions. Its low-latency performance and IP-based design also make it well suited to modern live environments where flexibility and fast setup are essential.
As the team spent more time using the system on shows, it became clear there was an opportunity to improve how it was physically deployed for handheld and roaming camera operators.
Traditionally, wireless transmission systems are mounted directly onto the camera body. While effective, this adds extra weight and can make handheld operation uncomfortable over long periods, particularly on large-scale events where operators are moving constantly throughout the day.
To improve this, CPL developed a custom backpack-based solution that relocates the wireless transmission hardware and power distribution away from the camera and onto the operator. The goal was simple: reduce weight on the camera, improve balance and create a more comfortable system to work with on long show days.
The backpack also expands camera compatibility. The Videosys system is typically designed to integrate directly with V-Lock powered cameras, and by bringing V-Lock power into the backpack itself, CPL has extended that capability to a wider range of cameras. This is particularly valuable for dry hire applications, where camera choices and operator setups can vary from show to show.
The backpack was adapted in-house to securely house the Videosys system, with a strong focus on reliability, cable management and usability on site. A large part of the build involved custom cable assemblies, soldered connections and 3D printed mounting components designed specifically around the system layout.
A lot of the project came down to refining the operator experience,” explains Matt, Head of Video at CPL. “The Videosys system already performs incredibly well in live environments, so the focus for us was on improving how it integrates into real-world productions. By moving the transmission hardware and power distribution off the camera and onto the backpack, we’ve reduced weight, improved balance and made the system far more comfortable for extended handheld operation. At the same time, it’s opened the setup up to a much wider range of camera platforms, which gives us far more flexibility both on our own productions and for dry hire applications.
Alongside the backpack system, CPL is also developing a custom waterproof cover to help protect the equipment during outdoor events and difficult weather conditions.
Once assembled, the system went through extensive testing before being deployed on live events. This allowed the team to assess RF performance, ergonomics and reliability under real production conditions, while continuing to refine the setup along the way.
The final result is a much more practical solution that improves operator comfort without compromising performance. By combining the reliability of the Videosys RF platform with a custom-built backpack, CPL has created a flexible and production-ready setup designed for the demands of modern live events.
For CPL, projects like this are about more than simply adding new equipment to stock. It’s about looking at how systems are used in the real world and finding ways to make them work better for the people using them on site every day.
