Launched at IBC 2024: New Sub-GHz BodyWave™ antenna for sound engineers operating in challenging environments

Launched at IBC 2024, the Sub-GHz BodyWave™ antenna promises notable increases in wireless range and reliability of signal in a form factor designed specifically to be compatible with virtually all body worn UHF transmitter packs.

Alongside our partners Raycom, a supplier of pro-audio solutions for TV and Film production, we announced the arrival of a Sub-GHz BodyWave™ for body worn UHF wireless microphone transmitters. AntennaWare’s patented BodyWave™ antenna technology is a body worn antenna specially designed for challenging RF environments and this partnership brings the extended range and reliability credentials of BodyWave™ technology into the Sub-Ghz bandwidth for the first time and in a form factor that works alongside current UHF transmitter packs for film and TV production. It is expected that this clever accessory will become a vital part of the sound engineers' toolkit, used to ensure a robust wireless link for audio content acquisition in scenarios where current solutions struggle.

The careful design and application of RF systems is vital to avoid potential pitfalls in performance, the best conditions for a clean uninterrupted transmission can often not meet the exacting requirements of the set or live location. Raycom has been involved in the supply of high-end RF products for over 30 years, in this time they have devoted a lot of time to assisting end users with the selection and deployment of RF products to meet the needs of film and TV production whilst staying within the bounds of physics. A keen interest in latest product development has always been paramount to this work.

AntennaWare's stand at IBC 2023 attracted the attention of the team from Raycom who recognised immediately the potential of this unique solution to transmission problems caused through absorption and detuning where antennas are in close proximity to the body. The patented BodyWave™ technology uses a novel transmission technique which can add up to 20dB of signal gain for virtually any bodyworn radio mic TX pack simply through a quick and easy antenna replacement.

CEO of Raycom, and highly knowledgeable RF guru, Pyers Easton states; “the use of BodyWave™ in this new antenna can be the ultimate get out of jail card. Reliable audio transmission is vital to avoid costly delays in production. This clever little antenna works with the body rather than fighting against it, also preventing the huge losses when the TX antenna is on the ‘wrong’ side of the wearer relative to the receiver. The peace of mind provided from BodyWave™ will be welcomed in the film and TV industry the world over and certainly all the feedback we've received so far when we have been "road-testing" the idea has been overwhelmingly positive.”

Commercial Director of Raycom , Andy Clements, says “Raycom continually looks for creative advances in technology that will enhance production work flow whilst not breaking budgets. BodyWave™ is the perfect match for this ethos. ”

CEO of AntennaWare, Gareth Conway comments that “we are excited to partner with Raycom for this application and have BodyWave™ used in prestigious, mission critical but often challenging audio acquisition scenarios. It's a great example of how the BodyWave™ antenna technology can be used to solve the bottlenecks in wireless technology across so many use cases."

"With Raycom's deep expertise and reputation within the professional sound industry, we've worked in partnership with the Raycom team to develop this new BodyWave™ antenna product and which Raycom will distribute, complimenting their portfolio of audio equipment for TV, film, theatre and live events, " adds AntennaWare commercial director Jonny McClintock.

BodyWave antenna technology: https://antennaware.co.uk/product/bodywave

Raycom: https://www.raycom.co.uk/