In response to a surge in interest from traditional broadcasting clients and a rising demand from the robotics, security, and defense sectors, VideoSys Broadcast has enhanced its office and manufacturing capabilities.
The company is actively expanding its workforce by hiring additional design and production personnel. Moreover, it has established a distinct brand for its antenna division, now known as VB Antennas, following the acquisition of Masthead Antennas two and a half years ago.
“As the acquisition of Masthead, we have optimized our design and manufacturing workflows to ensure product consistency. We standardize parts and utilize components sourced from commercial suppliers,” explains Colin Tomlin, CEO of VideoSys Broadcast. “This approach has always been part of our operations, but it is also essential for our ISO 9001 accreditation submission, a globally recognized standard that helps organizations assess their performance and demonstrate a commitment to quality.”
The expansion of VideoSys Broadcast’s antenna division has been driven by its entry into new markets, particularly in security and defense, where there is a demand for robust, adaptable antennas capable of functioning in challenging environments and harsh RF conditions.
“Our antennas operate across the L, S, and C bands, which are essential for ground-based security and surveillance applications, as well as the NATO D-H frequency bands that facilitate battlefield and MANET connectivity, both in motion and stationary,” Tomlin adds.
“We also offer both commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) and custom-designed antennas for unmanned vehicles, including drones, boats, and ground transport, with a variety of connector options. While our roots are in designing and supplying broadcast-quality antennas for live sports and outside broadcasts—a sector that still represents the bulk of our business—the technology we employ for broadcast antennas is equally applicable to these emerging markets. the difference lies in the application.”
Tomlin highlighted that new clients in the defense and security fields have quickly recognized VideoSys Broadcast’s extensive expertise in antennas, as well as its proficiency in video, radio, and camera systems. This unique combination positions the company to offer tailored solutions across a diverse range of applications.
“A prime example is our innovative gooseneck omni antenna, which is perfect for body-worn applications. Its fully flexible neck allows users to orient the antenna in a specific direction, enhancing communication capabilities on the battlefield,” he notes.“We have applied this concept across all our omni and sector antennas.”
Upon entering these new sectors, VideoSys quickly identified the necessity to boost its manufacturing capabilities to respond swiftly to customer needs.
“Many of these emerging markets require suppliers to deliver up to 1,000 units at once, so we must be agile and prepared to meet that demand without compromising the supply of antenna products to our existing clients,” Tomlin states.
“by enhancing our manufacturing capacity, we can maintain lead times of four to six weeks for all customers, which is significantly more efficient than some competitors who have lead times extending to 14 weeks. Additionally, all our products are manufactured in the UK, which is particularly crucial in sectors where product origin and reliability are paramount, and where suppliers undergo thorough vetting before contracts are awarded.”
