Visitors to IBC2011 will have the opportunity to take a guided tour of systems integration specialist Broadcast Networks’ new ‘go anywhere’ live production vehicle: a custom-built Land Rover Discovery with Sony Media Backbone HDXchange server.
The latest collaboration between Broadcast Networks and Sony is designed to help meet the demand for small, durable live production vehicles that can be deployed quickly with minimal crew – in this case, of one or two people.
Sony Media Backbone HDXchange offers a collaborative network-editing environment where material can be ingested, stored and edited ‘on the fly’. Once the event has been recorded, the data can be taken to the broadcaster’s facility and transferred onto the main post-production server for final editing and transmission.
Broadcast Networks’ ‘live ingest’ solution features Media Backbone HDXchange contained within a Land Rover Discovery 4. The rear interior has been stripped and fitted with a sliding custom-built rack (for ease of use and servicing) and features a 5KVA 240V generator.
Tom Haye, managing director of Broadcast Networks, commented: “With a smaller equipment footprint and reduced power requirements, our vehicle platform is ideal for any media company involved in the rapid generation, editing and content delivery from regional TV companies to specialist production companies covering niche interest events, such as music and sport in difficult venues that larger OB rigs would find impossible to access. It is also well suited to content providers in emerging markets where there is minimal broadcast infrastructure, but where efficient fuel consumption and reliability in extreme terrains is essential.”
Felip Garcia, product manager at Sony, added: “Before direct ingest onto server was possible, VTR decks would have been required to record the same event. The space required for this alone would have precluded the possibility of such a system in a relatively small vehicle. We are delighted that Broadcast Networks has recognised the advantages of our Media Backbone HDXchange server system and has had the vision to incorporate it into such a highly desirable ‘go anywhere’ vehicle. We believe it is a technical solution that will prove extremely attractive across a number of markets.”
The new Broadcast Networks live production vehicle will be on show at the Sony booth (12.A10).
