Lawo V__matrix: Core of NEP Belgium’s New S8L HD/UHD Truck

New to the S8L and the Streamline OB vans in general is the implementation of a Lawo V__matrix software-defined IP routing, processing and multi-viewing core which handles processing, de-/embedding and RGB color correction of the signals. The S8L comes with two video stageboxes, each equipped with a Lawo V__link4 for IP video, audio and sync transport and A__mic8 units for additional network-based audio IO. The IP stageboxes provide four 3G/HD/SD SDI inputs and outputs in addition to its audio capabilities. Each stagebox is connected via a 2x10GbEthernet fiber to the V__matrix IP-Core. The system supports ST2110, ST2022-6/7 and Ravenna/AES67 streaming formats.

Providing overarching control is a VSM IP broadcast control system, which handles the IP stream management and oversees the complete installation including the Sony XVS6000 vision mixer, the Ihse KVM, the Lawo audio console and the Riedel intercom.

A Lawo mc²36 40-fader console with its compact size, its integrated router, in-built DSP and I/O meet all the requirements for 5.1 surround productions and workflows. For flexible audio connectivity one audio stagebox with Lawo’s mc² Compact I/O has been chosen to expand the mc²36’s connectivity. Connected via fiber, the ruggedized 5RU stagebox provides additional 32 Mic/Line inputs, 32 Line inputs, 8 AES I/Os and GPIOs in a AES67/RAVENNA transport mode. In addition, a DirectOut Montone 42 MADI to Audio-over-IP (RAVENNA) bridge provides seamless integration of network audio with the existing infrastructure.

“It was awesome to work with Lawo and Broadcast Solutions during the design of this truck. The level we achieved working with all the different engineering departments helped us to design the model-solutions of the future. Thanks to Lawo’s support and vision, we can start today producing over IP-networks”, says Geert Thoelen, Transition Manager, NEP Belgium.

The NEP Belgium S8L truck is already out on the road, doing regular productions for Jupiler and Proximus League (1^st and 2^nd division football). Last weekend the truck produced the live transmission of the Graspop Metal Meeting in Dessel, Belgium, featuring acts like Guns’n’Roses, Marilyn Manson, Iron Maiden, Ozzy Osbourne and more.

About NEP Belgium

Driven by the passion for television, NEP Belgium is one of the leaders in the provision of services on the European broadcast market. By combining the latest technologies with the latest equipment and a team of multilingual professionals, we stand for customer-oriented productions.

NEP Belgium is one of the market leaders in the television broadcast in Belgium and other European countries. The company offers a high level of broadcast experience and has a proven track record in delivering outstanding broadcast solutions at various events such as sports competitions, talk shows, TV shows and music events, as well as extensive experience with live broadcasts of institutional events and corporate communication.

The company was founded in 1989 - under the name of Outside Broadcast and then started its first OB van with six camera setup for the Flemish commercial channel, VTM. With the focus on multi-camera productions, the company was able to build a fleet of vehicles and permanent production areas with the latest technology on board for entertainment and variety shows, government assignments, music programs and national and international sporting events.

Our company is located in Rotselaar, near the European capital, Brussels. It also offers studio facilities and production areas from a second location in Londerzeel, about 20 km north of the capital.

NEP Belgium relies on a highly motivated team of television professionals who have accumulated a wealth of experience and know-how over the years. The company can emphasize the involvement of the engineers in order to achieve the most user-friendly environment possible. Our recording trolleys, MCRs and facilities are built by the people who use them effectively. Design, furniture, engineering, wiring and system integration are fully taken care of by interns. We are convinced that this unique approach leads to a reliable and comfortable working environment for all the production staff involved in external broadcasts. Every project can rely on our multilingual teams, which are put together according to the individual needs of the customer.

The spoken languages at NEP Belgium are mainly Dutch, English, French and German.

About Broadcast Solutions GmbH

Broadcast Solutions GmbH is one of Europe’s biggest system integrators. Started in Germany 15 years ago, the company stands for innovation and engineering „Made in Germany“. With subsidiaries in Europe, Asia and the Middle East Broadcast Solutions plans, implements and realizes projects in the areas of Outside Broadcast, Satellite Communication, Studio and MCR Broadcast Facilities, Sports Arena Multimedia Solutions as well as mobile Security and Surveillance Solutions. A further emphasis of the company is to consult our customers when it comes to workflow optimization, training and production consultancy. Acting as a distribution company Broadcast Solutions offers sale and rental of exclusive and innovative products in defined areas or as worldwide distributor. With more than 100 employees worldwide and working as a hardware independent system integrator Broadcast Solutions offers its customers tailor-made solutions – from idea to implementation and beyond.

About Lawo

Lawo designs and manufactures pioneering network, control, audio and video technology for broadcast and post production, as well as live performance and theatrical applications. Products include control and monitoring systems, digital audio mixing consoles, routers, video processing tools as well as solutions for IP-based A/V infrastructures and routing systems. All products are developed in Germany and manufactured according to highest quality standards at the company’s headquarters in the Rhine valley town of Rastatt, Germany.