Hamburg-based systems integrator MCI has won a contract from Al Jazeera Children’s Channel to build a 10-camera HD outside broadcasting van. It will be the first HD OB van for the Children’s Channel based in Doha in Qatar, writes Adrian Pennington.
The vehicle, suitable for up to 13 operators, will be outfitted with an EVS 2×6 channel slow motion server for recording. Additional kit includes a Sony MVS-8000G video mixer with 3.5 levels and 8 DVEs. Evertz multi-view monitors, 47″ Barco displays as well as 17″ and 26″ Panasonic displays will be used for monitoring in the control rooms. The intercom system is a Clear-Com Eclipse-Median Matrix with 32 ports.
All ten HD cameras will be connected by Osi Fiber Optics fibre optic cables. A Link wireless camera system is also available for transmission. A LAWO mc_66 audio-console with 120 channels will be integrated as a central component into the separate sound control room featuring 5.1 audio processing.
Particular attention will be paid to the air conditioning. On the one hand, the cooling capacity has to be designed for an average outside temperature of 50_C, while the intake unit for fresh and cool air has to be sufficiently protected against sand and dust contamination. Independent operations are guarantied by two redundant 50kVA power generators.
Bodywork on the Mercedes Benz Actros 14m vehicle will be built by ProVan. All training courses required will be given by MCI in Hamburg and Doha. Contract negotiations were completed in July 2007 for vehicle delivery next summer.
