Video Progetti completes UHD/HDR flyaway production rig for RAI
Italian broadcast systems integrator Video Progetti has completed a UHD and HDR mobile production system for Italian public broadcaster RAI (Radiotelevisione Italiana).
RAI’s initial need was for an HD-SDR and UHD-HDR capable production infrastructure that could be set up quickly and easily in a range of locations and broadcast situations, facilitating outside production in contexts where even an OB van would prove to be logistically challenging. This unit will be the first RAI production system able to produce primary live events using either an HD/SDR or UHD/HDR set up, at the press of a button.
As a result of this need for flexible functionality, the Regia Mobile 4 system developed by Video Progetti, makes use of a number of Grass Valley systems, including the Kahuna video mixer (9600 4/ME 4 DVE Channel HD 110 x 48, 4K UHD up to 26×12). This is then supported by a Kula, which operates as both DSK and backup system to manage full disaster recovery, including a backup Vega router from Grass Valley.
The Grass Valley Densité is controlled through the cutting-edge broadcast control system ‘Human Interface’ that allows for the automatic switching of emergency devices, whilst Telestream Tektronix monitoring solutions have been integrated to check the quality of the transmitted signal and balance, and to allow for full redundancy of the SPG master clock generator.
Grass Valley products have additionally been used for editing functionally with the Edius Pro 9 editing software, combined with STRATUS MAM system and drawing from a K2 Media Server.
Meanwhile, audio is managed using a Calrec audio mixer with a high level of redundancy, combined with Genelec loudspeakers, whilst a Clear-Com intercom system is connected with a MADI to the main audio switcher. A combination of TVLogic and Samsung monitors have been integrated into the overall mobile production unit.
Together, this combination of equipment provides not only the flexibility needed for RAI to broadcast in either HD or UHD with HDR enhancement, but – first and foremost – it is mounted within rugged flight cases allowing it to be quickly and set up in remote and difficult to access locations.
The central challenge for Video Progetti was not necessarily the selection of appropriate equipment to meet the technical needs of RAI (though this was carefully considered), but the selection and installation of equipment that could achieve these goals on such a small scale – allowing for all wiring and connections to be maintained within the confines of a flight case.
As an example, the Grass Valley Sirius router used within the system itself alone required the wiring of 576 cables, totaling a length of over 1.5km. A group of ten installation professionals from Video Progetti were allocated to work on the physical and technical installation of the flight case system, whilst a wider team worked on the initial identification of RAI’s needs and the design of an appropriate systems architecture.