I used to dream of one day being like the cameraman on “Max Headroom” — walking around with my camera completely wireless and mobile. Granted, at that time I didn’t imagine any of the pitfalls, like the assignment desk being able to watch everything I do during the day.

I could put up with the paranoia that I’m being watched while eating my lunch in exchange for the creative flexibility of wireless video.

Microwave Radio Communications (MRC) has developed a great tool for TV crews to add to their video arsenal. The MDR-2 is a new wireless diversity receiver that uses two separate antennas and sophisticated electronics to minimize the chance of weak or lost signals from a roving wireless camera.

This lightweight, briefcase-style portable receiver uses something called “Maximal Ratio Combining” (often called MaxRC — I call it hocus pocus), which electronically adds the individual inputs for improved performance and range. Combining an MDR-2 with an MRC digital wireless camera transmitter can improve coverage and reliability for live sports, news, major events… and just about any situation.

Basically it uses the same two antenna “diversity” idea you have on your wireless microphone to prevent fadeout from reflections off buildings and hard-headed reporters.

The MDR-2 includes an integrated MPEG-2 decoder that can furnish video and audio feeds in either analog or digital formats. The receiver and its antennas can be tripod mounted or rack mounted. The power input can be AC or DC.

Run… Be free… and have your reporter find something other than your cables to trip over.

Visit http://www.mrcbroadcast.com/products/MDR-2.htm for more info.

We’re having unusually nice weather here in DC - sunny and 65 degrees F at the end of November. So I smiled when I went through my run bag and had to move my Storm Jacket out of the way to find something.

Vortex Media’s Storm Jacket is a quick and easy cover for transporting your camera in bad weather. Doug Jensen sent me a sample, and at first I didn’t understand it. The material is light and strong, and it’s definitely waterproof. It just doesn’t have an opening for a lens or viewfinder.

But the first time I had to walk a couple of blocks from my car to an interviewee’s office in the pouring rain, it all made sense. If you’re not going to be shooting in the rain, why spend the time to install your rain gear? This quick-to-install cover is the perfect short-term protection for your camera as you move around outside.

Once inside the office, the cover quickly comes off and you’re ready to shoot.

Check out this slick little slicker at: http://stormjacket.com

The perfect way to get your reporter off the phone before a live shot… make the cell phone their IFB.

This latest development from Active Media, out of Victoria, British Columbia, is one of those “why didn’t I think of that” inventions.

It is simply a tiny, battery powered amp that plugs into the headphone jack on just about ANY cell phone and allows a standard IFB earpiece to be used to listen to off-air programing. It even comes with a mic to allow you to “talk back” to the producers.

There is a very slight delay due to the digital compression of the cell phone, but with today’s digital microwave and sat shots, mix minus is already required.

Check out this little Canadian creation at: http://cellphoneifb.com.

In an attempt to keep you up to date on the latest news affecting Television Photographers, we’re launching b-roll.net TODAY.

What’s the latest product on the market that can make your life better? Or at least look cool?

What are the latest rumblings in the industry? Who’s expanding? Who’s laying off?

What’s a cool new trick to help you get that perfect shot?

What’s a good joke to share on your next stake out?

You’ll find the answers to these and more questions right here on b-roll.net TODAY.

Submit your stories and ideas to info@b-roll.net.