Broadcast News
29/07/2014
German OB Service Provider To Set New Standards In Live Production

RecordLab TV & Media GmbH is aiming to set new standards in live production with its IP-based OB truck.
Equipped with Lawo's new V__link4 system, the 16-camera vehicle was deployed for the first time in early June when production company Brainpool broadcast the Total Autoball World Championship 2014 from the Lanxess Arena in Cologne. An all-in-one-box solution for video contribution over IP, V__link4 combines a fully bi-directional, four-channel video-over-IP interface with all of the processing tools that are generally required for audio and video data contributions in broadcast production. "With the V__link4, we have chosen a system that allows us to respond more efficiently to customer needs. The IP-based concept for us means less effort and significantly reduced downtime," said Markus Maschke, Managing Director of RecordLab TV & Media GmbH.
The IP networking is handled by V__link4 units, allowing all signals in the network to be accessed directly from the OB van as well as from any stagebox. "There is no classic video or audio cable, but a distributed network in the stadium used for routing all relevant signals," explains Felix Krückels, Director of Business Development at Lawo. "A stagebox – as an audio/video interface on the network – can collect and release four SDI signals as well as 128 audio signals." In football coverage, for example, this means that at each broadcast position – left of goal, right of goal, commentary position, and studio – can collect four camera signals and send them out again.
In the production of the autoball event, images were distributed around the arena in HD quality to around 30 monitors. These included the monitors in the studio, additional monitors for the lights, the commentator’s position, and at the timekeeping and graphics unit, as well as in the editorial and production offices. There were also field monitors providing the images to field reporters so that they knew when they were on air. Moreover, further programs were distributed via a terrestrial HF ring around the arena. Parallel to this conventional house channel, test programs were fed into the network so that, in future, editors may access these using a notebook or tablet.
"In the IP world, the stageboxes are integrated into the network cloud via CAT7 fiber-optic cables. Each stagebox and every connected OB van picks up signals directly", stresses Krückels. "This is a complete change in the way a live event is produced. This paradigm shift means that each stagebox no longer requires a dedicated point-to-point connection to the OB truck. In addition, a signal to another connected OB van can be distributed further without using special routers or distribution amplifiers."
The prerequisite requirement for this is appropriate routing capacity, and IP mechanisms such as multicast. Previously complex physical cabling is increasingly being replaced by virtual cabling, based on a network infrastructure. Bridging to the network is done commonly via two 10 Gigabit fiber connections. "The second OB truck can even share resources such as cameras, microphones, and some return signals, if this scenario has been prepared," reported Maschke. "When we share these resources, it can immediately access them by using a single line."
An essential benefit of V__link4 devices is that the image signals need not be individually edited in every OB van, since the processing takes place at the source. "Each OB truck typically loops in a frame synchronizer for aligning to an external signal," explains Krückels. "If the picture does not have the colors you want, color correction needs to be applied in every OB truck, and – in video/audio offsets – also audio delay, so that lip sync is guaranteed."
www.lawo.com
(CD)
Equipped with Lawo's new V__link4 system, the 16-camera vehicle was deployed for the first time in early June when production company Brainpool broadcast the Total Autoball World Championship 2014 from the Lanxess Arena in Cologne. An all-in-one-box solution for video contribution over IP, V__link4 combines a fully bi-directional, four-channel video-over-IP interface with all of the processing tools that are generally required for audio and video data contributions in broadcast production. "With the V__link4, we have chosen a system that allows us to respond more efficiently to customer needs. The IP-based concept for us means less effort and significantly reduced downtime," said Markus Maschke, Managing Director of RecordLab TV & Media GmbH.
The IP networking is handled by V__link4 units, allowing all signals in the network to be accessed directly from the OB van as well as from any stagebox. "There is no classic video or audio cable, but a distributed network in the stadium used for routing all relevant signals," explains Felix Krückels, Director of Business Development at Lawo. "A stagebox – as an audio/video interface on the network – can collect and release four SDI signals as well as 128 audio signals." In football coverage, for example, this means that at each broadcast position – left of goal, right of goal, commentary position, and studio – can collect four camera signals and send them out again.
In the production of the autoball event, images were distributed around the arena in HD quality to around 30 monitors. These included the monitors in the studio, additional monitors for the lights, the commentator’s position, and at the timekeeping and graphics unit, as well as in the editorial and production offices. There were also field monitors providing the images to field reporters so that they knew when they were on air. Moreover, further programs were distributed via a terrestrial HF ring around the arena. Parallel to this conventional house channel, test programs were fed into the network so that, in future, editors may access these using a notebook or tablet.
"In the IP world, the stageboxes are integrated into the network cloud via CAT7 fiber-optic cables. Each stagebox and every connected OB van picks up signals directly", stresses Krückels. "This is a complete change in the way a live event is produced. This paradigm shift means that each stagebox no longer requires a dedicated point-to-point connection to the OB truck. In addition, a signal to another connected OB van can be distributed further without using special routers or distribution amplifiers."
The prerequisite requirement for this is appropriate routing capacity, and IP mechanisms such as multicast. Previously complex physical cabling is increasingly being replaced by virtual cabling, based on a network infrastructure. Bridging to the network is done commonly via two 10 Gigabit fiber connections. "The second OB truck can even share resources such as cameras, microphones, and some return signals, if this scenario has been prepared," reported Maschke. "When we share these resources, it can immediately access them by using a single line."
An essential benefit of V__link4 devices is that the image signals need not be individually edited in every OB van, since the processing takes place at the source. "Each OB truck typically loops in a frame synchronizer for aligning to an external signal," explains Krückels. "If the picture does not have the colors you want, color correction needs to be applied in every OB truck, and – in video/audio offsets – also audio delay, so that lip sync is guaranteed."
www.lawo.com
(CD)
Top Related Stories
Click here for the latest broadcast news stories.
21/10/2014
Rec4Box OB Factory Equips Three OB Units With Riedel
Riedel Communications, provider of pioneering real-time video, audio, data, and communications networks, today announced that its Artist digital matri
Rec4Box OB Factory Equips Three OB Units With Riedel
Riedel Communications, provider of pioneering real-time video, audio, data, and communications networks, today announced that its Artist digital matri
07/03/2025
Studio Berlin Upgrades OB Truck Ü2 With Lawo AoIP Technology
Studio Berlin has completed a comprehensive modernisation of its OB truck Ü2, integrating cutting-edge Audio-over-IP (AoIP) technology from Lawo. At t
Studio Berlin Upgrades OB Truck Ü2 With Lawo AoIP Technology
Studio Berlin has completed a comprehensive modernisation of its OB truck Ü2, integrating cutting-edge Audio-over-IP (AoIP) technology from Lawo. At t
23/10/2024
TVN LIVE PRODUCTION Unveils Most Powerful TVN OB Van
TVN LIVE PRODUCTION has unveiled at this year's IBC in Amsterdam the TVN-Ü8UHD the most powerful TVN OB van on the European market. Equipped with cutt
TVN LIVE PRODUCTION Unveils Most Powerful TVN OB Van
TVN LIVE PRODUCTION has unveiled at this year's IBC in Amsterdam the TVN-Ü8UHD the most powerful TVN OB van on the European market. Equipped with cutt
22/03/2024
Azam Media To Unveil Cutting-Edge OB Truck
Azam Media is set to revolutionise its broadcast capabilities with the unveiling of a cutting-edge outside broadcast (OB) truck, crafted in collaborat
Azam Media To Unveil Cutting-Edge OB Truck
Azam Media is set to revolutionise its broadcast capabilities with the unveiling of a cutting-edge outside broadcast (OB) truck, crafted in collaborat
31/01/2024
BeckTV Teams Up With RPS To Build A New OB Truck
BeckTV is working with Ross Production Services (RPS) on building a new flagship OB truck — the eighth and largest in the RPS fleet. RPS is a full-ser
BeckTV Teams Up With RPS To Build A New OB Truck
BeckTV is working with Ross Production Services (RPS) on building a new flagship OB truck — the eighth and largest in the RPS fleet. RPS is a full-ser
29/01/2024
Broadcast Solutions Builds All-IP OB Truck For SuperSport
Broadcast Solutions has built a second all-IP outside broadcast truck for South African broadcaster SuperSport. The new unit, IP2, is a slightly small
Broadcast Solutions Builds All-IP OB Truck For SuperSport
Broadcast Solutions has built a second all-IP outside broadcast truck for South African broadcaster SuperSport. The new unit, IP2, is a slightly small
19/06/2023
Broadcast Solutions Delivers New OB Truck
Broadcast Solutions has delivered a new outside broadcast truck, known as IP1, to Supersport. Thanks to South Africa's traffic regulations, the new tr
Broadcast Solutions Delivers New OB Truck
Broadcast Solutions has delivered a new outside broadcast truck, known as IP1, to Supersport. Thanks to South Africa's traffic regulations, the new tr
13/10/2021
Studio Berlin Commissions OB Truck With Lawo Mixing Consoles
Studio Berlin has commissioned a new UHD/HDR OB truck called 'Ü10', outfitted with Lawo mixing consoles and control systems. Audio Control Rooms 1 and
Studio Berlin Commissions OB Truck With Lawo Mixing Consoles
Studio Berlin has commissioned a new UHD/HDR OB truck called 'Ü10', outfitted with Lawo mixing consoles and control systems. Audio Control Rooms 1 and
07/02/2020
Broadcast Solutions Delivers OB Truck To Belarus
Broadcast Solutions has delivered another OB truck to a public broadcaster in Belarus. After the company completed a major order for Belteleradiocompa
Broadcast Solutions Delivers OB Truck To Belarus
Broadcast Solutions has delivered another OB truck to a public broadcaster in Belarus. After the company completed a major order for Belteleradiocompa
19/07/2019
Megahertz To Showcase Spiritland Productions' OB Truck At IBC 2019
Megahertz Ltd has announced it will be showcasing Spiritland Productions’ one-of-a-kind, large format, versatile sound and video outside broadcast (OB
Megahertz To Showcase Spiritland Productions' OB Truck At IBC 2019
Megahertz Ltd has announced it will be showcasing Spiritland Productions’ one-of-a-kind, large format, versatile sound and video outside broadcast (OB
03/07/2019
Cloudbass Transforms OB Truck From HD-SDI To UHD
Cloudbass has become the first outside broadcast company in the world to transform an existing OB truck from HD-SDI to UHD IP using Axon Digital Desig
Cloudbass Transforms OB Truck From HD-SDI To UHD
Cloudbass has become the first outside broadcast company in the world to transform an existing OB truck from HD-SDI to UHD IP using Axon Digital Desig
29/01/2018
NEP Group Selects RTS For Equinox OB Truck
NEP Group has introduced its Equinox outside broadcast truck, which is being used to deliver all UK horse racing television coverage. Equinox is capab
NEP Group Selects RTS For Equinox OB Truck
NEP Group has introduced its Equinox outside broadcast truck, which is being used to deliver all UK horse racing television coverage. Equinox is capab
13/11/2017
Imagine Communications' Supplies Router For OB Truck
Imagine Communications has supplied the core infrastructure, including a multi-format router, for a new outside broadcast truck built by Italian produ
Imagine Communications' Supplies Router For OB Truck
Imagine Communications has supplied the core infrastructure, including a multi-format router, for a new outside broadcast truck built by Italian produ
06/11/2017
Leader LV5490 Selected For OB Truck
Leader has announced that its LV5490 4K/HDR multiscreen waveform monitor has been selected as the reference test instrument for Video Europe's latest
Leader LV5490 Selected For OB Truck
Leader has announced that its LV5490 4K/HDR multiscreen waveform monitor has been selected as the reference test instrument for Video Europe's latest
18/08/2017
Telegenic Deploys Lawo VSM In US OB Truck Upgrade
For the past two years, Telegenic's T5 OB Vehicle – commonly known as T-Wiz, and based out of Atlanta Georgia – has been running the Sky Sports PGA To
Telegenic Deploys Lawo VSM In US OB Truck Upgrade
For the past two years, Telegenic's T5 OB Vehicle – commonly known as T-Wiz, and based out of Atlanta Georgia – has been running the Sky Sports PGA To