Broadcast Solutions and HD Broadcast build giant OB truck for UHD HDR
Broadcast Solutions’ UHD 2 OB van
Broadcast Solutions has designed and built a 30-camera UHD HDR OB truck in close cooperation with HD Broadcast.
The UHD 2 OB van, which is now the main production tool of the German broadcast production company, is unique in many respects. The vehicle construction, the technical planning, the workflow concept, the design and the overall interior layout are adapted to the customer’s wishes down to the smallest detail. Broadcast Solutions and HD Broadcast planned the OB van from scratch.
The new UHD 2 is currently one of the largest OBs available in Germany. The OB unit can work with a maximum of 30 cameras (UHD HDR) and with an interior space of around 60sqm, the OB van offers up to 28 staff members a spacious and relaxed working environment. The vehicle uses a multi-format production system based on 4K/3G-SDI Quad Link/HD/HDR formats.
HD Broadcast’s new flagship is designed as a trailer with three extensions covering the complete trailer length, thus providing two full control rooms, many engineering and slo-mo workstations and VIP workplaces. A third control room is available with the support van.
Broadcast Solutions stated that the vehicle houses 10 EVS VIA servers, located under the desk of control room 1, which is fully air conditioned and soundproofed.
The dimensions and amount of equipment inside is also reflected in the technical figures; Broadcast Solutions technicians installed around 70km of cable, over 400 RU of rack space and 23 cable trays in the trailer. To increase the customer’s production safety, UHD 2 is equipped with a UPS unit, which ensures 15 minutes of autonomous operation of the complete OB in case of a power failure.
Constantin Novotny, CTO and CEO of HD Broadcast, said: “The initial planning provided for a rather tight schedule of 10 months for the construction of the UHD 2. We have a long-lasting business relationship with Broadcast Solutions, and I was sure that Broadcast Solutions would be able to deliver such an ambitious and unusual project to my satisfaction, even within the short time available. In close cooperation and coordination, we have completed a truly unique production vehicle that will attract a lot of attention in Europe, I am sure.”
Another unique feature is the design of the OB truck. The overarching goal in the design and interior planning was to make working in the UHD 2 as comfortable as possible.
Novotny developed the basic design ideas, which were refined and integrated into the vehicle together with the Broadcast Solutions design team. Many detailed solutions ensure a pleasant working atmosphere and shorter set-up times. Even fully occupied, there is enough space to move inside the vehicle without crowding.
UHD 2 from HD Broadcast will see its maiden voyage at the start of the German Football Association cup season 2020/2021.