Mobile TV Group launches third Flex OB truck with Calrec Artemis

Denver-based Mobile TV Group (MTVG) has expanded its OB fleet with the launch of 47 Flex, which is the third ‘Flex’ mobile unit within its 30+ OB fleet.

The new 47 Flex truck, along with its sister vehicles 45 Flex and 46 Flex, takes  advantage of Calrec’s Artemis digital audio console, with audio-over-IP capabilities via Calrec’s H2-IP gateway technology, and is built with MTVG’s new Cloud Control capability.

Peter Wehner, director of engineering at MTVG, commented: “It’s important that our fleet can service events across the US, acquiring high-quality content that can be distributed over IP using our end-to-end native-IP mobile units. We’ve been working with Calrec since 2011, which is when we installed our first Artemis console, and have always found its audio systems to be first-class.”

MTVG predominantly services the US sports markets, with units spread across the country, each run by around 50 engineers. The current count of 30+ mobile units, including 15 dual-trailer rigs, can run operations for both home and visiting teams from two spaces but with shared technical resources.

The three latest Flex units are dual-trailer outfits, with 53-foot expanding trailers for unit A, and 53-foot long for Unit B trailers. The new dual-trailer units’ infrastructures are all based around the Grass Valley Kayenne K-Frame X IP switcher, an Evertz 384-port Exe 2.0 IP router and an Evertz Magnum control system, to offer 1080p capacity that would require at least a 3000×3000 baseband router.

Dave Lewty, regional sales manager at Calrec added: “The power of the Artemis console, in combination with our H2-IP Gateway solution, is a huge advantage for Mobile TV Group. It gives them the flexibility they need and we’re excited to be a part of this ongoing process for them. By natively connecting all main devices, including the switcher, the cameras, replay devices, multi-viewers and the audio consoles, their OB units provide a powerful competitive edge in the OB space.”

MTVG is also building a 48 Flex OB truck, which will also house a Calrec Artemis.