For this, the the tenth Volvo Ocean Race, Livewire have developed 'Media Desk HD'. This has involved completely re-developing the Media Desk used in the 2005-2006 Race and has presented a host of new challenges. The new Media Desk offers HD aquisition from from a new generation of on board HD cameras. The captured video is compressed and transmitted via satellite using Livewire's M-Link X technology.

The Media Desk has the following primary functions:

• The acquisition and delivery of on-board media to Race Office during the oceans legs


• The delivery of weather data from Race Office to the yacht during ocean legs


• The transmission of live video off the yacht during in-port racing

The management and control of the Media Desk can be achieved through the main system console, via the yachts network or, when enabled, remotely via satellite or telemetry links. During the ocean legs the Inmarsat satellite terminals are used to deliver media and receive weather data. The microwave uplink is used to transmit live audio and video back to shore during the in-port racing.

Media Desk HD: Video Console

The Media Desk can be controlled from a laptop connected to the network or from the console. The console contains an 8” HD capable display that is used to display video from the selected camera and to display a menu system. The surrounding buttons are used to control the operating mode, select camera and microphones and to inter-operate with menus. The console is used to select the Media Desk operating mode: “Standby”, “Comms” or “Media” and to remotely control the VTR.
A built in joystick offers control of the PTZ camera position, selection of presets and zoom functions on all cameras. The console provides a headphone outlet and a volume control.