Newsletter from 29/09/2020
Most visited OBVans/Trucks in September: The TOP 16
Most visited OBVans/Trucks in July: The TOP 16
- HD Broadcast UHD2
- WDR Ü3
- Mizmor OB3 HD
- CTVS HD4
- KR Supreme
- NEP SS4
- SUMC 4K OBVan
- TVN Ü6
- RTBF MediaUnit 1
- Point to Point
- Videe OBX
- NVP OB6
- Global Production OB8
- TV Skyline Ü11
- NEP Sweden UHD 1
- SMT UHD S1
For the Ranking in July please visit the TOP12 most visited OBVans/Trucks in July
Sign up for the EVS live web show on October 14!
Launched at the beginning of the Covid-19 outbreak, EVS’ Live Production Anywhere initiative defines the tangible changes that broadcasters can introduce into their infrastructures today, to facilitate the transition towards remote production workflows. The initiative highlights the best practices in the industry, and showcases the latest tools and technologies that are designed to enable a seamless move towards production models where location is no longer a constraint.
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MOBILE PRODUCTION
EMG NOVA 103
Very spacious and kitted out with the latest technology, Nova 103 is paired with its twin truck Nova 104. Both trucks are equipped for large, high-end sports productions and both have been commissioned as host broadcasting trucks for UEFA EURO 2020, scheduled to occur from 11 June to 11 July, 2021. Due to being broadcasted all over the world, very large international sports events such as the UEFA Super Cup require a strong processing power allowing for production feeds in multiple formats and a video switcher suited for simulcast production. Nova 103 and Nova 104 can output multi-format feeds: UHD 3G-SDI HDR 1080p50, UHD 3G-SDI SDR 1080p50, HD SDI SDR 1080i50 & HD 3G-SDI SDR 1080p50. The triple extension trucks are both equipped with ultra-modern technologies such as the Grass Valley K-Frame X mixer; the Lawo MC56 mixing console and the EVS Cerebrum control system; full IP audio & intercom.
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02 WDR Ü3
Systems integrator Broadcast Solutions has built a new 6-camera television OB van, named Ü3, for German public broadcaster WDR. WDR is the biggest broadcaster in the German association of public broadcasters – ARD. The vehicle impresses with a compact design, a well-thought-out room concept, eight flexible workstations and focuses on flexible production approaches and novel interconnectivity and stagebox solutions. During planning and implementation, many considerations regarding the function and application of a TV OB van were realised in combination with two additional new radio OB vans, also manufactured by Broadcast Solutions for WDR. The idea behind the concept was to create a multimedia approach for an OB van reflecting the changes in media production. At the same time, WDR and Broadcast Solutions had to take into account the interaction of Ü3 with other mobile production units (legacy and new, TV and radio) of WDR. The newly built Ü3 is part of an overall concept and marks the start of a cross-media fleet of production tools for WDR.
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Sichuan University of Media and communication 4K HDR OBVan
Established in 1997, Sichuan University of Media and Communications is a private higher-education institution located in the large metropolis of Chengdu (population range of over 5,000,000 inhabitants), Sichuan. Officially recognized by the Department of Education of the Sichuan Province, Sichuan University of Media and Communications is a coeducational Chinese higher education institution. Sichuan University of Media and Communications offers courses and programs leading to officially recognized higher education degrees in several areas of study. See the uniRank degree levels and areas of study matrix below for further details. Sichuan University of Media and Communications also provides several academic and non-academic facilities and services to students including a library, as well as administrative services. The University and Sony, Panasonic, Canon, Apple, Lenovo, Microsoft, HP and other Fortune 500 companies jointly build Sony 4K Studio, Sony 4K HDR OBVan, Panasonic 4K Studio, 4K / 8K Imaging Application Innovation Lab, C + Ultra HD Dynamic image space, ARRI digital experience base for ultra-high-definition.
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NEP Supershooter SS9
Launched in February of this year, Supershooter 9 is a standalone 1080p HDR/4K-capable double-expando truck built around a Lawo/Arista IP router and the first of NEP’s fleet to feature Lawo’s new vm_dmv infinitely expandable IP multiviewer. It features Lawo’s V_matrix IP routing and processing platform integrated with an Arista IP routing switch. In addition, Lawo’s VSM (Virtual Studio Manager) serves as the overall IP broadcast-control and orchestration system. “With the Lawo VSM control system, the engineers and operators now have everything at their fingertips,” says Ryan Jones, Mobile Unit Engineering Manager for NEP. “We can just give them a Microsoft Surface Pro, and they make their own routes and set up their wall just like that. It's very cool to see how quickly and easily it all comes together.” Other key IP-based gear includes a Grass Valley Kayenne X-Frame switcher (128 inputs/96 outputs, 9M/E), EVS XT-VIA replay systems (two 12-channel LSM 10 GB, three 8-channel LSM 10 GB, and one 6-channel SpotBox 10 GB), and Sony cameras (11 HDC3500’s, two HDC4300’s, and two HDC-1500R’s) with Canon lenses.
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Dejero Transforms KNSD-TV and KUAN-LD’s Mobile Broadcast Truck into Mobile TV Station
Dejero has made it possible for broadcasters NBC San Diego, KNSD-TV and KUAN-LD, to turn its new mobile broadcast truck into a self-contained, end-to-end mobile TV studio. The Dejero equipment on board the truck — including the Dejero GateWay M6E6 network aggregation device, PathWay E encoder, and a WayPoint 104 receiver — gives KNSD-TV and KUAN-LD the bandwidth to work fully independently in the field, processing, editing and distributing live raw video without reliance on teams and equipment located back at the broadcast facility. The truck, which was built by Emmy award-winning truck builder and mobile integrator, Accelerated Media Technologies, (AMT), is able to act as a backup station in case the main broadcast facility needs to be evacuated, a scenario that could have happened during the recent COVID-19 pandemic.
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REMOTE / STUDIO PRODUCTION
Riedel’s Bolero and Artist Intercom Ecosystem Providing Safe and Reliable Team Communications Inside NBA Bubble
“This was a complex installation, and there’s no way we could have met all of the NBA’s comms requirements with any intercom manufacturer other than Riedel. Working with the Riedel team, we were able to design a truly elegant and integrated solution that enables crystal-clear communications while also ensuring that officials, coaches, and producers maintain safe distances from each other,” said Vinny Siniscal from Firehouse Productions. “The ability to add custom logic to the Artist network is a huge plus because it allowed us to build in more redundancy and ensure effective monitoring for the entire intercom ecosystem. It’s an example of why Firehouse chose Riedel, and why Artist and Bolero are our go-to solutions for big events.”
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The Future of Extended Reality. Shot on MARS
MARS Studios, Europe’s most ambitious purpose-built Mixed Augmented Reality Studio, opens its doors to the global creative industries this month. On MARS, virtual 3D environments are mapped onto an LED stage, enabling performers, actors, presenters and products to be blended into a photo-real or imaginary virtual environment in real time. Created by visual pioneers Bild Studios, MARS combines state-of-the-art video game engines, camera-tracking technology, xR workflows powered by disguise and LED screens to create a versatile and immersive performance stage and studio. The benefits of the natural lighting provided by the LED and the director’s ability to update any scene on the fly in real-time also help to give performers a visual reference and the means to easily orient themselves, in contrast to a traditional green screen, where visual elements are added in post-production.
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KBS Upgrades TV Production At Seoul HQ with Lawo IP Mixing Consoles
KBS’ new Lawo mixing consoles replace older mixing systems unable to meet requirements for current and future productions. Like all Lawo broadcast products, the mc²96 and mc²36 mixers are native IP consoles, with RAVENNA / AES67 built in for industry-standard networking, flexibility, scalability and efficiency. The new setup also includes Lawo DALLIS stagebox interfaces, and a Nova routing system. System integration was provided by Lawo’s Korean partner, Dong Yang Digital, who successfully conducted a remote Factory Acceptance Test on June 29, working closely with KBS engineers and Lawo technical staff in Rastatt, Germany, and the project was finalized in early August.
Virtual Production Studios feature Robe
Thomas Giegrich and his team at bright! studios, based in Frankfurt, Germany, were already planning to add a new ‘extended reality’ division to their visual design and services business at some point during 2020, which was in anticipation of it being more widely adopted – in particular – by television productions and video projects. The team at bright! studios were already working with real-time tracking and real-time rendering software like Unreal Engine and Notch as part of their creative workflow, as well as running a busy show and events equipment rental company from the same premises, so combining these skills into a new product was a logical step.
The Gadget Show returns to Channel 5 with ATEM Mini Pro
Blackmagic Design today announced that an ATEM Mini Pro has helped the latest series of The Gadget Show, produced by North One Television in Birmingham, to stay on air despite lockdown and social distancing challenges. Launched in 2004, The Gadget Show is a consumer technology focused television program, which uses studio links throughout each episode. In the UK, it’s broadcast on Channel 5 and is one of the longest running returnable series, providing news, reviews and incite to some of the latest innovations from the world of tech. Series producer, Tim Wagg, explains: “When the government allowed TV production to start again in June, the team had only five days to get ready for a studio record. It was an incredibly tight turnaround especially considering we were all working remotely.”
SPORT EVENTS
Samsung and Hollywood Park Partner in Comprehensive, Multi-Year Agreement Dedicated to Enhancing the Fan Experience
SoFi Stadium features cutting edge display technology and serves as another example of Samsung’s commitment to changing the way fans interact with live sports,” says Harry Patz, Senior Vice President and General Manager, Display Division, Samsung Electronics America. “We are proud to outfit the stadium with an iconic, first of its kind, double-sided 4K LED display and additional Samsung digital signage technology to ensure that each fan has a unique experience every time they visit Hollywood Park. SoFi Stadium will instantly become one of the NFL’s most talked about stadiums and Samsung is honored to be a part of its history from the start.”
Red Bull Sailing – Endurance test for GC32 catamaran on Lake Constance
When wind speeds are right, the GC32 – a catamaran equipped with V-foils and T-rudders – lifts the hulls up to 1.5 meters out of the water and literally flies. “Lake Constance offers the perfect conditions for a foil test. Hardly any waves, providing flat water and long distances. It’s an excellent location for us to test the new foils together with the technicians,” explains helmsman Roman Hagara, who is already completely focused on the 2021 season. In perfect conditions, Red Bull Sailing took the boat to speeds of up to 32 knots. “Actually, we're not interested in speed here. Of course we can sail faster by the sea if the wind conditions are ideal. However, Lake Constance is perfect for the foil test. When evaluating the data, we pay particular attention to the efficiency of the foils. Especially when it comes to stability, because there’s up to 6 tons of load coming into play in some maneuvers. And a centrifugal force load of up to 4 for the crew,” explains tactician Hans Peter Steinacher.
EMG appointed by UEFA to supply host broadcast production
“EMG is proud to have been appointed by UEFA to supply a powerful next generation truck for the production of the UEFA Super Cup, a very prestigious match between UEFA Champions League winners FC Bayern Munich and UEFA Europa League winners Sevilla FC”, said Francois-Charles Bideaux, co-CEO at Euro Media Group. He added: “Nova 103 is a state of the art UHD/HDR truck. Part of EMG’s Premium offer, it is extremely suitable to cover big international events, such as this one.”
Riedel Bolero S Changes the Game for Referee Communications in the Swiss Football League
Rolled out for the SFL’s 2019/2020 season, the referee communications infrastructure developed by Riedel and NEP was successfully used for all 182 games of the Raiffeisen Super League. The system enabled reliable communications between officials, their assistants on the sidelines, and the SFL’s Video Operation Room in Hegnau. With two Bolero S antennas and seven beltpacks deployed to each of the stadiums of the 10 Raiffeisen Super League teams, a three-member team at the NEP Broadcast Center facility supported referees in the stadium by monitoring multiple television broadcast feeds of live game play. The video operations team then used the Bolero S system to communicate information in real time and with highest-possible audio quality to the match officials to help them make informed decisions on questionable plays.
SHOW EVENTS
CoNZealand, the 2020 World Science Fiction Convention, goes entirely virtual with RTS VLink
The key to operating as a team when you can’t see anybody is good communications,” says Maizels. “That meant finding an effective virtual intercom system. Looking at its flexibility and especially the fact that there is no limit to the number of users, VLink quickly became a critical element of the project.” Maizels, a freelance broadcast engineer based in Sydney, Australia, consulted with Magna Systems & Engineering (Chatswood, NSW), which was already heavily involved in virtualized broadcast events. “When John asked about RTS VLink, we could confirm it was the best online intercom on the market,” says Lucas Böhm, product manager at Magna Group Australia. “It’s perfect for global applications because it’s platform agnostic and infinitely scalable. It’s a very powerful tool.”
Madlife Stage & Studio in Georgia hosts live events with Elation
With live events at a slow trickle, those venues that have been able to open up, albeit with restrictions, are elated and generally selling out. Madlife Stage & Studio, a 284-capacity live music venue and recording studio in Woodstock, Georgia, which like other live venues in the U.S. was forced to close earlier in the year due to the COVID-19 pandemic, reopened in late July with a delighted staff, eager public and a full lineup of acts on the schedule. “Madlife reopened over a month ago at half capacity as one of the few places around holding live events,” said local lighting designer Caleb McClesky, who often helps at the venue, supporting house LD Brendon Rosenbaum and frequently supplementing the house rig with his own Elation lighting gear. “Patrons have to sit at tables so everyone is socially distanced. Staff is required to wear masks and the venue is sanitized between shows. It’s been nice to be back, for everyone, and the majority of shows have been selling out.”
Lakeshore Drive-In live music venue opens in Chicago with Ayrton Perseo from LEC Event Technology
“The Lakeshore Drive-In is one of the most respected drive-in operations in the country and the only sustainable drive-in model in Chicago, which is operating very successfully within COVID guidelines,” says Matt Brotz, owner and director of Operations at LEC. “LEC took on the role of hardware provider producing the event under a strict budget and with no room for failure. We’ve been very happy with the Ayrton Perseo fixtures and so has the client.”
Peachy Playhouse Summer Season is Huge Success
Peachy Playhouse, a new socially distanced entertainment concept developed to deliver safe live performances – comedy, music, children’s shows, etc – during the coronavirus pandemic, closed its summer season at Loseley Park, Guildford, Surrey, UK on a high note. That didn’t just include a spirit-rousing performance and some superlative, funk, soul, dance and hi-hop from the Ambassadors Band, the ground-breaking season, a big leap of faith and some serious planning and investment by Philip French from Peachy Productions, was a resounding success. Philip and his team supplied 95% of the technical production infrastructure for the six-week period including staging, lighting, video, and audio. The Playhouse show schedule ran for two 2-week sessions with a two-week break in-between, working alongside some carefully selected locally-based partners to provide the other elements including catering, generators, marquees, and toilets.
PRODUCTS
Slomo.TV VAR control panel offers expanded interface
The new interface offers instant access to any connected camera, quick formation and selection of presets, assigned keywords for each moment, quick search by keywords, and positioning by timecode. According to the company Control-VR is especially suited to creating and working with multi-screens, and for teamwork. The new design uses large, highly reliable buttons with RGB indicators, as well as a simple and operator-friendly interface with colour and light prompts. Control-VR also features a new reliable and responsive Jog/Shuttle produced by slomo.tv. The design uses four sleeve bearings, which provide lightness, smoothness and high reliability of operation. The Jog wheel can rotate freely for up to 40 seconds. The Shuttle wheel’s 64 positions left and right allow users to control not only the search speed, but also the speed of slow playback, with an accuracy of 2%.
PANASONIC RELEASES KAIROS – THE NEXT-GENERATION LIVE VIDEO PRODUCTION PLATFORM
Panasonic today announced September availability of “KAIROS”, the next-generation IT/IP live video production platform. KAIROS significantly improves the quality and productivity of live video production and video streaming services for broadcasters and event producers of professional sports games, musical concerts and other events. KAIROS breaks free of the boundaries that come with traditional hardware. The platform is based on open software, meaning that it can take the various components of a live programme output and virtualize them. KAIROS can sit at the centre of a production by taking feeds from multiple sources, and outputting them to a multitude of projectors, displays and LED video walls for example. KAIROS runs on CPU and GPU architecture, enabling an extremely low system latency of just a single frame, whilst ensuring excellent system flexibility and scalability.
Genelec leaves visitors spellbound at HEX! Museum of Witch Hunt
“We wanted to create a complex soundscape for the various stories being told in each of the nine exhibition rooms,” explains Ahrenfeldt. “However, the building itself posed a few challenges as it’s an old listed building in the centre of Ribe. While this definitely adds to the atmosphere, it’s not ideal for audio-visual installations! Many of the rooms are quite small with low ceilings, so it was important that the technology remained as unobtrusive as possible, whilst nevertheless delivering a high quality experience. Genelec’s Smart IP loudspeakers were therefore an obvious choice.
Distance learning today and in the future - NC State University Case Study
As our Distance Education programs grew more classrooms were added and the need to increase classroom capacity was in high demand. During this period of growth, we started to see annual enrollment increases of 15 to 20%. This growth dictated the need for improved and efficient workflows. As a result of this growth, all designated control rooms supporting media-enhanced classrooms were reduced to equipment closets to provide additional seating capacity inside the classroom. This required a swift transition from a control room modal with dedicated technicians or video directors.