EMF launches e-box production hybrid
Euro Media France has launched what it brands as a new mobile technology. Dubbed the e-box, the new unit sits halfway between an OB truck and a fly control room, and essentially consists of a control room installed in 2 portakabins.
Developed with help from an impressive array of companies (Active Circle, Eliote, EVS, IPV, Jenoptec, Light & Co, lite4life, Panasonic France, Soft4Tv, Tapages & Nocturnes) one cabin hosts the filming control room, whilst the other houses the production hub. Dedicated to immersion filming, the e-box can be deployed quickly thanks to the techniques it uses (SMPTE fibre optics, audio network etc.) to become a custom-built audiovisual production tool optimising connectivity, whilst ensuring a technical aspect which is both uniform and ambitious.
The E-box can be used for ‘directed’ recording, or ‘multi-angle’ or so called ‘Zoning for more flexibility in post-production. To complement this equipment EMF has invested in the purchase of 60 Remote Panasonic AW HE 120 cameras, as well as 10 HD recording streamers with Log and Media Asset Management, which means that all phases of production from live scripting to editing via distance viewing will be taken care of, thanks to the adapted interfaces.
The e-box makes use of 80 dynamic microphones and 20 HF microphones, but can be upgraded to have up to 128 dynamic, 64 HF and 100 cameras. One of the numerous novelties of this modular tool is the ability to create and record multi resolutions (DNX Avid, 10/1, H264 etc), which means that conversion stages can be eliminated, in part, in post- production. A further innovation is the addition of robotic LTO 250 slots, so that media can be stored in LTO format as soon as it arrives in post-production, which translates into a substantial saving in terms of consumables.
“Thanks to its expertise and recognised know-how, a dedicated technical team developed this new tool so that EMF can also develop its range of services,” runs a statement. “With the integration of this new technical equipment EMF can offer to its clients new technical services that are robust and reliable, as much for signal recording (image and sound) as for management.”