Telecast Fiber Systems wins 2026 Technology & Engineering Emmy

Telecast Fiber Systems was recognized by the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences for a hybrid cable format converter and power injector used in broadcast production. The award highlights technology that lets camera chains run over existing single-mode fiber while carrying video, audio, data and power.

Why it matters: - The award spotlights a broadcast infrastructure tool that helped productions use existing fiber already installed in venues. - The SHED system made it possible to move video, audio and data to cameras while reinserting power at the far end. - The recognition also reflects a technology that supported the industry's shift from analog to HDTV production.

What happened: - The National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences recognized Telecast Fiber Systems with a 2026 Technology & Engineering Emmy Award. - The award was for the SMPTE Hybrid Cable Format Converter and Power Injector. - The honor is shared with Bluebell Opticom Ltd and MultiDyne Electronics Inc. - Telecast's contribution was the SMPTE Hybrid Elimination Device, branded as SHED. - Recipients will be honored at a joint ceremony with the Television Academy on Wednesday, Oct. 14, at the Television Academy's Saban Media Center in North Hollywood, California.

The details: - SHED allowed high-definition camera chains to transmit over standard single-mode fiber already installed in a venue. - The system carried video, audio and data to the camera. - SHED also reinserted camera power at the far end. - Telecast designed and built the first generation of SHED systems for CBS Sports in 2003. - CBS Sports used the system to unify its analog and HDTV golf productions at Augusta National. - Eugene Baker said there was no road map, no standard handshake and no safety interlock for the high voltage. - Baker said each manufacturer was different and not always willing to share details, so each camera interface needed to be reverse engineered. - Richard Cerny said the company is grateful to the Academy and to CBS Sports management for the first outing on shows that could not fail. - Cerny said the engineering team and everyone who worked at Telecast deserve the credit.

Between the lines: - The award reinforces how a practical behind-the-scenes engineering fix can have lasting influence across live television production. - The recognition also underscores the value of adapting existing venue infrastructure instead of replacing it. - Telecast's early work shows how broadcasters solved interoperability problems before standards caught up.

What's next: - The Emmy recipients will be formally honored on Oct. 14 in North Hollywood. - Telecast Fiber Systems is now part of Belden Corporation, which acquired the company in December 2009. - Baker now runs Connexion Design, and Cerny runs Backbone Broadcast. - More information is available in the company's announcement.