We are gearing up for the games by fortifying our rental department with wireless systems, wireless camera hops, phone taps, press bridges, extra long mic cables, ENG snakes, snake breakouts, and other items that might be required to solve a problem in a hurry. We have walkie talkies. We also have the small items you'll need like replacement lav mics, neoprene transmitter belt packs, specialty cables, adapters and connectors, lavalier windscreens and clips, replacement antennas for transmitters and receivers, and coax cable. Of course we also have a great selection of the latest 9v and AA rechargeable batteries and chargers. Please call us (604-299-9122) to discuss and arrange your rental package needs.

There will be restrictions on wireless use. Please call us (604-299-9122) for accurate and up to date information on wireless channel availability.

Download VANOC Spectrum Management Communications Plan (2.72MB PDF)

TV channel frequencies are also the same in Canada and the US. The local standard for analog TV is NTSC. For Broadcast Digital TV standard is ATSC. For a list of active broadcast channels go to http://members.shaw.ca/nwbroadcasters/tvpage.htm We've had hundreds of requests for this link from people all over the world. Please call us (604-299-9122) for more information.

Canada uses the same 110-120 volt AC power and plugs as the US. People coming from 220-volt countries will need a step-up transformer (or 2).

Getting around the Olympic venues is going to be challenging. Private automobiles will not get anywhere close to the actual venues. It would be good to have folding hand carts for carrying heavy gear from place to place. Call us (604-299-9122) for media-specific transportation information.

Here are some sites you might bookmark as they will have up to the minute media and transportation information:

http://www.vancouver2010.com/media-centre/
http://www.vancouver2010.com/transportation/
http://www.travelsmart2010.ca

This is a good opportunity for many of you to save money on the exchange rate and pick up some brand new gear. Check your exchange rate here *

* This exchange rate calculator is a third party product. Trew Audio cannot be held accountable for any discrepancies you may encounter upon arrival. Conversion rates change daily.

The winter weather here varies dramatically based on altitude. Up on the ski hills it might be sub-zero in the sunshine. Down at the base of the mountain, or elsewhere in the Vancouver area it will likely be above freezing and raining. Gore-tex shells and polar fleece layers can adapt quickly to both environments. Polar fleece pants under gore-tex shell pants combined with a shell jacket over fleece can keep you highly mobile with minimum bulk and weight in sub-zero conditions. (People often forget the fleece pants.) Canada makes the famous Sorel insulated boots. These are not expensive and make a big difference if you intend to spend long days or nights in the snow above the treeline. Hiking boots and warm socks are OK for a few hours on the mountain but if you're up there all day the insulated boots can make the difference between misery and a good time.

Air terminals will be busy. Checked luggage has a better chance of arriving with you than gear sent air freight. However, if you use air freight (it's considerably cheaper) ship it a few days early. Make arrangements in advance for a customs broker to clear the shipment and hold it for you. Customs clearance on freight shipments will probably be backed-up so the earlier you can send it the better.

Crews with hotel rooms in Whistler can probably have equipment shipped directly to their hotel. If they are just there for the day, or planning to stay somewhere else, they can use UPS. There is a small UPS store in Whistler. They tell me they will hold shipments for pick up and charge $13.00 per piece. They seem to know what they are doing. Not surprisingly, they handle a lot of skiing equipment, in and out. Shipments must be prepaid and have the consignee's name and local phone number on the shipment.

The UPS Store (604) 932-7028 / (604) 938-9800 Fax
Suite 106
4368 Main St
Whistler,BC V0N1B4
http://www.canpages.ca/page/BC/whistler/ups-store-the/4031546.html

See www.vancouver2010.com for other games related information.