ITV has upgraded its fleet of satellite cars by taking delivery of four new hybrid base vehicles from Broadcast systems integrator, dB Broadcast.
The new fleet is built on an efficient hybrid base vehicle, the latest Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, and replace ITV Studios Daytime’s current fleet. According to dB Broadcast, a central tenet of the project’s design ethos was the aim of minimising the fleet’s environmental footprint, so all equipment was serviced and repurposed from the existing fleet, where possible.
The technical system uses a battery/inverter system for clean, silent operation and includes two solar panels on the roof of the vehicle to supplement the technical battery. For connectivity, dB said that each vehicle incorporates multiple options including an auto-pointing Cobham 8100 KA-band satellite link and the latest quad channel LU800 LiveU encoder capable of simultaneously streaming up to four independent video signals, plus a high-power Wireless Access Point to boost connectivity around the car.
“Our ‘mini-fleet’ of Mk2 ITV Daytime Sat Cars has got off to a flying start this quarter and the remainder will be taking to the UK roads later this month, thanks to the team at dB Broadcast; a partner that we chose, not just because of their technical expertise, but also due to their strong sustainability policies,” explained Tim Guilder, head of technology for Daytime. “In-line with ITV’s targets to become carbon zero by 2030, these vehicles will continue to reduce our footprint compared with traditional OB vans, as well as give us the range and agility to support our live daily output; whatever the story, conditions or connectivity.”
Chris Whelan, business development manager at dB Broadcast, added, “From the very start of this project our team has embraced the ambitions of ITV Daytime’s brief. From designing an innovative, environmentally conscious power system through to the complexity of integrating within a cutting-edge hybrid vehicle, it’s absolutely fantastic to see the vehicles performing so well out on the road and in daily use. We’re looking forward to supporting the fleet in coming years and to watching the wide variety of stories that they cover.”
The fleet has been making live contributions from around the UK into numerous Daytime programmes such as Good Morning Britain and This Morning, including covering an item on the Royal Air Force Aerobatic Team, the Red Arrows, ahead of their recent appearances at the G7 summit in Cornwall and Trooping the Colour.
dB and ITV Daytime issued special thanks to the Red Arrows, for allowing ITV Daytime to photograph the vehicle on the apron next to the squadron (pictured).
