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Look after you leap!

If ever the mood takes you to bungee jump off the Bloukrans Bridge - which at 216 m is the highest commercial bungee jump in the world - rest assured that the experience will last for a lifetime. Not only do those who have taken the plunge say that the adrenalin rush is unforgettable, but you can also purchase a video of your descent taken from seven different angles in the gorge, in the format of your choice.

The value-added offering has been enabled by the innovative use of Panasonic closed circuit television (CCTV) equipment and video tape recorders (VTRs), imported to and distributed in South Africa exclusively by NPC (Electronics) (Panasonic), in an end-to-end solution. Durban-based Videquip designed and supervised the installation of the seven Panasonic WV-CP470 CCVE cameras at carefully selected points in the gorge. The cameras are linked to two recorders - a Panasonic MV-20 VTR, normally used in domestic applications; and a Panasonic AG-W3 VTR, which offers the versatility of multiformat recording options.

Panasonic WV-CP470 CCVE camera

In addition to providing bungee jumpers with the opportunity to capture their jump in full colour video, the recorded images also provide the organisers of the Bloukrans Bridge bungee jump facility with material for safety review purposes. "Until October/November last year, when the Panasonic CCVE cameras and VTRs were installed, the organisers used a handheld camcorder-type video camera to film the jumps - a system that had obvious limitations," says Videquip's Ian Thornhill. "With the additional cameras in place, each jump can be recorded more extensively, with clear benefits to all concerned."

Commenting on the unusual use of the equipment, Panasonic Director, CCVE Systems, Mags Anthony, says, "Considering that CCTV equipment is generally a grudge purchase as it does not generate revenue, it is a refreshing change to see it being used to make money, not to mention providing thousands of adrenalin junkies with memory-stirring video footage."

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