SIS Live launched the latest addition to its outside broadcast fleet last weekend, writes Adrian Pennington.
Making its debut covering Blackburn Rovers versus Arsenal EPL match was SIS 65 (pictured), an 11.5 metre vehicle commissioned by ESPN America as part of the broadcaster’s three-year deal with SIS Live to cover English Premiership football.
SIS 65 is described as a small-footprint, four-camera truck capable of delivering pitch-side presentation, commentary position coverage, EVS analysis, IP services and uplink through a 1.8m dual thread system. It has been designed to add on to existing match coverage, so that it can be localised for US viewers.
It is fully HD capable and 5.1 surround-sound ready, as well as having the ability to carry its own cable and equipment loads. The two-tier single expanded-side production vehicle layout provides space for seven production staff and seven operators, plus a dedicated three-person VTR area.
A For-A mixer, Miranda hybrid router, glue and multiviewers, a Calrec Zeta audio console and a Riedel comms system are packed in. The vehicle was designed by SIS Live’s in-house engineering team and has a Mercedes chassis.
Stephen Cook, executive producer, ESPN, said: “Having developed our requirements over the past year, we approached SIS Live to deliver a custom-built, compact and self-sufficient unit which would provide us with a high level of facility for use over the next two years.”
“SIS 65’s small size, flexibility and ease of deployment make it a significant addition to our fleet,” added David Meynell, SIS Live’s managing director.
