dB Broadcast’s compact HDR-ready remote production units, custom-built for Cloudbass, combine native IP workflows, camera shading and flexible live production for sports coverage.
dB Broadcast has delivered new IP-based outside broadcast (OB) trucks for Cloudbass. Designed for high-end sports broadcasting, these OB units are built to be compact, fast to deploy and combine UHD, HDR and high-frame-rate production capabilities with an up to date IP-based infrastructure.
The trucks support centralised production operations and can adapt to remote and distributed production models as they evolve from project to project. This means Cloudbass can deliver high quality coverage across top-tier football and other major live sporting events.
Design and Implementation at dB Broadcast
At dB Broadcast, the team runs a warehouse, workshops, dedicated racks room and test/support area that have been purpose built for broadcast systems development and configuration. They also operate a secure data centre to support clients running IP broadcast systems.
The consultancy side of their business helps broadcast producers understand and take advantage of their industry’s rapidly changing environment. On the system integration side, they maintain a flexible approach to the design and implementation of complex systems. They are prepared for complete turnkey TV and radio studio projects to playout, transmission systems and OB vehicles.
They are also independent of manufacturers and equipment suppliers, a critical feature when ensuring that they can supply the most appropriate technology for a given set of requirements with the best value for money. In this case, to support live sports production across the UK, the trucks are featuring Grass Valley LDX 100 Series cameras and K-Frame production switching technology.
Imaging Performance and Native-IP Connectivity
The deployment includes 32 Grass Valley LDX 150 camera systems, chosen for their imaging performance, operational flexibility and Native-IP connectivity. The cameras support SMPTE ST 2110 workflows directly from the camera head and are designed to help production teams transition efficiently to scalable live production environments. The project also incorporates Grass Valley’s Creative Grading tools to support centralised camera shading workflows.
The Grass Valley K-Frame Production switchers integrated into the system are engineered for speed and efficiency. The top of the line K-Frame SXP has up to 192 inputs and 96 outputs with up to ten 16x8 I/O cards and four 8x4 I/O. Operations are optimised with loadable show programming, responsive automation and features using macros and timelines.
Simplified Switcher Frames
The switchers run on Grass Valley’s K-Frame XP video processing engines. Their software-based, modular approach to switcher frames make them simple to upgrade and more efficient to operate. These factor lead to simpler production workflows that are easier to configure and set up. The users themselves are more efficient and need fewer resources per production.
They are used with Kayenne, Karrera and GV Korona panels, which include familiar controls and interfaces in line with industry standards for operation. This tends to keep training demands and costs low as the hardware is upgraded, and as teams and staff change over time.
Compact environments depend on interoperability. K-Frame production switchers integrate with camera controllers, routers, server clip storage, third-party tally control and news automation systems for a seamless production ecosystem. The K-Frame frames have both SDI and IP I/O cards supporting the SMPTE ST 2110 industry standard with both 25 GbE and 100 GbE ports.
All K-Frame Video Production systems support and pass HDR source content. Also, all inputs and outputs can be colour mapped between HDR and SDR, as well as use 3D LUTs.
Evolving Broadcast Requirements
“More sports broadcasters and production providers are starting to look for ways to expand UHD and HDR capabilities while maintaining operational efficiency and flexibility,” said Mark Gardner, Senior VP of Sales, EMEA at Grass Valley. “These new Cloudbass trucks demonstrate how native IP production, centralised shading workflows and scalable live production technologies can be combined in a compact environment built for the realities of modern sports production.”
The new units feature entirely IP-based workflows and are designed to support remote operations, dynamic configurations and changing broadcast requirements. dB Broadcast led this integration, making use of their long experience in complex broadcast systems integration, and their partnership with Grass Valley that has continued for some years.
“This project was about delivering a future-ready IP architecture without compromising the operational practicalities of live OB production,” said Mike Bryan, Technology Director at dB Broadcast. “By standardising on Grass Valley’s LDX 100 native IP camera platform, Creative Grading and K-Frame technologies, we can supply a consistent production environment to Cloudbass, from acquisition through to live production switching.
Supporting some 15 cameras per truck, including UHD and HDR high-speed production workflows, the new units are optimised for long-term sports contracts while maintaining the flexibility required for evolving production workflows. www.grassvalley.com
