Broadcast News

Bookmark and Share
07/06/2006

Total Audio open new systems build facility & begin second HD OB truck for Arena

Europe’s largest HD-capable OB truck, Unit 7, which was built for outside broadcast specialist Arena TV, is as large as is permitted under EU legislation for trailers.
At 17.5 metres long (the maximum permissible length under European on-road vehicle legislation) has full-length double expanding sides, the air-conditioned, self-levelling truck is in effect a bold statement by Arena of their complete commitment to HD broadcasting.
Designed to be capable of handling the largest OB events in full HD quality, and equipped on behalf of Arena by Bromsgrove-based HD video and audio specialist Total Audio, Unit 7 featured HD-capable VTRs, routers, vision mixers and space-saving LCD monitors to handle the vision, a Dolby 5.1-capable audio setup based around a Calrec Alpha 64 desk, and a 200 square-foot production gallery. Unit 7 went straight into service; its first two jobs were the BRIT and BAFTA awards, which went without a hitch.
However, Unit 7 is just the beginning of Arena’s HD-related OB plans. The next HD-capable OB truck, Unit 8, is planned on a similarly lavish scale (with an even larger Production area to accommodate extra crew on the larger shows), and as with Unit 7, Arena have turned to Total Audio to equip the truck and complete the interior. To achieve this, and to deal with forthcoming HD systems build projects, Total have opened a new dedicated Systems Warehouse at their headquarters in Bromsgrove, and are starting work on the Unit 8 chassis there in the next few weeks. Situated a minute’s walk along the road from Total’s head office, the new warehouse, which is over 8000 square feet in size, features state-of-the-art Systems-build technology, including the very latest in wire-stripping equipment, welding and cutting gear, and a fully equipped spray shop.
“With the opening of the new Systems Warehouse, we can cope with putting together almost any kind of system for HD broadcasters, whether it’s video-only, audio-only, or, like the Arena trucks, projects with both elements,” commented Total’s Managing Director Peter Knowles. “It’s been interesting to read in the broadcast press recently how many production companies feel they’ve just about got the hang of HD video, but admit that they’ve got very little idea of what to do about the audio side. As our name suggests, we have a great track record in supplying audio systems as well as video, and now we have extensive HD systems build experience, too. We’re well placed to help companies equip themselves to handle all aspects of high-definition broadcasting”.
Richard Yeowart, Managing Director of Arena TV, commented: “We’ve had a very long association with Total Audio as a supplier and sub-contractor. With their push into full systems integration they were a natural choice for such a project. They have the knowledge required to support such a complex project and in Unit 7 delivered an industry-beating truck. We expect a similar result with Unit 8 when it comes on-line in the Autumn.”
(GB)
Solidmate Ltd Memory Card Hire London

Top Related Stories
Click here for the latest broadcast news stories.

21/04/2023
Parabolic Deploys Cleanfeed To Re-Record High Qulaity Audio
Audio post production facility Parabolic is using Emmy Award-winning Cleanfeed to re-record high quality audio, in real time, from anyone and from any
21/04/2023
DHD TX2 Ultra-Compact Multitouch Audio Production Mixer To Debut At MPTS
The DHD TX2 ultra-compact multitouch audio production mixer will make its UK exhibition debut at the Media Production & Technology Show (MPTS), Olympi
06/12/2023
STARNETWORKS Becomes Official Distributor Of HOLOPLOT Audio Systems
Over the past two decades, the STARNETWORKS group has consistently delivered cutting-edge technology and services that exceed their clients' expectati
22/03/2024
AEQ CAPITOL IP Digital Audio Console At Radio Jovem Pan Chapecó
Radio Jovem Pan Chapecó is one of the most important radio stations in this region of Brazil where it stands out with a varied programming, which can
13/03/2024
NUGEN Audio To Preview VisLM 3
NUGEN Audio will preview VisLM 3, the forthcoming version of its loudness metering plug-in, at the 2024 NAB Show (Booth SU2051). VisLM has long been t
24/11/2008
Australia's TEN Standardises On Snell & Wilcox Alchemist Ph.C - HD For Conversion Of Overseas HD Content
Snell & Wilcox has announced that Australia's Network Ten (TEN) has installed a second Alchemist Ph.C-HD motion compensated frame-rate standards conve
21/02/2024
Advanced Systems Group Strengthens Audio Team
Advanced Systems Group, LLC (ASG), a technology and services provider for media creatives and content owners, announces the appointment of audio indus
03/05/2007
DutchView Orders HD OB Unit From Grass Valley Systems
The Grass Valley Systems group within Thomson is to build a new HD OB unit for one of the leading Dutch outside broadcasting facilities, DutchView. Th
29/06/2007
Visual Effects Artist Charlie Cassidy Joins UNIT From Triangle Post
UNIT has announced the launch of UNIT Effects, a new in-house visual effects division, which provides a full range of 2D and 3D effects across all gen
12/12/2008
Wohler's VMDA-SUM8 Enhances Audio Monitoring In Game Creek Video's Newest HD Production Unit
Wohler Technologies has announced that mobile production company Game Creek Video has installed VMDA-SUM8 analog/digital summing audio monitors in the
29/04/2004
Apple unveils Final Cut Pro HD
Apple have unveiled Final Cut Pro HD, the latest version of Apple's Emmy award-winning editing software, now with the real-time performance of high-qu
11/10/2010
Avid Introduces Pro Tools | HD Native
Avid has introduced Pro Tools | HD Native, enabling a growing market of music and post-production professionals to tackle demanding audio projects usi
08/04/2005
Gefen unveils HD SDI connectivity and conversion solutions for AV and broadcast sectors
New HD serial data interface (HD SDI) equipment on display at NAB from Gefen include a 4x2 HD SDI Switcher, 1:4 HD SDI Splitter, HD SDI to DVI Convert
27/04/2005
Inscriber pursues 'complete' on-air HD graphics solutions
Inscriber launched a complete line-up of HD graphic solutions for the broadcast, cable, satellite and post-production industries at NAB. Inscriber hai
19/05/2004
Canopus unveils EDIUS HD at Broadcast Production Show
Canopus have previewed their high definition editing system, EDIUS HD at the Broadcast Production Show. EDIUS HD offers real-time mixed HD/SD editing