Posts Tagged ‘broadcast’
South African Broadcaster M-NET Turn To Gearhouse Broadcast For New HD Integrated Truck
Wednesday, July 7th, 2010When South African broadcaster M-NET needed an HD outside broadcast truck quickly and on budget they looked no further than UK system integration specialists Gearhouse Broadcast.
In the past Gearhouse Broadcast had supplied M-NET with multi-camera flyaway solutions and, based on the service they received on that occasion, they looked to Gearhouse Broadcast again to provide this large, custom-built multi-format trailer.
Andre Venter, Head M-Net Broadcast Services Africa, said: “We were looking for a solution to our outside broadcast requirement and as Gearhouse Broadcast supplied us with three flyaways in the past, which were delivered on time and to budget, we turned to them to assist us with a highly specified, time sensitive requirement for a 28 camera HD OB vehicle.
The vehicle was again delivered to South Africa well within the specified time frame and budget.”
Building to outside broadcast performance specifications
The outside broadcast trailer integrated by Gearhouse Broadcast is a triple expanding High Definition outside broadcast unit that caters for 28 HD cameras and up to three versions of 5.1 Dolby surround sound.
The unit’s lateral production area is large, spacious and air-conditioned, with three tiers of desks, which seat up to 12 production staff.
The front desk houses a 4ME vision mixer and space for 84 monitors. The second desk provides 16 monitors and comprehensive communications, while the third desk provides 32 monitors and comprehensive comms and monitoring facilities.
The third expand provides room for a second desk in the VTR area to provide space for up to 11 operators and a co-coordinator. The unit is wired for up to 12 EVS/ 14VTR.
In the vision area there is control for up to 28 cameras by seven operators, plus an engineering test position. The vision router is 576 x 576 and the audio router is 256 x 256 AES and analogue.
The unit is engineered with a large in/out capability to make it ideal for major events and is also fully air conditioned to maintain a comfortable operating environment even in ambient temperatures of 45 C°.
Take a 360° tour of a Gearhouse built OB truck.
OB truck systems integration services
“We were able to accommodate M-NET’s requirement for an OB truck within a tight deadline and to their exacting specification,” said Eamonn Dowdall, Managing Director at Gearhouse Broadcast.
“The selection of kit being used for this installation demonstrates that Gearhouse Broadcast can tailor the design to a specific market and budget according to individual customer’s needs.
“I believe Gearhouse Broadcast was selected for this project because of our proven and demonstrable experience in the provision of HD outside broadcast installations. We have delivered many previous high profile HD outside broadcast units in the UK and Europe.”
ATP World Tennis Masters
Wednesday, July 7th, 2010The schedule of a top international tennis player is hectic – as is that of the broadcasters who follow them to all points of the globe to bring the action to huge audiences across the world.
Technical and production broadcast facilities for the ATP World Tour Masters 1000
Gearhouse Broadcast Project Solutions Division is proud to have been chosen for the tenth year in succession to deliver technical and production broadcast facilities for the ATP World Tour Masters 1000 – nine tournaments throughout the season taking place in venues as far flung as Cincinnati, Toronto, Miami and Monte Carlo.
Gearhouse Broadcast has also been contracted to provide the technical facilities for this year’s tour finale, The Masters Cup – where the eight top ranked players compete to become the overall series winner – in London at The 02 Arena in November 2010.
Of paramount importance to clients ATP Media is the ability to provide comprehensive and consistent technical and production facilities for the 50 leading international broadcasters who cover the series whatever the venue, in order to maintain and enhance the ATP World Tour Masters 1000 ’ status as one of the most important events on the international sporting calendar.
State-of-the-art digital flyaway rigs
Key to this is Gearhouse Broadcast’s state-of-the-art digital flyaway rigs, which feature video routing, distribution, communication, CCU and monitor gallery rigs.
After each event these are configured specifically to meet the demands of the next location on the tour so that they can be quickly and effectively integrated and installed by project engineers on site.
The tournaments usually cover two or three courts in the initial stages then go down to one court as the knockout stages progress, meaning that some of the equipment can be removed, configured and then sent on early to the next destination.
ATP Media’s CEO Steve Plasto says: “We opted for Gearhouse Broadcast because we are confident in their capabilities to create the same broadcast environment anywhere in the world. They have demonstrated their expertise and professionalism time and again throughout the Tennis Masters Series tournaments.”
Other services that have made Gearhouse Broadcast the system integration solutions provider of choice include:
- A core technical back up and support crew at every venue
- Infrastructure solutions including portacabins to house equipment, power supply requirements and catering facilities
- Logistical planning to ensure equipment and crew move from event to event smoothly and on time
- Accommodation and administrative support
- Additional top up facilities and equipment to meet broadcasters on-the-spot requirements
Forward planning, site visits and liaison with venue managers through the tournament.
Gearhouse Broadcast Enjoys World Cup Success
Wednesday, July 7th, 2010The football World Cup is often described as the ‘Greatest Show on Earth’, and once again Gearhouse Broadcast is right at the heart of it as the finest players around the globe descend on South Africa this summer.
With a worldwide TV audience of billions, Gearhouse Broadcast is being used by seven major multinational broadcasters to supply both project solutions and equipment.
Some of the broadcast equipment in South Africa consists of 36 EVS Hard Disk recorders, 42 EVS IP directors, 20 Sony HD 1500 channel cameras plus 42 Canon HD lenses.
Rental equipment AND logistics
It’s not just Gearhouse Broadcast’s rental equipment that is in demand. The sheer logistics of the operation around the finals mean that the technical infrastructure behind the scenes has to be spot on, and Gearhouse Broadcast’s project solution and integration expertise will have a key part to play.
To make sure everything works properly, Gearhouse Broadcast are supplying an array of ‘glue’ equipment, large routing systems, audio and vision mixers, thousands of metres of fibre, video and audio cabling, camera systems , down and up converters, and distribution and monitoring systems.
In case of any technical issues Gearhouse Broadcast Engineers will be on the spot to rectify any issues immediately, we have 82 crew working a total of 2650 main days on this project.
“This is our biggest event of the year, with a massive global audience and definitely the sort of project that we want to be involved in,” says Gearhouse Broadcast’s Rentals Division Account Executive Ben McKeenan.
“We started preparing for this project back in September 2009. Because of the size of the kit and the distance involved, we’re sending it out this month so there is plenty of time to get it all in place and working.
“But it’s non-stop and a lot of this equipment has either come straight from other projects, such as the Winter Olympics in Vancouver, and will be straight off elsewhere as soon as it gets back.”
Even with so much equipment half way across the other side of the world, the Rentals Division always strike a balance to ensure they can readily service customers here in the UK and elsewhere.
Gearhouse Broadcast to Deliver Systems Integration Solutions at Khalifa Tennis and Squash Centre
Wednesday, June 2nd, 2010AV Tech and Systems Integration
International Systems Integrator, Gearhouse Broadcast and associate company AV Tech have been awarded the contract to expand the existing broadcast services at the Khalifa Tennis and Squash Centre in Doha, Qatar.
The Khalifa Tennis and Squash Centre complex is owned and operated by the Qatar Tennis Federation and governed by the Qatar National Olympic Committee.
As the preferred supplier to the Qatar National Olympic Committee, Gearhouse Broadcast and AV Tech have previously completed a number of broadcast cabling and audio visual contracts at various sports arenas including; the Aspire Tower and Aspire Academy for Sports Excellence, Khalifa Tennis and Squash Centre, Qatar Sports Club, Al Arabi Sports Club, Al Khor Sports Club, Al Wakrah Sports Club and the Al Saad Sports Club.
The Khalifa Tennis and Squash Centre complex consists of 2 indoor training and practice courts with a 130 seating capacity, 14 outdoor training and practice courts, 2 competition courts with a capacity of 600 people on each and a Centre Court with a capacity of 4,250 spectators.
The Gearhouse Broadcast’s previous project at the complex included installing a broadcast infrastructure which covered every area of the club including the field areas, commentator rooms, the stand areas, press rooms and practice courts.
Upgrading existing SD systems to HD
The new installation will consist of installing wall boxes in 2 new courts, upgrading the existing TV rooms SD system to HD, fibre linking all wall boxes and removing the existing TV room equipment, making them safe during building works then reinstalling them in a new complex when building work has been completed.
To complete the installation Gearhouse Broadcast will be providing a crew of 3 Riggers/Wiremen and a Project Manager/Engineer.
Eamonn Dowdall, Managing Director at Gearhouse Broadcast said, “We are highly skilled in the provision of broadcast infrastructure installations, and in particular, the area of venue cabling having carried out numerous installations in the region previously at prestigious arenas such as the
Aspire Academy for Sports Excellence, the Aspire Tower and the previous installation at the Khalifa Tennis and Squash Centre.”
“This installation will be challenging because we need to remove all the existing cables and re-terminate them during the re-install. Meticulous planning and flexibility will also be required to deal with the changing client requirements.”
Gearhouse Broadcast provides Systems Integration, Project Solutions, Broadcast Equipment Sales and Rental. With an HQ in the UK the company has regional offices in Doha and Dubai.
World Cup Kit For Sale!
Tuesday, June 1st, 2010
EX-World Cup Kit
THE football World Cup is often described as the ‘Greatest Show on Earth’, and once again Gearhouse Broadcast is right at the heart of it as the finest players around the globe do battle in South Africa this summer.
When the curtain comes down on the final on July 11th, much of that equipment, all of which was new for the event, will head back to Gearhouse’s Watford headquarters to be checked and upgraded before being made available for sale from August.
Among the stock that will be available at highly competitive prices are: a wide range of state of the art HD broadcast equipment, Glue, Harris Signal processing equipment; HD Evertz Multiviewer; Snell 128×128 Sirius HD routers; Canon Box Lenses and Tektronix state of the art waveform monitors.
To ensure you don’t miss out you can find regular updates on the equipment that will be available on the Gearhouse Broadcast website – http://www.gearhousebroadcast.com – now or call the Sales Team on 0845 820 0000 to register your interest, check stock availability or discuss your requirements further.
Gearhouse Broadcast Help Pinewood Studios Put The Zing In Kid’s Favourite ZingZillas
Tuesday, June 1st, 2010PINEWOOD Studios, home to some of Britain’s most iconic films and television series continues to be an integral part of the nation’s broadcast industry.
As one of Europe’s leading providers of broadcast equipment sales, rentals, project solutions and systems integration, Gearhouse Broadcast is proud of the excellent working relationship it has built up with Pinewood in recent years, and to have supplied the cutting edge technology used to realise some of the most popular shows currently appearing on British television screens.
And Gearhouse recently helped Pinewood break new ground by providing tapeless HD format and broadcasting solutions for the production of CBeebies’ latest hit for early years children, ZingZillas, the first time this technology has been employed at the studios.
HD Format Broadcast
The HD format is an important part of the show’s appeal, which is both strongly visual and musical as it follows primate friends Zak, Tang, Panzee and Drum through their colourful jungle home in their quest put together a daily performance, The Big Zing, inspired by a range of visiting musicians and singers.
Over the past few years Gearhouse has delivered an exhaustive range of audio and video equipment, including cameras and camcorders, both standard and high definition upgrade (SD and HD), MCR hubs, VTRs and infrastructure solutions to Pinewood.
The kit supplied is all specifically tailored to the needs of Pinewood-produced hit series such as the BBC’s ‘Would I Lie to You’, Channel 4’s ‘The IT Crowd’ and Sky 1’s flagship HD sports panel quiz ‘A League of Their Own’, presented by multi-award winning comic actor and writer James Corden of Gavin and Stacey fame.
HD Kit technical support
Gearhouse’s engineers and technicians have established a close working relationship with their colleagues at the studios over the years, ensuring their technical support is available on demand and any additional equipment requirements can be quickly and seamlessly met.
Simon Honey, Head of TV Studio Operations at The Pinewood Studios Group says: “Gearhouse Broadcast always provide a professional all round package with exceptional customer service, through a dedicated knowledgeable rental team, dependable hands on technical support, and reliable state of the art equipment – at a competitive price.
“With a proven track record in delivering project solutions, we collaboratively provided a seamless HD tapeless workflow for the CBeebies production ‘Zingzillas’, and the results speak for themselves on screen.”
Build of India’s First HD OB Van
Tuesday, June 1st, 2010When India’s state broadcaster Doordarshan decided it was time to commission their very first custom-built, high definition (HD) outside broadcast van they turned to Gearhouse Broadcast to deliver the solution.
The newly built van is part of a major investment programme in HD technology by Doordarshan and much of the system building and integration work was carried out at Gearhouse Broadcast’s Watford headquarters.
Following an initial brief from Doordarshan and project managers Agiv (India) Pvt. Ltd, a TATA chassis was shipped to the UK to be adapted by coach-building specialists JS Fraser of Oxford before Gearhouse Broadcast’s team of specialist technicians and engineers got to work. The van was fitted with specialist equipment to meet Doordarshan’s requirements, including: four Ikegami cameras (expandable to six if needed), Canon box lenses, a multi-format Snell Kahuna vision mixer, Marshall/Barco monitors and a Harris Router.
Ten weeks later the van was ready to be shipped back to India for testing and final adjustments, carried out in partnership with a team of engineers from Doordarshan’s parent organisation Prasar Bharati, and it is now fully operational, providing news and sports outside broadcasts.
The arrival of the country’s first HD outside broadcast truck was quite an event and marked by an official visit from Ms Ambika Soni, the Honourable Minister for Information and Broadcasting in the Indian Government.An order for a second van is testament to Gearhouse Broadcast’s expertise and specialist system integration skills, and Managing Director Eamonn Dowdall says: “I believe we were selected for our proven and demonstrable track record in the provision of high definition outside broadcast instillations.”“We have delivered many previous high profile HD outside broadcast units in the UK and Europe and now Doordarshan’s high definition van raises the bar for standards in Indian broadcasting and sets a benchmark for other to follow.”
Zoom in on new Gearhouse Broadcast Website!
Thursday, April 29th, 2010As one of the market-leading international broadcast service companies, Gearhouse Broadcast required a website capable of showcasing everything we do and all the latest developments in each sector we operate in across the globe.
Gearhouse Broadcast recently teamed up with web design and online solutions specialists Optix Solutions, to develop a new web presence capable of keeping up with the demands of such a fast-moving industry, and we are pleased to announce the new site went live this month.
Optix Solutions were charged with creating a website that is truly easy to use, quick to navigate and flexible enough to be adapted to reflect every important development in the broadcast world on a daily basis.
At the same time it highlights all the products and services available from our Sales, Rental, System Integration and Project Management departments worldwide, as well as latest company and industry news.
“We wanted a site that is not only simple and satisfying to use and lets people know what we have to offer but that also reflects our position and gravitas within the industry,” said Eamonn Dowdall,Managing Director at Gearhouse Broadcast.
“Given the business we are in it wouldn’t be right to rely on a dull static site that didn’t give the visitor a feel for just what an exciting, technical business we are in. We are absolutely delighted with the result and believe our customers and visitors will be too.”
At the click of a mouse you can check out the latest outside broadcast truck being built at our UK headquarters, what cameras are available for rent in Australia, product sales in Doha or project solutions in India.
With so much to cover, it was vital that the site was designed to be as easy as possible to navigate, to take the visitor where they want to go quickly and efficiently.
We have incorporated a specifically designed filtered search facility which enables the visitor to, for instance, find a product by type, condition (new or used) or brand. In the near future you’ll be able to bid for an ex-rental or excess stock bargain via e-auction.
Case studies are used to introduce the sheer scope of the projects that Gearhouse Broadcast are involved in day in, day out.
Visitors are offered detailed insights into everything from the technology Gearhouse Broadcast supplies to bring ‘I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here!’ from the Australian rainforest to our living rooms to the creation of India’s state broadcaster Doordarshan’s first custom-built outside broadcast truck.
Specially incorporated 360° panoramic image technology allows the visitor to take a virtual tour of everything from the VTR and audio set up in a HD (High Definition) outside broadcast truck to the wiring and cabling that makes it all work.
Gearhouse Broadcast agree order with XL Video for fifty Sony HXC-100s
Thursday, March 4th, 2010
HD approved Sony specialist dealer, Gearhouse Broadcast has agreed an order for fifty Sony HXC-100 HD camera channels to concert touring and event specialist video company XL Video.
XL Video’s Managing Director Lee Spencer explained “XL’s business is growing and the increasing demand for HD required a long term investment. We made a conscious decision to move our inventory to HD throughout 2009. The HXC-100 was evaluated against the best of breed alternatives and was selected as the best value and most appropriate fit to support our intensive HD expansion plans.”
Gearhouse Broadcast was tasked with trialing the HXC-100 on XL’s behalf to ensure the camera was capable of meeting the company’s high-demands. With the assistance of Sony, the first HXC-100 in Europe was supplied to Gearhouse and tested in live broadcast applications. Working closely with XL’s technical team, Gearhouse was able to determine that the HXC-100 was an ideal fit for their application.
“The transition to a new camera is a major undertaking, especially when prestigious client projects are involved and resources and support are required immediately.” Said Eamonn Dowdall Gearhouse Broadcast’s Managing Director. “As an authorized HD Sony Dealer, Gearhouse Broadcast was uniquely positioned to assist XL in their transition to HD. Our product knowledge is supported by the resources of expertise and equipment from our Rental and Project divisions enabling XL to have a smooth and hassle free transition.”
Spencer concluded “as a result of the investment XL has now become the leading HD Events business in the UK. The HXC-100 is a cutting edge camera, allowing XL to offer both SD and HD productions with features and quality previously unachievable without major budget investment. Our investment in HD technology and infrastructure has redefined the quality potential
and possibilities for our clients.”
XL Video has used the HXC-100’s on the Kylie, Elbow and Neyo tours and will take delivery of the remaining 38 channels later this autumn. Gearhouse Broadcast is the first reseller to sell the Sony HXC-100 HD Camera Channels into Europe.
Gearhouse Broadcast delivers The X Factor Audio Solution for 2009
Thursday, March 4th, 2010
For the sixth year running broadcast solutions provider Gearhouse Broadcast return to provide the audio systems for ‘The X Factor’, ITV’s largest music talent show.
Gearhouse Broadcast has been awarded the contract of major radio microphone and audio supplier for ITV’s hit show, ‘The X Factor’ and will work with clients, Talkback Thames and Video Sound Services to deliver a huge, complex audio system in accordance with the shows production requirements. The job is so involved that the setup and project planning for the production begins at least two months before the first studio transmission goes live on the 10th October.
Gearhouse Broadcast’s Audio division will provide the majority of all presenter and contestant radio microphones for both the ITV1 and ITV2 shows. A major change to the format of the show will see Gearhouse Broadcast not only delivering for the Saturday live show, but also for the Sunday live results show, amounting to over fifty-four channels of various RF equipment throughout the Studio. Gearhouse Broadcast’s Managing Director Eamonn Dowdall comments “Drawing on our vast experience of live television production we understand the time constraints involved and the need to work within budget and to provide reliable, quality systems. We will create a multi-purpose radio microphone solution to meet the large scale requirements of this high profile show.”
All radio equipment will be configured to meet the specifications of BAFTA award winning Sound Director, Robert Edwards of VSS Limited, who sets out the requirements for both the shows and has worked with Gearhouse Broadcast on a number of projects before including Talent TV’s ‘Test the Nation’ and ‘Britain’s Got Talent’.
In total seven x8-way receiver racks will be rigged at the Studios for use on both the ITV1 & ITV2 shows. The seven racks will be used in conjunction with a Sennheiser custom built ‘Titan X’ aerial combiner which will allow full diversity coverage throughout the studios during the shows. This type of audio solution was determined by both the ITV1 and ITV2 shows requiring not only coverage of the studio but also the backstage areas, green rooms, dressing rooms and connecting corridors all on one system so that contestants can move around the different areas.
The Titan combiner is a bespoke solution built by Gearhouse Broadcast in conjunction with Sennheiser, specifically to meet the audio RF demands of The X Factor and provide a multi-zone radio microphone system. Further audio equipment will be supplied by Gearhouse Broadcast which includes 43 x Sennheiser SK 5012 microphones and 5212 transmitters, 5 Sennheiser SKM 5200-U transmitters, 2 Sennheiser SKP 30 plug on transmitters and a set of two Sennheiser wireless in ear monitors. Due to the 54 channels of Radio Frequencies throughout the building a custom calculated frequency plan was needed to avoid any interference between the equipment. This will be developed in conjunction with the audio manufacturer Sennheiser and radio spectrum managers JFMG.
For the duration of the show Gearhouse Broadcast’s Audio division will supply full technical support and back-up to assist with the smooth running of the production.