A good example of "extreme multipurpose OB-Van"
In a recent story we described from a mere technical point of view a particular and new OB-Van created and engineered in Italy.
But the profile is definitely more interesting than a usual tv production vehicle. We talked to the professionals involved in the project.
Actually it represent the synthesis of what we have often heard cherished in recent years, especially in exhibitions, a kind of "TV-in-a-box" to define a compact solution dedicated to television production. Now, thanks to the team of Professional Show and the One, we finally figured out what is the maximum possible expression of this definition.
Andrea Gianolli Technical Manager & CEO of TV One describes the strength of this new project:
"Basically, what we have been able to supplement, in a vehicle of around 10 meters, is a complete system for all television production, including post-production, graphics, play-out, a warehouse and nevertheless a television studio inside.
Other important differences between this and other similar vehicles are to be seen even it the project due to an excellent team with over 30 years experience. So this is a concentration of operational functions, in a single vehicle, as never seen before.
One of the many peculiar features of this Ob-Van is the integration of two expansions conceived to make maximum use of the space inside, to better integrate all the functions.
This Ob-Van is to operate in extreme weather conditions. The engine selected, the AC-tros Mercedes, is perfect and the conditioning system is able to operate efficiently even in places where the wind carries huge amounts of sand and dust and plenty of excess temperature 35 degrees, with high humidity. Particular devices were studied to minimize the problems and to minimize the system maintenance.
An AVI antenna with all of uplink system is integrated into the roof, in compliance with the regulations on the maximum height imposed at international level.
Fabio Veggiato Sales Director of Professional Show tells us: "This is a project that we took when the games were now almost done so we had to integrate our proposals with those already expressed by the customer. And we had to adapt to these wishes.
This new contract marks a positive growth and consolidation as a system integrator of Professional Show, not only on the Italian territory but also abroad.
In it we have integrated a significant added value, covering both technical and operational level.
The initial requirements were clear, the OB-van as to be complete in itself, to operate without any other support vehicle and capable to work as complete tv studio, uplink facility, contribution, satellite diffusion, post production and live events multi camera shooting. So in the end it is an innovative global approach to tv production, as for instance it has uniquely 11 cameras onboard of which 4 wireless, which is totally uncommon.
Besides, the internal shooting studio is capable of hosting a round up table of three guests or journalists for the comment. And not to be forgotten this conceptually new vehicle is also hosting 2 warehouses, so again no need to travel together with other spare vehicles for this purpose.
Paolo Artuso, Technical Director of Professional Show gives other details: "when we took over the job, this project was already under way and we also had to clarify some concepts with the customer, so we had to integrate our ideas and other "existing" technologies.
We also made a choice for Panasonic remote cameras operating in the studio, models AWHE120, due to their proven reliability. Actually it is not to be forgotten that this vehicle is to operate in Chad, Africa, in very different and unpleasant environmental conditions and it must be totally reliable.
So reliability and an incredible use of on board room were fundamental right from the start."
So the designing phase due to Andrea Gianolli was particularly interesting and eligible to an incredible example: another example is the lowering of the roof to host a 180m antenna dish for the sat uplinks.
All five processors are Blackmagic Design's and Teranex line is the choice, capable of managing anything in input towards any output.
Two K2 Grass Valley Servers are on board, integrated and redundant, are used for storage, for playout and also for an easy scheduling of on air clip programming.
