Limitless Broadcast has unveiled its newly expanded remote production hub (RPH) in Woking, UK.
Built in response to growing demand for agile and distributed production capabilities, the Limitless RPH is now home to four large multifunction production control rooms (PCRs) as well as a master control room (MCR) and an array of multi-function rooms (MFRs) that can be deployed for services including commentary, post-production, analysis and television match official (TMO) and video assistant referee (VAR) adjudication.
The broadcast facilities and services provider said the build of two additional PCRs was in response to the modern and ever evolving multiformat nature of contemporary content production, with the Limitless multifunction PCRs designed as agile operational control spaces which can be customised to clients’ requirements.
Each gallery ‘seat’ can be repurposed to suit the specific needs of any given production including director, production, replay, graphics, sound, grams and digital.
Limitless chief technology officer Ben Harper said: “Whether facilitating the production of mainstream sports such as rugby union, football, aquatics, cycling, and gymnastics, or multi format social-first shows, our state-of-the-art galleries ensure that each project receives the same level of precision and care every time.
“The multi-function control rooms enable us to handle a wide variety of productions simultaneously, from large-scale live broadcasts to tailored digital productions.
“Our goal is to empower our clients to get the most out of every production, keeping editorial values front and centre, no matter the size or scope, ensuring efficient, seamless service across the board.”
The Limitless galleries are powered by the latest broadcast technology including large scale routing, 4ME UHD HDR/ SDR vision mixers, EVS XT-Via replay servers with XFile integration, Chryon Prime graphics engines and HTML5 graphics solutions.
Each position is equipped with an IP talkback panel and KVM routing for access to the appropriate devices. Extra services offered to clients include tools such as Ross Video’s Piero for analysis and EVS XtraMotion.
Limitless said that careful thought had been given to the ergonomics and environment of the operational rooms to make them as effective and comfortable as possible for the production teams who often work long shifts. These include details such as energy efficient LED lighting that allows circadian rhythm colour hues to aid crew welfare.
The Limitless RPH is equipped with full power backup and enjoys redundant connectivity. BT Next Generation Facility Lines (NGFL) allow exchange of content at the BT Tower for traditional programme delivery as well as a range of internet delivery tools including SRT and RTMP.
The RPH has been designed to partner “hand in glove” with Limitless’ recently redesigned Modular Outside Broadcast Infrastructure.
Known as Limitless Connect Modules (LCMs) these break down venue side equipment into modules that allow facilities to be deployed on site efficiently, minimising cable runs, rig time, physical and carbon footprint as well as cost.
Complex large scale and resilient outside broadcasts are facilitated by the deployment of multiple instances of these interoperable modules which are capable of being powered continually by batteries.
LCM’s include a Vision module that houses up to four cameras with full facilities for tallies, shading and camera operator comms, a presentation module that handles radio microphones, IFB / talkback and feeds presentation monitors for vision return, and a comprehensive commentary module that supports world feed and unilateral announcer positions with routable monitoring for each position.
The Limitless RPH and LCM’s recently delivered the England women’s international rugby fixtures played at Twickenham & Kingsholm that saw the Red Roses defeat the defending champions New Zealand and France respectively.
The comprehensive and wide-ranging coverage was broadcast on BBC1 and iPlayer and featured ten match cameras, 1+3 pitch side presentation position, head injury assessment, citing feeds, TMO including Bunker system and referee microphone, and return vision feeds for the venue big screens.
Domestic (BBC) and international world feed commentary positions were facilitated on the gantry.
Limitless chief executive Claire Wilkie added: “Our approach to remote production has been refined over the years to offer a uniquely agile, robust and resilient OB solution.
“As the technology continues to evolve, we’re unlocking more potential, allowing us to deliver ever more scalable productions across an international market that includes live events, sport, education and non-scripted formats such as reality shows and observational documentaries.
“This workflow gives us a distinct advantage, ensuring our clients benefit from cutting-edge innovation that keeps pace with their growing needs. This latest expansion equips us to provide the ultimate flexibility, empowering creative freedom for clients, with the smallest possible footprint.”
A fifth PCR is currently under development to add additional capacity early next year.
