Rai has undertaken a significant renewal of its OB van fleet, awarding through a public tender the design and implementation of a project that combines technological innovation, reliability and strategic vision to ARET and Ross Video.
Specifically, Rai’s Technology Department generated and managed the concept, design and project supervision, while ARET and Ross Video provided the technological solutions and expertise needed to turn the vision into reality.
The national broadcaster has thus introduced a new generation of OB vans, the result of a collaboration that has successfully combined design and technology into an integrated system ready to meet the challenges of current and future live productions.
The new units include five 12-metre expandable OB vans with double side extensions, configured for ten cameras and two radio cameras, and three more compact vehicles designed for agile productions based on six cameras and one radio camera, all equipped with onboard satellite links (SNG).
These are entirely new vehicles, not upgrades of existing units, capable of covering a wide range of television productions, from sports to concerts, news and institutional events.
All vehicles are designed to operate in UHD 12G-SDI format and are built around a Ross Video core infrastructure that includes Acuity and Carbonite Ultra video switchers, Ultrix matrices (FR5 for the main units, in redundant configuration), and high-level audio systems such as Lawo mixers with PowerCore for the more compact units.
The use of Ross Gator up-down-cross converters, in openGear format, ensures workflow flexibility and consistency up to 4K UHD, with HDR support and reduced latency.
At the heart of the range are the HD08 OB vans, 12-metre units equipped with twelve cameras and designed to accommodate up to twelve operators.
They are engineered to deliver processing power, full redundancy and a completely UHD workflow.
In the past, the trend was to build “dual” units capable of handling two separate events or productions.
With these new vehicles, Rai has instead opted for full-power configurations, maximising resources to guarantee the highest quality for a single top-level event.
The smaller units, built on Eurocargo chassis, are designed for streamlined productions ranging from news to theatre shows and minor sports.
Also fully UHD 12G, their compact size allows easy movement even in historic city centres.
With a reduced crew of six, they remain operationally independent thanks to satellite connectivity, making them ideal for situations where speed and versatility are crucial.
ARET managed the entire design and construction process, from the bodywork—through its dedicated “ARET Coachworx” department—to the video and audio systems and final integration.
The close collaboration with Ross Video ensured technological consistency and project continuity, avoiding delays and providing Rai with a long-lasting fleet.
The project, initiated in 2020 under a public tender, saw the first deliveries in 2021 and will continue until 2026, when the final vehicle—featuring new Remote Production capabilities—will be completed.
Thanks to compressed IP connections, this unit will operate as a hub for remote productions or as a control centre for setups based on flight cases.
Rai has already deployed the new OB vans in major productions, appreciating their robustness and versatility.
This collaboration with Rai’s Technology Department has made it possible to create a concrete example of how vehicle design and broadcast technology can merge synergistically to meet the demands of live production, ensuring high standards and maximum reliability.
The project also reaffirms the key role of ARET and Ross Video in the international landscape: both companies have delivered scalable, future-proof solutions designed for everyday operations, strengthening Rai’s confidence and setting a new benchmark for the entire broadcast industry.
Synopsis
Rai renews its OB van fleet with ARET and Ross Video: a long-term project for the UHD era
Rai has renewed its OB van fleet through a public tender awarded to ARET and Ross Video, combining technological innovation, reliability and strategic vision in a comprehensive upgrade for the UHD era.
The project, managed by Rai’s Technology Department, includes five 12-metre expandable OB vans and three compact UHD units, all featuring Ross Video’s Ultrix and Acuity systems, Lawo audio mixers, and on-board satellite connectivity.
ARET oversaw the full design and integration process, ensuring technological coherence and operational reliability. The renewal, launched in 2020 and due for completion in 2026, also introduces Remote Production capabilities for greater flexibility in live workflows.
#Rai, #ARET, #RossVideo, #broadcast, #OBvan, #UHD, #RemoteProduction, #LiveProduction, #MediaTechnology, #SystemIntegration
INFO: https://aret-engineering.com/it/
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