Unit 8, an HD OB van for up to 24 cameras, is being used for Euro 2012 in Poland
inside the router saves both space and power, eliminating the need for outboard processing and cabling. In turn, this reduces the weight of the installation, and thus a saving in fuel when moving from one location to another. Grass Valley is also the
preferred supplier when it comes to cameras. Unit 7 is equipped with LDK 8000 models using the new GV 3G transmission system. All cameras are fitted with a selection of Fujinon lenses. When it came to an audio
mixer, uniformity was, again, a consideration. “We were already familiar with Lawo audio mixers, so we opted for mc²56 for the upgrade,” confirms Sandig. The mc²56 supplies classic DSP channels (3 x DSP cards, providing 48 DSP channels each). This model has the latest v4.16 software release, which allows the doubling of the available DSP channel count, if necessary. In fact, sound engineers can select either the 48 ‘classic’ or the 96 ‘broadcast channels’ for the DSP boards on the fly. Production from the upgraded truck will be tapeless and file- based. “For this purpose, EVS systems will be used,” says Sandig. “For in- and output of material there are P2 and XDCAM VTRs available and, upon request, we can supply HDCAM, DVCPRO und DigiBeta.”
The fleet
Alongside the upgraded truck, MMG operates a number of other vehicles. These include Unit 8, an HD OB van for up to 24 cameras, two production control areas, an audio control suite and nonlinear editing. The technical equipment is installed on a 16.5m long semi-trailer. This vehicle is being used for Euro 2012 in Poland with the company working alongside service provider Studio Berlin Adlershof (SBA). The fleet also includes two SD trucks each with five cameras, production and sound control, linear and nonlinear editing, one SNG van with four cameras, video and audio switcher and nonlinear editing, and another SNG vehicle for up to two cameras and with the capability for linear editing. There are also two mobile editing units with nonlinear editing, which can be connected to the OB vans via a network – allowing access to the material on the servers.
Alongside economic considerations at this time, Sandig sees the biggest challenge as the creation of a reliable systematical file-based workflow
system specifically for the OB market. He says that providing an additional HD capable truck in the fleet is vital at this particular time. “There is a lot of competition in the OB market, and within the next few months,
the move to HDTV in Germany will be accomplished.” He concludes, “Re-equipping an OB unit is always a major decision for us. We have to be sure that we invest in technology that our customers appreciate. We have
TVBEurope 25 The Workflow
to implement those solutions as quickly as possible so we can get the truck back on the road and earning revenue. But we are absolutely positive about the future and that’s why we are reconstructing our OB van fleet
The recent addition of the NEW AMOS-5 satellite at 17°E to the AMOS constellation at 4°W will enable us to provide excellent pan-African coverage and extend our broadcast and broadband reach with cross-region connectivity between Europe, the Middle East and Africa. At Spacecom, we deliver comprehensive Satcom solutions for Direct-to-Home (DTH) operators, TV broadcasters, broadband Internet service providers, governments, and international corporations.