Timeline Television has turned to Grass Valley for the newest addition
to its outside broadcast (OB) fleet, UHD3.
Built around Grass Valley IP solutions including GV Orbit Dynamic System
Orchestration and Kahuna 9600 IP production switcher, the all-IP, 4K UHD HDR
capable unit gives the UK-based company a ready-to-go and future-proof mobile
production capability and expands its ability to support high-end live
productions.
The double-expanding truck was originally commissioned
for the BBC’s presentation coverage of UEFA Euro 2020. With the event postponed
until next year, it will initially support the Barclay’s FA Women’s Super
League soccer and various light entertainment programming. The truck will also
act as a remote production hub gallery to support Timeline’s Ealing Broadcast
Centre.
In addition, UHD3 will link with Timeline’s existing IP
4K UHD HDR truck, UHD2, to deliver expanded production capability when needed –
entirely managed by GV Orbit. Built on a smaller scale, UHD3 leverages the same
Grass Valley IP infrastructure and Arista 100G switch as Timeline’s
triple-expanding UHD2.
“We operate in a highly dynamic industry, where having a
nimble, flexible infrastructure that can support a diverse range of customer
needs and adapt quickly to different production models – especially in these
challenging times – is critical,” commented Quinn Cowper, Head of Engineering
at Timeline Television.
“The addition of another all-IP 4K unit means we can
support a wider range of customer needs, from remote production to the largest
on-location projects.
“Grass Valley has continued to drive the industry’s march
towards IP, delivering the solutions we need to run a successful business. GV
Orbit handles all configuration of the truck’s IP backbone which enables our
team to remove complexity from the workflow without compromising on
functionality.”
UHD3 is also fully loaded with Grass Valley’s IQUCP25
application platforms with SDI to IP essence processing software, enabling
25GBE ST 2110 IP connectivity for HD and 4K SDI equipment. IQAMD40MADI to IP
interfacing modules connect audio to the network, while MV-821-IP Multiviewers
handle main production monitoring, and additional IQUCP25-MV units support
peripheral multiviewer applications.
UHD3 also leverages Grass Valley’s Audio Live system,
allowing production staff to route any source audio to any destination. Dual GV
Orbit controllers handle all configuration and monitoring of the truck’s IP
backbone – including multiviewers and audio.
Tim Banks, Grass Valley’s Vice President of Sales, EMEA,
added: “Consumers have shown their appetite for live content remains unyielding
– and the global lockdowns have only accelerated this trend. Now more than
ever, broadcasters and OB companies need scale and agility as they drive to
meet this rising demand for unmatched viewing experiences more efficiently.”
“We are very proud that Timeline has once again turned to
Grass Valley solutions for its new truck. This project is a testament to our
commitment to working in partnership with customers to deliver solutions that
can transform their business and help them springboard into the next phase of
growth.”