South African Broadcaster M-NET approached Gearhouse Broadcast when they were looking for an outside broadcast facility. Gearhouse Broadcast was able to offer the systems integration of a custom built, multi-format vehicle.

The truck integrated was a triple expanding high definition outside broadcast unit which provided 28 high definition cameras and up to 3 versions of 5.1 Dolby surround sound. The unit’s lateral production area is large, spacious and air conditioned with 3 tiered 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. The third desk provides 32 monitors and comprehensive comms and monitoring facilities. The Unit is fully air conditioned to temperatures of 45 C°. The third expand provides room for a second desk in the VTR area to provide space for up to 11 operators and a co-ordinator. The unit is wired for up to 12 EVS/ 14VTR. In the vision area there is control for up to 28 Cameras by 7 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 making it ideal for major events.

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”.