A brand new multi-purpose mobile production unit named Skye has been developed and integrated by Gearhouse Broadcast. Built in a Mercedes-Benz Sprinter van, users can operate a full six camera live production or connect directly to a venue’s remote production network to link to a broadcast centre, the company said.
Skye has a powerful production infrastructure using a ViBox all in one production system from Simplylive. The ViBox is a unique production tool that boasts a space-saving footprint, 4RU chassis and 27-inch touchscreen. The unit is equipped with six Hitachi cameras, two robotic cameras and a Telex communications system. When used as part of a remote production infrastructure, the ViBox system can be operated as a recording and streaming device.
Commented Kevin Fitzgerald, head of systems integration at Gearhouse Broadcast (pictured): “At Skye’s core is its flexibility. Flexibility is really what the market needs. It’s all very well that you can build an OB truck that can service the cameras, but in order to be truly flexible it needs to be self sufficient; that may seem contradictory in what we’re talking about on remote production, but the technology is there.”
The video capabilities of Skye are paired with a powerful audio system comprised of a Calrec Brio 3- fader audio board with MADI and Hydra options. The heart of the audio system is the Direct Out Technologies’ M.1K2 MADI router which is connected to the Brio, RTS ADAM-M, Lawo V_Pro 8 and Lance commentary system as well as the tail board for third-party interconnectivity. The ADAM-M is loaded with four AIO-16’s, one RVON-16 and a MADI-16 PLUS with six TIF-2000 and multiple belt-packs around the edges.
Added Fitzgerald: “A key part of Skye is the audio side of it. People sometimes forget proper audio, but we’ve concentrated on that area as well as video.”
This is the second production vehicle that Gearhouse Broadcast has introduced to serve the North American market in 2017, having unveiled Columbus, its 4K mobile unit, at the 2017 NAB Show. Based in Los Angeles and with a crew-friendly lay out, Columbus brings new operational and technical advantages to productions, in a comfortable working environment for its crew and is the first mobile unit in the US to feature a full 4K monitor wall.
