
TVN hails new 8 truck the most powerful OB van on the market By George Bevir
Thursday, September 26, 2024 - 13:34
Print This Story
TVN has unveiled the TVN- 8UHD, the newest addition to its fleet of trucks which the outside broadcast firm describes as the most powerful OB van on the market .
Featuring equipment from the likes of Canon, Evertz, EVS, Lawo, Riedel, Sennheiser and Sony, the 8 made its debut during Euro 2024 in Germany, where it was used to produce coverage of the closing ceremony in Berlin. It was also on display at IBC earlier this month, where TVN provided the industry with tours of the 18m x 7.5m unit.
Speaking with SVG Europe in Amsterdam, TVN Live Production chief executive Markus Osthaus said: We have had a lot of customers, competitors and other companies saying how spectacular it is. They like the design, and they are really impressed with how much technology is in there and the kind of work we are capable of with 32 cameras, a big router and the Sony mixers.
TVN Live Production chief executive Markus Osthaus at the RAI, Amsterdam
We have a large 12G SDI baseband router that no other truck in the world has. Together with the multi-viewers, and the number of cameras, and the number of signals we can work with, it gives us even more flexibility and even more possibilities than we have with our OB6 unit, which itself is really a huge truck which has done Champions League finals and other large events.
Designed by TVN, the Germany-based facilities firm worked with design and engineering company Project Builders, coach work firm Carrosserie Akkermans and systems integrator D&MS on the build of the 8 truck.
The 8 is designed and built for use on largescale productions and can accommodate 39 workstations with two galleries and 32 Sony UHD cameras, with optics from Canon.
Additional Sony kit include four Sony MLS-X1 switchers, for configurations such as 320x HD-in, 160x UHD in or 112x UHD & 96x HD in.
Each of the two control rooms in the truck can be used to work entirely independently from each other, on different productions, simultaneously. This setup enables TVN to handle two separate productions from one unit.
TVN chief technology officer Christoph Moll said: We have the option of the independent use of each of the switchers, but for really large UHD productions requiring up to 200 UHD inputs, we can combine all four units on board the 8 to one large mixer. This gives us maximum flexibility.
Server and slomo technology is provided by EVS, with XT-VIA and XS-VIA servers supporting UHD recording. The servers are controlled by LSM-VIA, combined with the MultiReview application, allowing production teams to view up to 16 camera angles and export selected footage for use in the production workflow. Generative AI-based XtraMotion provides super motion replays via LSM-VIA remotes.
The 8 also features two compact EVS Neuron frames, which handle real-time signal processing and up, down, and cross conversions.
Watch TVN CEO Markus Osthaus and managing system engineer Felix Rumpf speaking with EVS about their 8 truck
At the heart of claims that the UHD/HDR-capable 8 is the most powerful OB van on the market is an Evertz NEXX processing and routing platform with 704 x 704 12G-SDI I/O, 16 x 3G and 8 x UHD HDR conversion paths, and 48 standard and 14 advanced UHD multiviewer heads in 17 RU.
This was a massive engineering challenge because nothing of this size had ever been done before, said Sebastian Ruchti, sales engineer for Evertz in Germany.
What we built was certainly a first for the broadcast industry - the largest 12G UHD single link router anyone had ever made.
TVN's Christoph Moll added: The density of the router Evertz has built for us is phenomenal it's 960 x 960 UHD with frame syncs, embedders/de-embedders, multiviewers and up/down/cross conversion - and all in a non-blocking architecture, which makes it very reliable and easy to use.
According to Evertz, TVN insisted that the router be SDI-based, as the OB van's use is aimed at large events where it is necessary to exchange a high number of SDI signals from 1080i to UHD 12G directly at the OB van patch panel with other broadcasters. Plus, that SDI is more suited for playback of live content on large LED screens at festivals without any visual delay and switching between the live camera signals on an SDI basis is still the most efficient and convenient solution for the technician when shading on the reference monitor.
Evertz added that as the NEXX processing and routing platform provides SMPTE ST 2110 gateway capabilities, it will be straightforward for TVN to transition to IP in the future.
Audio technology includes Lawo MC 56 MK3 with redundant UHD Core and Lawo MC 36 MK2 DirectOut Prodigy.MP.
Intercom is provided by Riedel, with Riedel Artist with MADI, VOIP, AES67, and analogue connectivity plus Riedel commentator technology. In addition, the truck is equipped with 32 x Bolero Beltpacks as standard, expandable according to requirements.
Sennheiser has supplied microphones with microport receivers (Sennheiser Digital), clip-on microphones, in-ear systems and wired microphone technology for show, concert and sports productions.
Top tier productions
The addition of 8 takes TVN's fleet to eight OB vans plus equipment trucks, 13 SNG units and camera drones of a range of sizes.
We see a bright future for remote production, but we still believe, of course, in the production of events with large OB vans, added Osthaus.
I think for the big productions, like the Champions League, the top tier sports and the big music festivals, you still need the flexibility and the manpower at a venue because remote production doesn't only mean that you have less technology in the venue, you also have less knowledge and less manpower in the venue.
And I think emo
North America Stories
04/07/2025
By Lucy Spicer
Editor's note: We are deeply saddened by the passing of Robe...
04/07/2025
Introducing CVP Auctions: Trusted Tech, At Auction-Only Prices
Brie Clayton July 4, 2025
0 Comments
A New Destination for Film and Broadcast Gear at U...
04/07/2025
Unveiling China's Ecological Wonders with URSA Mini Pro 12K
Brie Clayton July 4, 2025
0 Comments
Nature Documentaries Freeze Epic Momentsin Extrem...
04/07/2025
Create Any Planet in After Effects
Graham Quince July 4, 2025
0 Comments
The Advanced 3D renderer in After Effects makes it really easy to import 3D o...
04/07/2025
Custom Gradient Colorize for Resolve Fusion
Simon Ubsdell July 4, 2025
0 Comments
Digging into the theory of the gradient colorize process to build ou...
04/07/2025
Watching live sports on TV these days is a delicate balance for broadcasters how much information is too much?...
04/07/2025
WASHINGTON As Federal Communications Commission Chair Brendan Carr works to achieve his goal of a very busy, productive summer at the FCC, the agency has rele...
04/07/2025
Other World Computing Launches OWC Guardian USB-C Hardware-Encrypted Portable SS...
04/07/2025
CANAL Brings MotoGP to Vision Pro with Blackmagic URSA Cine Immersive
Brie Clayton July 3, 2025
0 Comments
Experience MotoGP like never before as CA...
03/07/2025
To achieve a true level of decisive overmatch, communication systems must be as ...
03/07/2025
The Broadcasters Foundation of America has named Ray Hopkins, president of U.S. distribution at Paramount Global, to its board of directors....
03/07/2025
SIOUX FALLS, S.D. In his first major policy speech, Federal Communications Commission chair Brendan Carr outlined his Build America Agenda for the agency'...
03/07/2025
As the industry is making a major push to transition to NextGen TV and develop new businesses that will fund the next generation of broadcasting, TV Tech's ...
03/07/2025
Despite enabling its subscribers to watch films and TV shows in the highest possible resolution, Netflix has revealed it is taking things old school with the in...
03/07/2025
WASHINGTON In response to news that Paramount Global has agreed to pay $16 million to settle a lawsuit by President Donald Trump, Democrats and other administra...
03/07/2025
WUPPERTAL, Germany Riedel Communications today launched RefSuite for professional sports workflows....
03/07/2025
WEITERSTADT, Germany LYNX Technik, a provider of modular signal processing solutions, has announced that founder and longtime CEO Winfried Deckelmann is steppin...
03/07/2025
WASHINGTON Representatives from six trade groups representing tech, pay TV, broadband, LPTV and other sectors recently met with Federal Communications Commissio...
03/07/2025
PLYMOUTH, Wis. Dan Whealy has acquired Heartland Video Systems and will be its new owner and president, the systems integrator said....
03/07/2025
Acclaimed filmmaker, educator, and industry veteran Jay Holben has released his most ambitious work to date: The Director's Guide to Everything a sweeping...
03/07/2025
For Los Angeles-based photographer Scout Pruski, documenting the annual Dyke Day LA is a way to honor and give back to the city's legacy queer community and...
03/07/2025
Modular, Travel-Ready Solution Matthews Studio Equipment launches the new Chimera V-Flat Panel Frame Kit, the lightweight and modular, ultra-durable alternativ...
03/07/2025
Dalet, a leading technology and service provider for media-rich organizations, today announced the release of Dalet Flex 2025.6 LTS (long-term support), introdu...
03/07/2025
Lightware's LARA Wizard makes it quicker and easier than ever to set up audio-visual (AV) room automation and control configurations, ensuring anyone, from ...
03/07/2025
Alfalite, the only European manufacturer of LED screens, has obtained both the NCAGE Code (NATO Commercial and Government Entity) and TAA (Trade Agreements Act)...
03/07/2025
nxtedition is implementing a new solution for WIN Network, based in its headquarters in Wollongong, New South Wales, Australia. The nxtedition integrated platfo...
03/07/2025
ORS Group and Insys Video Technologies today announce the launch of a new joint brand identity: Big Blue Marble. The move reflects the evolution of a long-stand...
03/07/2025
Evergent, a global leader in customer lifecycle management and monetization solutions for subscription-based businesses, today announced the successful results ...
03/07/2025
LYNX Technik, provider of modular signal processing solutions today announces an executive leadership transition, effective July 1, 2025. Markus Motzko has been...
03/07/2025
Chaos Releases V-Ray for Blender
Brie Clayton July 2, 2025
0 Comments
Production-Proven Renderer V-Ray Arrives Natively in Blender for the First Time;...
03/07/2025
Calvin University Adds Blackmagic Replay to Broadcasts and Streams
Brie Clayton July 2, 2025
0 Comments
Replay workflow joins 14 Blackmagic Design cam...
03/07/2025
Berklee's Gospel Performance Program Welcomes Jonathan Nelson as the Herb Al...
03/07/2025
Back to All News
Get Ready for Even More Action! Netflix Has Confirmed the Thir...
03/07/2025
Back to All News
Get ready for even more action! Netflix has confirmed the thir...
03/07/2025
In today's fragmented media landscape, advertisers expect more than just reach - they want seamless cross-platform campaigns that deliver measurable results...
03/07/2025
The forecast this month is showing a 100% chance of epic gaming. Catch the scorching lineup of 20 titles coming to the cloud, which gamers can play whether indo...
02/07/2025
Hege Wik and Odin appear in FOLKTALES by Heidi Ewing and Rachel Grady, an official selection of the 2025 Sundance Film Festival. Courtesy of Sundance Institut...
02/07/2025
(Stephen Lovekin/Shutterstock for Sundance Film Festival)
By Patty Consolazio
This one's for any person who's ever felt put down, left out, marginaliz...
02/07/2025
NEW YORK Paramount Global has agreed to pay $16 million to settle a lawsuit by President Donald Trump, ending a long-running legal saga that could clear the way...
02/07/2025
WASHINGTON The Federal Communications Commission has approved the transfer of licenses for five TV stations from Sinclair to Rincon Broadcasting, which announce...
02/07/2025
As the media industry faces an uncertain business climate and rapidly changing consumer habits, TV Tech's most popular stories from the first six months of ...
02/07/2025
PORTSMOUTH, N.H. New data shows that U.S. homes now own an average of two smart TVs, with Samsung and LG dominating the market but Roku and FireTV continue to g...
02/07/2025
LOS ANGELES Funds managed by Oaktree Capital Management have acquired FilmRise, an independent digital streaming content distributor, and merged it with Shout! ...
02/07/2025
WASHINGTON The Advanced Television Systems Committee named Luiz Fausto vice president of standards development, succeeding ATSC vice president Jerry Whitaker, w...
02/07/2025
Boston Conservatory and the Sphinx Organization Join Forces to Make Classical Ed...
02/07/2025
NEW AMSTERDAM CREATOR DAVID SCHULNER JOINS CREATIVE TEAM OF NEW FOX DRAMA SERIE...
02/07/2025
Progressive realism: Aurora on taking up the broadcast reins for World RX alongs...
02/07/2025
Great speed: New host broadcaster Aurora on getting the World RX 2025 season pro...
02/07/2025
Seat of its pants: Aurora boxes clever and looks ahead for the FIA as new host b...
02/07/2025
UEFA Women's Euro 2025: EBU, BBC Sport and Sunset Vine talk coverage plans, ...