Hitachi Turkey introduces new OB capability

On its booth at Broadcast Asia June 17-19 Hitachi Kokusai Electric Turkey (HKT) is showcasing a new concept in outside broadcast production facilities. Designed and built at the company’s engineering facility in Istanbul, the vehicle offers a flexible mobile digital production environment complete with advanced DSNG capabilities.

Based around a Mercedes Sprinter 516 CDI truck, the standard vehicle goes into HKT’s workshops where it undergoes a transformation into a mobile facility capable of meeting full live sports production requirements. Equipped as standard with a 40,000 BTU air conditioning system, the vehicle copes with the harsh weather conditions experienced frequently throughout the Middle East, Africa and Asia.

Inside the production facility there are six operator positions and 139 RU of equipment racking. The HD-ready production system supports eight cameras with a 2-ME, 24-input multi-format live switcher and 34×34 3G/HD/SD router. Thanks to the vehicle’s flexible routing and switching environment it is easy to interchange the slo-mo, graphics and server positions in order to suit any kind of production.

In addition, two 46-inch monitors are equipped with multiviewer systems so all picture sourcing, monitoring and referencing can be performed on-board the vehicle. Motorized drums and a sliding mechanism at the back of the vehicle make sure that cable laying and re-wind are simple operations which take the minimum time necessary.

A feature of the HKT unit is its advanced DSNG capabilities, which are facilitated by a PALS PKM-120 Ku Band Motorised Antenna located on the vehicle’s roof. In addition, a 400W XICOM high power amplifier (HPA) is installed within the roof-mounted Antenna Pod in order to avoid extra heat generation in the van. Using PALS’ smart operating system, the antenna can be controlled by any smart phone or Wi-Fi tablet.