NEP Australia chooses Lawo for IP control and processing at new production Hubs
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NEP’s Hubs enable multiple concurrent outside broadcasts (OBs) and will be the world’s largest networked broadcast centers. Based on an internet protocol (IP) core, the Hubs allow for remote, distributed production – meaning cameras and microphones will be located at the venue, with the majority of the production team based at the Hubs. Designed for large multi-camera sports broadcasts, they will accommodate Australia’s most-followed football codes – Rugby League (NRL) and Australian Rules (AFL) – as well as A-League football (soccer) and other popular sports from 29 venues across the country.
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An extensive rollout of Lawo’s new V_matrix platform will see all-IP routing, processing and multi-viewer functionality based around the software-defined virtual modules of the V_matrix ecosystem. In addition, Lawo’s Virtual Studio Manager (VSM) and ‘The WALL’ multi-viewer control will provide over-arching orchestration and control as well as a common user interface for all operators.
Along with the new software-defined V_matrix platform, NEP has also committed to the new mc296 audio console for six control rooms and four mc256 audio consoles for the new IP–based outside broadcast trucks.
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The NEP-Lawo deal also encompasses audio and IP processing equipment for four new outside broadcast (OB) trucks and the upgrade of seven trucks in NEP’s existing OB fleet.
NEP Australia’s Director of Technology, Marc Segar, said: “We were looking for a flexible and virtualised environment based on IP that would be agile enough for all our sporting codes, scalable for any size project, and integrate well with audio and communications – arguably the most complicated part of what we are trying to achieve. We found that Lawo’s vision was best aligned with ours and with the V_matrix software-defined platform and its Virtual Module-based functionality we are able to meet any size production with the flexibility to change easily between different project requirements.
“The deep integration with VSM means we can use the networked capabilities, increased flexibility and higher performance of the Lawo video and audio product lines and also seamlessly integrate with other manufacturers. Another major plus is Lawo’s systems share the common control panels and interfaces that our operators are used to, so it’s no different for staff delivering the events.”
Lawo’s CEO, Philipp Lawo, remarked: “This is not only a milestone for Lawo and NEP, this is a major milestone for the entire broadcast industry. We are looking forward to delivering on NEP’s vision on this pioneering project and in close co-operation with our local partner, Professional Audio and Television (PAT).
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“Together with the highly accomplished partners on this project with we will set the standard for the future of our industry. Indeed it is a new chapter in our industry – Broadcast 3.0 – and we are proud to be at the epicenter!”
NEP’s Sydney and Melbourne production Hubs are under construction and will be operational for the start of the AFL and NRL seasons in March 2018.
About NEP Australia
NEP is Australia’s largest and most experienced outside broadcast and studio facilities company, providing broadcast infrastructure for major sport and studio productions across the country and internationally. NEP facilitates more than 2,000 hours of Australian broadcast television each year, including live sport (NRL, AFL, Cricket, MotoGP, Australian Formula 1 Grand Prix), popular series and drama (My Kitchen Rules, The Voice, Family Feud, The Chase, Australian Ninja Warrior) and live entertainment and event programs (Dancing with the Stars, The Footy Show and the annual Logie awards). The company is also internationally recognised for its technical expertise in host broadcasting and major events, managing complex projects including the 2018 Gold Coast Commonwealth Games, 2014 G20 Leaders’ Summit, and 2014 Glasgow Commonwealth Games. NEP Australia is wholly owned by NEP Group Inc.
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About NEP
NEP provides the technology and know-how to enable clients to produce the world’s most prestigious live and broadcast events around the globe. The company is the leading worldwide provider of outsourced production solutions offering technical services for remote production, studio production, video display, host broadcasting, post production, premium playout, smart asset / media management, and multi-screen delivery. NEP’s more than 3,000 employees are driven by passion and a focus on technical innovation, and together they have supported productions in over 85 countries on all seven continents. NEP is headquartered in the United States and has offices in 21 countries.
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 the highest quality standards at the company’s headquarters in the Rhine valley town of Rastatt, Germany.