SIS Live builds OB for ESPN America’s EPL coverage

SIS Live will launch the latest addition to its fleet, SIS 65, on the 17th September and, what’s more, the unit has been designed specifically for the requirements of ESPN America and its ongoing coverage of the English Premier League.

As a result it operates as an add-on most of the time, and therefore is a self-contained, small footprint, high resource truck capable of delivering pitch side presentation, commentary position coverage, EVS analysis, IP services and uplink through its 1.8m dual thread system.

The 11.5 metre vehicle was designed by the SIS Live in-house engineering team, has a Mercedes chassis and is fully HD capable and 5.1 surround sound ready, as well as having the ability to carry its own cable and equipment loads. The 2-tier single-expand production vehicle layout gives space for 7 production staff and 7 operators, as well as including a dedicated 3 person VTR area and has the added advantage of being operable without being expanded.

SIS 65 is 4 camera capable, featuring a For-A mixer, a Miranda hybrid router, glue and multiviewers, a Calrec Zeta audio console and a Riedel comms system.

Stephen Cook, executive producer, ESPN, says: “Having developed our requirements over the past year we approached SIS to deliver a custom-built, compact and self-sufficient unit which would provide us with a high level of facility for use over the next two years.”

On 17th September SIS 65 will make its first outing to cover Blackburn Rovers versus Arsenal at Ewood Park. Although built to serve ESPN requirements SIS 65, when available, will be able to take on other ad hoc work such as Champions League matches.

David Meynell, managing director, SIS LIVE, says: “The delivery of SIS 65, which was bespoke designed and built to ESPN specifications, demonstrates our commitment to serving our clients with high quality vehicles to meet their needs. SIS 65’s small size, flexibility and ease of deployment make it a significant addition to our fleet.”