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Case – TVN Ü8 OB-VAN

Customer Name

TVN

Category

Broadcast OB-Van

Delivery

2024

Project Description

The TVN-Ü8 is an impressive Outside Broadcast (OB) van developed through close collaboration between Germany’s TVN, D&MS, Carrosserie Akkermans, and technology suppliers like Evertz, EVS, Lawo, Riedel, Sennheiser, and Sony. At the beginning of 2024, D&MS, under the leadership of Alex Vermeulen, began the design with the ambitious goal of having the van ready within nine weeks for the Euro 2024 final in Berlin.

From the outset, it was clear that this would be a large-scale project. The outlines, conceived by TVN, were quickly shared with Carrosserie Akkermans, allowing D&MS to contribute early on regarding positions and cable routing. The OB van is equipped with state-of-the-art technologies, including the largest 12G SDI single-link router ever built: an Evertz NEXX processing and routing platform with 704 x 704 12G-SDI I/O. With advanced audio systems from LAWO and innovative solutions from partners like EVS, Riedel, and Sony, the TVN-Ü8 is considered “the most powerful OB van on the market.

“It was immediately clear that this would be a big van. The outlines, devised by TVN, were soon known to Carrosserie Akkermans, allowing D&MS to think early on about positions and cable passages..”

Alex Vermeulen – Head of Engineering – D&MS

Impression

Impression of the outside

    Impression of the interior

      Impression of the technology

        Challenge

        Complex technical integrations and uparalleled technical capabilities

        The biggest challenges were the tight schedule, complex technical integration, and achieving unparalleled technical capabilities. With only nine weeks to get the TVN-Ü8 ready for the Euro 2024 final in Berlin, the team had to work extremely efficiently and precisely.

        • Strict Deadline: Nine weeks to get the OB van operational.

        • Coordination and Planning: Between different teams, companies, and working hours.

        • Technical Complexity: Installing a massive amount of cabling and equipment, including over 61 kilometers of cable and more than 12,000 plugs.

        • Largest Router Installation: Setting up the largest 12G UHD single-link router ever made, posing significant technical challenges.

        • Airflow Optimization: Ensuring optimal performance by managing airflow in fully occupied racks.
        • Up-to-Date Documentation: Maintaining current documentation via remote access, essential for such a complex project.
        • Advanced Technology Integration: Incorporating AI-based systems and future-proofing through SMPTE ST 2110 compatibility for IP workflows.

        Solution

        Optimizing Workflow and Strategic Collaboration for Rapid Deployment.

        To tackle these challenges, work was divided into day and evening shifts, ensuring continuous progress. A brief overlap in the afternoon allowed for immediate discussion of important points, enhancing communication and efficiency. Remote access ensured the installation team always had the most recent drawings, cable lists, and labels.

        Collaboration with technology suppliers was crucial. In close cooperation with Evertz, the NEXX processing and routing platform was integrated, offering SMPTE ST 2110 gateway capabilities for future IP workflows. EVS servers with AI technology like XtraMotion were implemented for super slow-motion replays.

        The two control rooms are designed to operate completely independently, allowing TVN to manage two separate productions simultaneously from one unit. This required careful planning and integration of multiple Sony MLS-X1 switchers and other equipment.

        Results

        Exceeding Expectations: Early Delivery and Industry Recognition

        The delivery of the TVN-Ü8 exceeded all expectations. Thanks to efficient planning and collaboration, the OB van was ready even earlier than planned. Instead of being operational only for the Euro 2024 final in Berlin, the van could already be deployed during the opening ceremony.

        • Early Delivery: Enabled deployment during the opening ceremony of Euro 2024.

        • Advanced Technology Integration: Successful incorporation of the unique Evertz NEXX router, Sony MLS-X1 switchers, and EVS servers with AI capabilities.

        • Efficient Processes: Improved work processes and collaboration between different teams and companies.

        • Industry Recognition: Positive feedback during IBC 2024, with significant interest and praise from industry professionals, customers, and competitors.

        • High-Quality End Product: A reliable OB van ready for future challenges in the broadcast industry.

        • Deployment for Major Events: Plans to fully utilize the van for Bundesliga matches and other major events starting in October.

        An article about this project was also published in SVG Europe Entertainment in 2024.

        Read the article here

        Summary of the technical specifications

        • Cameras:

          • 32x Sony HDCU-5000/5500 camera units with optics from Canon.

          Cabling:

          • Over 61 kilometers of cable.
          • Belden 4855ELW / 4695ELW cabling.
          • More than 12,000 plugs.
          • Extensive use of tie-wraps and Velcro for cable management.

          Video Infrastructure:

          • Fully 12G SDI compatible.
          • Evertz NEXX Video Matrix with 704×704 12G SDI ports.
          • The largest 12G UHD single-link router ever built.
          • 4x Sony MLS-X1 switchers, configurable as 320x HD-in, 160x UHD-in, or 112x UHD & 96x HD-in.
          • Ability to combine all four Sony switchers for large UHD productions with up to 200 UHD inputs.
          • EVS Neuron frames for real-time signal processing and conversions. 

        • Audio Systems:

          • LAWO mc²56 mkIII audio mixer with UHD support and redundant UHD Core.
          • LAWO mc²36 mkII and DirectOut Prodigy.MP.
          • Riedel Artist intercom systems with MADI, VOIP, AES67, and analog connectivity.
          • 32x Riedel Bolero Beltpacks, expandable as needed.
          • Sennheiser microphones and in-ear systems for show, concert, and sports productions.

        Overzicht van technische specificaties

          Production Rooms:

          • 2x production rooms equipped with Sony MLS mixers and X7000 panels.
          • Each control room can be used independently for separate productions.
          • Ability to manage two separate productions simultaneously from one unit.

          Stage Boxes:

          • 8x Riedel Mediornet/LAWO stage boxes for flexible I/O.

          Recording Systems:

          • 11x EVS XT-VIA and XS-VIA servers for live replay and content management.
          • EVS Neuron frames for real-time signal processing and conversions.
          • AI-based XtraMotion technology for super slow-motion replays.

          Documentation:

          • 40 VidCad drawings in A1 format for installation and maintenance.

        Involved Partners

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