Newsletter from 18/02/2020
Formula 1 Pre-Season Testing 2020
It feels like we’ve been an age without seeing an F1 car on track but the wait is nearly over as pre-season testing begins on February 19 with six sweet days of running in total. Not only does Barcelona herald the launch of Haas and Alfa Romeo’s 2020 challengers, but it’ll give us a rough idea of where the teams stand ahead of the Australian Grand Prix on March 15. Here's everything you need to know before it all gets started. The 2020 FIA Formula One World Championship is a planned motor racing championship for Formula One cars which is due to be the 71st running of the Formula One World Championship. The championship is recognised by the governing body of international motorsport, the Fédération Internationale de l'Automobile (FIA), as the highest class of competition for open-wheel racing cars. Taking place from March to November, the championship is due to be contested over 22 Grands Prix, which would make the 2020 championship the longest in the sport's history. Drivers and teams are scheduled to compete for the titles of World Drivers' Champion and World Constructors' Champion respectively. Lewis Hamilton and Mercedes are the reigning World Drivers' and World Constructors' champions respectively, after they both won their sixth championships in 2019. The big change for 2020 is that the length of testing has been cut by 25%, with six days of running rather than eight. There are two three-day tests: the first from February 19-21 and the second from February 26-28.
Aston Martin Red Bull Racing unveil the new RB16
Scuderia Toro Rosso becomes Scuderia AlphaTauri with stunning new look
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MOBILE PRODUCTION
soulmovie zero6
Zero6 has already been put to use for the production of Mediaset’s Eurogames 2019 (the new name for Giochi Senza Frontiere/Games Without Frontiers/Jeux Sans Frontiers) - amusing games between European nations, with 300 competitors and 30 teams - which began to air in September.With 70 square metres of floor space – enough to accommodate 36 crew and guests in comfort - Zero6 was architected and designed by Soul Movie to its usual standards of leading edge technology, elegance and comfort. It includes two video studios and two sound studios, and can be used simultaneously for the same event by two different broadcasters. The machine room includes a separate area for technical maintenance for the chief engineer.
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NEP ND4 / Double Eagle
We’ve been earning the respect of the industry by raising the bar in technical management, production support and engineering. When content producers need something done right, they look to NEP. True innovation starts with listening to our clients and understanding their goals. Innovation isn’t just about the latest technology; it's about the right technology for the client's goals. If the right technology doesn’t exist, we should create it. Everyone on our team can be an innovator, because new solutions can be found in unexpected places – from engineering to logistics to operations to maintenance.
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Dome Productions Vista
Dome Productions is one of North America’s leading production facilities providers, offering mobile production facilities, transmission services, studio facilities and full turnkey host broadcast services. Dome has worked with all major broadcasters, leagues, teams, rights-holders, production companies, government parties and other content creators. Dome has provided Host Broadcast production, engineering and transmission services to OBS, HBS, and many other international and domestic rights-holders and broadcasters on major international sporting events, and to the Government of Canada on many high profile Government events with international stature.
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Mobile TV Group 46 Flex
Like its predecessor 45 FLEX, MTVG’s latest mobile unit is built around a Grass Valley Kayenne K-Frame X IP switcher (7M/E, 96 inputs/48 outputs), an Evertz 384-port EXE 2.0 IP router with up to 9,600 GBps, and a Evertz Magnum control system to manage the IP infrastructure. “Before IP, to achieve the 1080p capacity of 46 FLEX, you would need a baseband router of at least 3000 x 3000,” says Mobile TV Group, COO, Nick Garvin. “That just wouldn’t be practical or even possible. So, we’re very excited about what IP can offer.” Since both the 46 FLEX unit and the 46 B Unit are connected entirely via IP, every single source is available to either the A unit or B unit at any given time. The truck is among the first to roll with Sony’s new HDC-5500 multi-format live cameras, which are equipped with the world’s first 2/3-inch 4K global shutter three CMOS sensor. 46 FLEX carries four HDC-550’s aboard capable of up to 8x-high-frame-rate in 720p/1080p along with eight Sony HDC-3500 cameras and two Grass Valley LDK 8000 Elite cameras for the booth. In terms of glass, the truck is equipped with one Canon UJ111x8.3B long lens and seven XJ95x8.6B lenses (additional Canon 76x lenses long lenses can be added if using the B unit).
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Game Creek Video relies on RTS intercoms for broadcast of the big game in Miami
As a leading provider of remote production facilities for the biggest live events, Game Creek Video was on site for the final game of the American football season in Miami’s Hard Rock Stadium. The entire production village of Game Creek OB trucks onsite for the game and events – from Friday’s red carpet to Sunday night’s post-game – relied on RTS intercoms for the critical communications that tied everything together. “Basically, we provide the infrastructure for our clients,” says Jason Taubman, Senior VP, Technology for Game Creek Video. “From opening night on Friday through Sunday night’s live coverage, Game Creek Video was responsible for basically every bit of video you saw on Fox television from Miami.”
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Broadcast Solutions delivers additional HD OB trailer to Belarus
Broadcast Solutions supplied an HD OB Trailer with 8 system cameras (prewired for 18 cameras) and the broadcaster plans to use the new production vehicle to enhance its coverage of events in Belarus and abroad. The station will focus on cultural, political and entertainment programs. ONT will use the new OB truck for concerts, shows and political and national events such as city festivals, elections, military parades, etc. With the new OB Van, ONT is massively increasing its capacity with the new vehicle being the largest in the broadcaster's fleet. The OB truck is currently equipped with eight Grass Valley LDX 82 Premiere HD cameras, but is geared up for eight more plus two wireless cameras and the full technical capacity of the OB truck will be used in 2020.
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STUDIO PRODUCTION
A 2020 Look at the State of IP Technology and SMPTE2110
NEP’s diverse body of work covers much more than just outside broadcasts and live events. Today, NEP provides a complete spectrum of solutions that help you bring world-class entertainment to life. NEP offers centralized multi-camera production solutions around the globe to streamline the most complex productions. Our centralized production solutions help create greater efficiency, reduce the need for on-site staff and allow resources to be shared across multiple productions using a hub environment — all while safeguarding the quality of programs. This central-hub solution can help clear the way for creativity, flexibility and consistency across productions.
Six Tips for Simpler HDR Workflows
Working in HDR is quickly becoming a requirement for many creative professionals from production through to post, even if content will be delivered in SDR. However, HDR is still an emerging approach for creating moving imagery with the most dynamic range and richest color delivery possible and can pose challenges for pros throughout the production chain if unfamiliar with key concepts to keep in mind. To help cut through some of the confusion, we’ve compiled a list of six things to consider when building an HDR workflow that will make your job that much easier.
Italian Creative Agency Uses Ultimatte 12 for Building Virtual Studio Sets
Blackmagic Design announced that ViSo Video Solutions has upgraded its virtual reality studios, relying on Ultimatte 12 compositing processors and URSA Broadcast cameras, to produce national television commercials and shows, for clients such as Sky Italia, Mediaset, ESL and Netco Sports.
Founded in 2010, the company not only offers clients its VR services, it also creates all computer generated (CG) and 3D assets needed in house, and provides all post production which includes editing and grading in DaVinci Resolve Studio. The studio’s VR set is 130 square meters and uses three tripod mounted URSA Broadcasts as well as a dolly mounted 4.5m jib on a six meter track. An ATEM 4 M/E Broadcast Studio 4K, with ATEM 1 M/E Advanced Panel, is used for live vision mixing.
SPORT EVENTS
World-famous 80th FIS Kitzbuehel Hahnenkamm Race relies on Antelope Ultra Slow Motion cameras
The challenge was bigger than ever before at the 80th edition of the toughest alpine ski race in Kitzbuehel, Austria. Austrian Television showed up with its brand-new OB truck so the stage was set to add some state of the art technology to produce a thrilling TV production with crystal clear images and replays never seen before. The idea was to implement HSSM cameras at every crucial part of the race so that no action was to be missed. LMC supplied 8 Antelope systems in total. A mix of Compact 350, MkIIs and Picos. One Polecam and one GF8 crane were added for extra dynamics, one Pico was embedded in the snow to get as close to the althletes as possible. Framerates were adjusted to every position to get the best compromise between timing and action. Traditionally the final practice of the Hahnenkamm Downhill race takes place on Thursday. "This is when Austrian TV performs their dress rehearsal - but the whole practice session goes live to air, so all components of all technical crews have to be in position functioning smoothly so everyone gets into a flow for the upcoming weekend" says Felix Marggraff, CEO of LMC with a twinkle in his eye.
Adler Mannheim, Champion German Ice Hockey Club, Scores With Riedel’s Bolero Wireless Intercom
Adler Mannheim, the ranking champion in the German ice hockey league (Deutsche Eishockey Liga or DEL), has adopted Riedel Communications’ award-winning Bolero wireless intercom and Bolero S managed communication service for its 2019/2020 season. Bolero and Bolero S enable clear three-way communications between the goalie coach in the stands, the video analyst in the locker room, and the assistant coach on the bench for every Adler Mannheim game. “As a top team in the DEL, we aim to be the technological pioneer in European ice hockey and have a deep commitment to technical innovation. To give one example, we have been using live tagging for video analysis for many years,” said Youri Ziffzer, Team Manager, Adler Mannheim. “Riedel is the ideal partner to ensure absolutely reliable communication between our coaching staff and video analyst. The Bolero solutions give us maximum flexibility, especially for away games, freeing our staff from having to worry about acquiring radio frequencies.”
IBU Biathlon World Championships 2020 in Antholz
The strong community of ardent biathlon fans who are unable to make it to the beautiful resort of Antholz-Anterselva, in the Italian Dolomites, will thus be able to follow all the action on their national television channels or live on eurovisionsports.tv, where they can enjoy Eurovision Services top-quality unbiased international coverage. TV viewers will be brought as close as possible to the action with 44 cameras around the stadium and medals plaza, including a skidoo camera, a drone, super-slow-motion cameras and a rail camera covering the targets in the shooting area. EBU Members broadcasting the IBU Biathlon World Championships 2020 are: ORF (Austria), BTRC (Belarus), CT (Czech Republic), TV2 (Denmark), ERR (Estonia), YLE (Finland), ARD and ZDF (Germany), RUV (Iceland), RAI (Italy), LT (Latvia), NRK (Norway), C1R (Russia), SKRTVS (Slovakia), SIRTVS (Slovenia), SVT (Sweden), SSR (Switzerland) and UA:PBC (Ukraine).
SHOW EVENTS
Robe Adds Magic to Severina Tour
Croatian singer-songwriter and actress Severina WOWed the crowds at four major arena concerts in the Balkans this fall – at Split and Zagreb in Croatia, Belgrade in Serbia and culminating at the Dvorana Stožice in Ljubljana, Slovenia – which were lit by Slovenian LD Crt Birsa who added over 150 Robe moving lights to the lighting design for the three concerts in Croatia and Slovenia. Crt, whose work is well known internationally – 2CELLOS are among his other current clients – was to light these four special shows for the superstar. Talks originally started back in April 2019 when Severina invited him, set designer Greta Godnic and show director Nejc Levstik to submit ideas. They asked Den Barca of ThenVision to join the creative team and work on the video design and visuals.
Innovative Show Design’s Elation rig at 2019 College Football Awards on ESPN
On December 12, college football’s most talented student-athletes were recognized at the 2019 Home Depot College Football Awards presented live on ESPN from the College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta, Georgia. Justin Garrone and production design firm Innovative Show Design (ISD) have been involved in the show since 2012 and again produced outstanding visuals for the 2019 edition, employing a setup that featured 90% Elation Professional products. This was Innovative Show Design’s 8th year doing the College Football Awards and 5th year since it moved to the College Football Hall of Fame in Atlanta. ISD served as a one-stop-shop for ESPN for the production, handling every aspect of the show from the first truck’s arrival to the last truck’s departure. Not only did they create and manage all lighting, scenic and graphics, ISD handled complete fabrication and installation of the set and was also responsible for all logistics involved with the production inclusive of project management.
Ampco Flashlight chosen technical supplier for Eurovision Song Contest 2020
Emerging victorious after an extensive tender period, Dutch supplier Ampco Flashlight was selected to supply audio, lights and rigging for the 65th Eurovision Song Contest to be held in the Rotterdam Ahoy Arena, broadcast live in May 2020. First equipment load-in and build-up commences early April, however, the preparations are already in full swing. Dick van Berkum, CEO Ampco Flashlight remarks, “We are extremely pleased and proud to be able to cooperate on this unique worldwide event, organised and supplied by Dutch professionals. It is an honour that after ESC Lisbon 2018, where we supplied lights and rigging, we have now been selected as supplier in Rotterdam, adding audio to the portfolio.”
PRODUCTS
Genelec continues sustainable growth with advanced factory expansion
Genelec - the global leader in professional audio monitoring - has signalled a new era of sustainable growth with the opening of a brand new extension to its lakeside factory in Iisalmi, Finland. Utilising the latest technologies, the extension will significantly increase the space, flexibility and efficiency of the company’s warehousing and logistics operations, while ensuring that the entire facility is now powered exclusively by sustainable sources including solar, wind and hydroelectric energy. For over four decades Genelec has consistently followed a path of sustainable development and environmental responsibility, and has made recycled materials, low energy consumption and long product lifespan central to its design philosophy. The current factory by Porovesi Lake in Iisalmi was built in 1985 with an architectural design that complements its beautiful natural surroundings, and was designed to significantly reduce energy wastage through its use of heat recovery and generous
insulation of walls, ceiling and windows.
Robycam Germany becomes Birds Camera Solutions, expands system range and exhibits at Sportsinnovation 2020
Robycam Germany GmbH, based in Bingen am Rhein, Germany, announces the change of name to Birds Camera Solutions GmbH. Birds Camera Solutions continues its business activities unchanged and continues to offer a range of cable camera systems as rentals for productions. In addition, the range of systems has been expanded to include smaller cable camera systems. A new addition to the system portfolio is the Birds Cam System, which is particularly suitable for smaller venues or studios because of its compact winches and camera head dimensions. The company currently offers a comprehensive range of systems deploying the Birds Cam, Robycam Compact and Robycam 3D, which all can be used in a wide variety of locations and productions.
Lawo Celebrates 50 Years of Engineering the Future
Lawo launched its 50th anniversary celebrations in January with a Michelin-star studded party for its 300-plus employees in the company’s hometown in Rastatt, close to the Rhine River and the Black Forest region of Germany. The milestone anniversary follows the company’s most successful business year to date, achieving a record revenue result that represented growth of 40 per cent. This exceptional performance was generated by an extraordinary uptake of Lawo’s IP media solutions based around core products of video, audio, workflow and monitoring technologies. Founded by Peter Lawo in 1970, Lawo started out as an engineering office providing bespoke technical solutions before focusing on broadcast and media production technology. The creative drive of its founder and his son Philipp, who took over as CEO in 1999, ensured continual innovation helped evolve and grow the company into a truly global player.