FOR-A powers native 12G-SDI OB unit commissioned by Production Crew

FOR-A, a leading video broadcast technology company backed by more than 50 years’ experience, has provided the key technology for a new outside broadcast (OB) unit commissioned by Production Crew. The new truck was designed and built by Dubai-based systems integrator El Baba Smart Technology.

The new OB unit was required to support the rapid growth in sports coverage in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, where it will be based. The capability of producing high quality television in 4K Ultra HD (UHD) was critical for these applications.

Production Crew was keen to maintain simple and secure operations in the new unit, and so preferred the native 12G-SDI infrastructure rather than IP connectivity. Working with El Baba, it looked at all the key vendors, and selected FOR-A because of its consistent, proven support for 12G-SDI to achieve a compact architecture.

The centrepiece of the truck is the FOR-A HVS-6000 production switcher, coupled with the HVS-3355OUA panel. This gives operators up to four mix effect (M/E) banks and 80 inputs, with full pre-programmable macros, digital video effects and graphics layering. The curved layout of the panel puts all functionality within ergonomic reach of the operator for completely reliable production under pressure.

The production switcher is matched with a FOR-A MFR-4100 router. This is also 12G native and can be configured up to 72 x 72 to meet the practical needs of a live production. Signal conversion and distribution uses the FOR-A USF modular system, capable of hosting as many as 12 cards in a 2RU rack equipped with the 12G distributions amplifiers with video and audio processing.

Shady Mokdad, Managing Director of Production Crew, said, “It was important to us that we got the right production flexibility and creativity. That drove us towards the FOR-A HVS-6000.

“Working with El Baba on the system design, we also saw other, practical advantages like the multi-viewer hosted in the switcher, saving us precious on-board rack space.”

Mohammed Abu Ziyadeh, FOR-A Regional Manager for the Middle East & Africa, commented, “FOR-A’s production equipment is gaining a stellar reputation as more businesses recognise our exceptional creative capabilities, along with our commitment to straightforward and secure operation.

“Our complete 12G solutions are truly impressive.”