Broadcasting In The Fast Lane

Today, a local TV channel can produce a live show without a camera crew at all; a single, unaided producer can vision mix, record and stream a live multi-camera web shoot in its entirety. Budgets, time constraints and stiff competition have re-defined programme making.
"Creatively this can be a challenge. But it's technically achievable and it's often a financial necessity," says Allan Leonhardsen of broadcast and professional workflow providers Holdan. "Integrated production rigs are the answer to so many of today's production needs. Portable, versatile and dependable, they are an increasingly popular solution. Only last week we witnessed a webstreaming crew struggle to connect multiple systems on location. The cabling, configuration and testing took hours. Getting to air on time was very stressful indeed."
Portable production units (PPUs) have been used by broadcasters and AV companies for years.
"However, what's different now," suggests Philip O'Marra of ES Broadcast, "is the scope, flexibility and sheer affordability of the units. As a Datavideo specialist supplier, we can now offer affordable solutions that go further than ever to offer producers the fast-to-air system they desperately need. And we can fit them into inexpensive OB vans or any space to create an instant TV studio."
As a developer and manufacturer of a range of professional video equipment, broadcast manufacturer Datavideo recently added to its inventory new streaming encoders, live chromakey devices, central power distribution units and intercom systems.
ES Broadcast has recently become an authorised reseller of the OBV-2800. This system is designed to fit into the back of a small van to provide complete mobile production facilities.
It's a mobile, transportable solution for broadcasters and professionals for both in-studio and on-location productions.
Operators can use the unit in a van – quickly secured to the floor - or it can be lifted from the vehicle to allow the van to be used as a people carrier. By mounting OBV-2800 on casters, the PPU can be wheeled in a studio or live event space.
"What's special," says O’Marra, "is that users can specify every individual element their PPU and have it configured and delivered in a matter days and at a very competitive price indeed."
OBV-2800 is built around Datavideo's latest HD switcher, which supports up-to 12 channels of HD/SD-SDI, HDMI or composite video signals. The system is integrated, compact and sturdy with a metal framework for great stability and protection yet provides room for future expansion. With power-efficient modules, OBV-2800 can be powered by a DC 12V supply.
"Because Datavideo offers the total solution there are no compatibility issues, user interfaces are consistent and power supplies are standardized. So, when crews turn on the unit, there are no surprises round the corner. And unlike all-in-one systems, there's no single point of failure: with Datavideo, one malfunction will not kill the entire unit," says Holdan's Leonhardsen.
Other off-the-shelf Datavideo PPUs include the MS-3000, which is based around its SE-3000 broadcast-quality switcher featuring 8 digital and analogue inputs (upgradeable to 16 channels).
The SE-3000 is ideal for use in a portable rack unit that can be wheeled by a single person or even installed in a people carrier type car or transit-size van.
MS-3000 incorporates twin 17-inch multiviewer displays, which pull out on location, and provide a complete overview of all input channels, as well as preview and program feeds. The screen also features camera tally information.
HD recording is achieved via the HDR-55; a hard drive based video recorder and player.
A module delivers instant talkback, complete with camera belt packs, each with a headset, on camera tally indicator and 20 meter cables.
Because PPU is rack-based, every unit is modular: each system can be tailored individual needs.
Options from Datavideo include power distribution centres, test devices for camera matching, multi-screen displays and remote camera controllers.
Producers can specify the make-up of the PPU to fit crewing levels, to meet output needs or to record a polished programme that needs minimal post production.
With the launch of a new service from Datavideo, ES Broadcast customers can now specify the design, layout and capabilities of their PPU, to be assembled, configured, tested and delivered in a matter of days.
Users can select a low-profile, portable chassis, a rackmount stand for installation in an OB van or temporary studio or a dual width rack case that can be wheeled into a van or into any event space.
www.esbroadcast.com
(IT/JP)