Timeline Television has added another IP 4K outside broadcast van to its fleet.
The truck, named UHD3, has been built around Grass Valley IP solutions including GV Orbit Dynamic System Orchestration and Kahuna 9600 IP production switcher. Built on a smaller scale, UHD3 leverages the same Grass Valley IP infrastructure and Arista 100G switch as Timeline’s UHD2 truck.
The double-expanding truck was originally commissioned for the BBC’s coverage of UEFA Euro 2020, but with the event postponed until next year, it will now initially support the Barclay’s FA Women’s Super League soccer and various light entertainment programmes. UHD3 will also act as a remote production hub gallery to support Timeline’s Ealing Broadcast Centre.
UHD3 also includes Grass Valley’s IQUCP25 application platforms with SDI to IP essence processing software, enabling 25GBE ST 2110 IP connectivity for HD and 4K SDI equipment. IQAMD40 MADI to IP interfacing modules connect audio to the network, while MV-821-IP Multiviewers handle main production monitoring and additional IQUCP25-MV units support peripheral multiviewer applications. UHD3 also leverages Grass Valley’s Audio Live system, allowing production staff to route any source audio to any destination. Dual GV Orbit controllers handle all configuration and monitoring of the truck’s IP backbone – including multiviewers and audio.
Due to Covid-19 restrictions on travel and staff numbers on site, the Grass Valley team commissioned all equipment remotely.
“We operate in a highly dynamic industry, where having a nimble, flexible infrastructure that can support a diverse range of customer needs and adapt quickly to different production models – especially in these challenging times – is critical,” saidd Quinn Cowper, head of engineering at Timeline Television.
“The addition of another all-IP 4K unit means we can support a wider range of customer needs, from remote production to the largest on-location projects. Grass Valley has continued to drive the industry’s march towards IP, delivering the solutions we need to run a successful business. GV Orbit handles all configuration of the truck’s IP backbone which enables our team to remove complexity from the workflow without compromising on functionality.”
