Bexel is Sole Distributor of Quantum5X Systems for NBA Season

June 16, 2015 - Burbank, CA - Bexel, a part of the Vitec Group's Production Services business unit and a leading worldwide provider of broadcast services and solutions, was selected by the National Basketball Association (NBA) to be the official provider of the league's approved Player Microphone System. Bexel was the exclusive distributor of the packages, and worked directly with ESPN, TNT, and select regional broadcasters who utilized the sanctioned technology. Bexel has packaged five Player Microphone Systems which were transported and deployed throughout the season. Up to two players per game were wired for sound, and audio from the Player Microphone Systems were controlled by the league and used by broadcasters for replays. The centerpiece of the system was the Quantum5X (Q5X) QT5100 PlayerMic, which was tested in select games last season. It features a unique, rubberized, low-profile transmitter housed in a neoprene pouch, and sewn into a specially designed pocket in a player's jersey. A wire was run from the transmitter up to the collar of the jersey, where a Countryman B6 lavalier microphone was clipped.

"We were very pleased to work with the NBA on the deployment of their Player Microphone System," says Lee B. Estroff, vice president of Account Development for Bexel. "In the past, the league worked directly with the manufacturer, but as the infrastructure to support a comprehensive rental environment wasn't there, and as we have a longstanding relationship with the NBA, they turned to us this season to do what we do best. We managed, coordinated, and facilitated the systems around the country. The process was very streamlined, as Bexel is the only company authorized to supply the packages."

Each package contained five transmitters, one receiver, and a small, handheld unit that remotely controlled the transmitters. Two transmitters were used at a time, and the others served as back-up. "The remote unit was key," comments Ted Marvin, audio engineer for Bexel. "You can make adjustments with it, such as power, frequency and mic gain, but also use it to turn the transmitter on and off, which is crucial. Players were outfitted with the transmitters well before the start of the actual game, and if they were left on, the battery would expire before the broadcast was over. When the game was about to begin, without having to bother or interact with the player, the transmitters were triggered remotely."While the core product provided by Bexel was fixed, there were many variables involved as well. "We serviced the two primary broadcasters, ESPN and Turner Sports, and had to address the needs of the regional networks that were using the player mics for games as well," notes Marvin. "We tailored each package to contain the accessory equipment needed to match every individual application. We packaged the fully functioning systems in as condensed a manner as possible, so that they were easy to ship from site to site and track." Customized pelican cases, with specially designed inserts and linings, were used by Bexel to protect the units and present them cleanly.The system's receiver lived in the arena, off court, in a small station where the microphones and other devices used for the game were all centralized. "We were obviously very familiar with the ESPN and Turner set-ups," says Marvin. "So we integrated the NBA packages into their existing systems that serviced the wireless mics for the sideline reporters, any coach's mics, and a wireless intercom that the audio assist uses. For the regional packages, we provided a more complete package that included all the external antennas and accessories they might need. We also provided very clear instructions on the use and operation of the system. And if needed, Bexel was certainly available to provide onsite support."

"As part of our complete services offering, we consulted with the NBA and Q5X to address any possible issues on how the wireless microphones might perform," concludes Estroff. "Some adjustments were made this season regarding the proper placement of the transmitter in its new configuration. We worked closely with all parties involved to make sure the mics are comfortable and safe for the players. Player safety is the foremost concern for the NBA, and of course it is for us as well."

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