Broadcast Networks goes off-road

Systems Integration specialist Broadcast Networks has parked its latest ‘go anywhere’ live production vehicle at the back of the Sony stand in Hall 12. Featuring Sony’s Media Backbone HDXchange server, the custom-built Land Rover Discovery is designed for a one or two-person team and is very much at the other end of the scale from the company’s other main vehicle at the show – OB-Team’s new 3D production truck parked in the Outdoor Exhibits area.

This latest collaboration came about as a direct response to market demand for small, high quality and durable live production vehicles that can be rapidly deployed with minimal crew, in situations where larger OB vehicles are either unsuitable or too costly to operate.

Sony Media Backbone HDXchange offers a collaborative network-editing environment where material can be ingested, stored and edited on the fly. It allows a number of cameras to be linked to a server-based recording system that captures their output – without the need for a large production team. The Live Ingest system also enables a single operator to create a simple ‘cut edit’ list whilst the camera feeds are being recorded, effectively reducing overall editing time. Once the event is recorded, the data can be taken to the broadcaster’s facility and transferred onto the main post production server for final editing and transmission. Media Backbone HDXchange is quick to set up and easy to operate, thus also reducing training and operational costs.

Broadcast Networks’ ‘live ingest’ solution features Media Backbone HDXchange contained within a Land Rover Discovery 4, one of the most versatile and durable four-wheel drive vehicles on the market. Inside the vehicle, a central working area has been created that can be operated by a one or two-person production team. The rear interior has been stripped and fitted with a sliding custom-built rack (for ease of use and servicing) and features a 5KVA 240V generator.

Tom Haye, managing director of Broadcast Networks, says: “With a smaller equipment footprint and reduced power requirements, our vehicle platform is ideal for any media company involved in the rapid generation, editing and content delivery from regional TV companies to specialist production companies covering niche interest events, such as music and sport in difficult venues that larger OB rigs would find impossible to access. It is also well suited to content providers in emerging markets where there is minimal broadcast infrastructure, but where efficient fuel consumption and reliability in extreme terrains is essential.”