KBS enhances flagship OB van with Lawo’s IP-based audio
The Korean Broadcasting System (KBS) has upgraded its HDTV-4 outside broadcast (OB) van with IP-based audio solutions from Lawo, signaling a leap forward in its live production capabilities. This modernisation, executed by systems integrator Dongyang Digital (DYD), equips KBS with enhanced flexibility, performance, and efficiency, ensuring smooth premium coverage of major events.
The HDTV-4, KBS’ most extensive OB vehicle, designed for high-end productions with its 16-camera setup, has undergone a complete audio infrastructure overhaul. KBS has replaced legacy equipment with a Lawo mc256 Audio Production Console, an A__UHD Core audio engine, a Power Core Gateway, and an A__stage64 stagebox, integrating with the van’s existing infrastructure.
Choelho Park, overseeing the management and sound mix of the HDTV-4, emphasised the need for flexibility. “The OB van can become a production stage anywhere outdoors, so every event requires a complete reconfiguration from scratch,” Park explained. “From the signals exchanged with the production site to fader strip layouts, routing, and production techniques — every varies depending on the programme, making flexibility crucial.”
The mc256 console, designed for high-pressure environments, offers extensive DSP power, a user-friendly interface, and customisable workflows. With support for SMPTE ST 2110, AES67, and Ravenna, the console integrates into KBS’ IP-based ecosystem.
KBS’ diverse production portfolio, spanning sports, concerts, and entertainment, demands robust audio management. Lawo’s equipment is engineered to handle a wide array of audio signals from multiple sources. “During sports broadcasts, the OB van receives individual microphone and commentary signals to create immersive sound,” Park explained.
“For music programmes, we collaborate with external sound production companies, managing various signals for programme production. The mc256 console accommodates these external signals, as well as internal signals from file players, graphic equipment, CD players, and reverb units, ensuring seamless high-quality audio output.”
KBS’ decision to adopt Lawo was influenced by several key factors, including the need for a system capable of reliably processing diverse programme signals and ability to integrate with the OB van’s VSM control system. “The equipment had to fit precisely into the limited rack space without hardware issues during OB expansion or reduction,” Park stated.
Lawo’s reputation for stability, high audio quality, and cost-effectiveness solidified its position as the preferred choice.
Jung-Yeoul Lee, Technical Sales Division at DYD, concluded, “KBS now has a cutting-edge, futureproof audio setup that allows them to produce top-tier content with complete creative freedom. Seeing this system come to life is truly rewarding.”
