HD Outside Broadcast Truck For Our Australian Division

THE PROJECT

In 2013 our Australian division needed a new, state-of-the-art, high definition outside broadcast truck. Naturally, it turned to the expert systems integrators at Gravity Media – then branded Gearhouse Broadcast – (UK).

Designed by Gravity Media’s UK-based team of Senior Broadcast Engineers, the new OB unit built for Gravity Media Australia was dubbed “HD5”.  Built and integrated at Gravity Media’s premises in Hertfordshire, the systems integration took 14 weeks to complete. The truck build utilised the latest cameras, vision mixers, monitors, routers and glue products available at the time.

THE APPROACH

The OB unit sent to Australia was designed to offer an incredibly flexible production space. Featuring a climate controlled, completely ergonomic & comfortable interior, it was specifically designed to be able to cope with the extremities of the Australian weather. At 13.6 metres in length, the truck was equipped with the latest HD and 3G technology available at the time.

The multi-purpose facility’s production area was designed to be expandable and featured comprehensive vision, engineering, VTR and audio areas. HD5 is capable of facilitating up to 24 x HD multi-format cameras, plus radio cameras and 6 x POV cameras. Its recording capability utilises 7 x EVS and 4 x HD CAM recorders.

The unit was fully equipped with a 64-fader MC56 Lawo sound desk, surround sound and Dolby audio, a Sony 7000 Vision Switcher with 80 Inputs, 36 Outputs and integral DME’s, and an N-Vision 8576 Hybrid (video and embedded audio) router configured for 333 inputs and 540 outputs.

Additional features included 18 production wall monitors with quad splits to give up to 80 pictures, front and rear production desks for up to 10 production staff, front and rear EVS desks for up to 9 operators and extensive networking facilities.