UK-based live AV specialist VME has built a small HD OB using multiple Blackmagic Design products, which it used to do an AV production for pop star Jessie J’s performance on her 2012 Heartbeat tour. The concert was set against the dramatic backdrop of Northumberland’s Alnwick Castle, built in 1096, where Jessie J performed such hits as Price Tag and Do it Like a Dude to a capacity crowd of 12,500. Blackmagic’s ATEM 2M/E Production Switcher and ATEM 1M/E Broadcast Panel was used to switch between four Canon XF305 camera feeds and broadcast the performance live in HD to a 13-square metre plasma screen. At the centre of the operation was Blackmagic Design’s Compact Videohub, responsible for routing all video signals and feeds to and from the nearby OB van, while a pair of SmartView Duo SDI rack mounted monitors were used for viewing the cameras’ video output. “British weather can be unpredictable at the best of times and on this particular occasion it didn’t disappoint,” said Managing Director of VME, Dion Davie. “It was a total washout and that can be a nightmare when managing outdoor AV installations. That said, with such a relatively small set up, it was easy enough to manage as everything was compact, and most importantly dry, inside our van. Our only real drama was having the van towed out of nine inches of mud in the early hours of the morning.” The Blackmagic Design workflow was chosen because: “We decided to build an OB truck that was unique and compact, as there aren’t many on the market that are built around an entirely HD workflow. It was a niche in the market, so we seized the opportunity. The decision to implement Blackmagic products was easy; the products are affordable, high quality and reliable, and Blackmagic is used by some of the biggest names in the business. “Now that we’ve tried and tested quite a few Blackmagic products, we are really excited to start implementing new ones, such as Teranex and the HyperDeck Studio Pro.” VME has more than 20 years of experience in working with international broadcasters, such as Sky News, outdoor festivals, including Wakestock, and producing sporting events, such as the Barclay’s Premiership Football 20th Year Anniversary Special in London.www.blackmagicdesign.com www.vme-uk.com
