BBC Outside Broadcasts' two new production units

BBC Outside Broadcasts' two new vehicles both encompass the latest cutting-edge technology, versatile enough to allow users to provide broadcast coverage from a single unit.

The first - Unit 10 - is the most advanced large digital production unit in Europe and is fully equipped to enable broadcast coverage of large scale events. The vehicle, which has been used at high-profile events including the Commonwealth Games, is a double expanding unit built by A. Smith of Great Bentley (ASGB) and can accommodate 24 operators. The unit is also optimised for 12 cameras and 16 VTRs (seven disk-based and nine digi beta) and houses a Calrec 48 channel mixing desk, as well as a Thomson Digital XtenDD-3 vision mixer with 54 inputs. Unit 10, which has recently been fitted out by MegaHertz Broadcast Systems will be on display on the MegaHertz stand, number 11.621.

The second new unit is communications vehicle Link 18 – the smallest and most compact operator-driven portable uplink vehicle has been designed to be a versatile and robust one-man unit, capable of providing the main contribution link at both small and large live events. The unit, which fits in to a Peugeot 806, carries a dual satellite transmission system, which provides a back-up signal should any part of the vehicle break down – an essential requirement for any live transmissions. The unit, built by Sat-Comm Ltd to BBC Outside Broadcasts' specifications, also has full monitoring and an off-air receive, and is ideal for sending live interviews from around an event back to a broadcast centre.

Barry Parker, BBC Resources' customer marketing manager, says: "These newly available units have been designed with customer feedback in mind. We are highly experienced in understanding the challenges of both programme delivery and these vehicles address the industry need for versatile and robust outside broadcast units."

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