Euro 2020 the focus as Gravity Media buys Platinum IP3 routers for flyaway production kits

Picture credit: MoiraM (stock.adobe.com)

Gravity Media, formerly Gearhouse Broadcast, is building additional flyaway live production kits, based around Imagine Communications routers, as it prepares for a busy sporting year that includes UEFA Euro 2020.

The mobile units will each feature the Platinum IP3 router and will provide live production and broadcasting capabilities that can be moved around by air freight.

The key project for which the flyaways are being designed is Euro 2020. The football tournament is taking place in 12 cities around Europe from 12 June to 12 July 2020.

“We picked the Platinum IP3 because we know it is reliable — we know what it does,” said Peter Newton, technical and operations director at Gravity Media Group.

“Because of the established partnership with Imagine, we knew that we would get good support if we need it, and we will get ample utilisation of the equipment. It is a good solid product that does what it says it will.”

The new flyaway kits will use both the 15RU and 28RU routers.

The Platinum IP3 routers incorporate integral multiviewer technology which is said to both reduce the space required in a rack and simplify setup.

The order also includes a number of modules from Imagine’s Selenio 6800+ processing range, along with Magellan router control panels.

“While the headlines are about the transition to IP, it is important to remember that a lot of broadcasters and production companies need to extend and enhance existing, SDI-based systems,” said Mathias Eckert, senior vice president and general manager for EMEA/APAC in the Playout & Networking division at Imagine Communications.

“Because of our close partnerships with major operators like Gearhouse, we clearly understand the need for high-functionality, high-reliability SDI solutions, as well as IP technology, and we are committed to supporting our customers for as long as they need SDI, as part of our ‘your path, your pace’ approach to the IP transition.”