Press Release
The Broadcast Bridge - System Showcase: ARET 4K UHD OB For Alamiya Media
ARET is pleased to share the article written by Michael Grotticelli and published on The Broadcast Bridge regarding the 4K UHD OB for Alamiya Media.
We talk to the technical team at Systems Integrator & OB Vehicle builder ARET to delve into the design philosophy and technology selection, for the latest in a series of production vehicles delivered to Alamiya Media to service their sports production requirements.
While featuring a myriad of the latest technology and software-based systems, today’s OB Vans are being purpose built to suit individual client needs. For the most cost-effective results, some clients are shying away from the most complex technology and instead ordering production rigs with legacy baseband infrastructures that are immediately familiar to the crew.
Indeed, workflow has become equally as important as the tools that make them possible.
Systems Integrator and custom OB Van builder ARET, based in Milan Italy, has completed work on its latest full-size OB Van and delivered it to Saudi Arabian customer Alamiya Media for the 2024 football season. Now at 25 mobile units, Alamiya, with headquarters in Riyadh, maintains the largest fleet of outside broadcasting (OB) vans in the Middle East, which is used primarily for on-site live sports productions.
“The goal with this truck, which is just the latest we have bult for Alamiya Media, was to give the team the best workflow and production power for UHD HDR production, streamlining easiness of operation through 12G SDI video technology and unifying the software interface throughout all the equipment,” said Renato Mancini CTO at ARET Video and Audio Engineering. “Due to its multiple software systems, the OB Van can be configured for different projects on site quickly. This was the most important focus on the technical workflow”.
Working closely with Alamiya’s engineering team, Mancini explained that the new 16-meter long mobile production unit, called OB20, includes a full baseband SDI infrastructure to manage all video signals in tandem with an IP Audio network that leverages the AES67 standard.
Mancini said that deploying a 12G video production system meant that wiring was reduced from four 3G lines to a single cable. This, and the smaller Ethernet cables for audio, kept the overall weight of the truck down while facilitating a smooth installation of the equipment on board.
“In 12G systems you have one wire for everything from SD to HDR, so the production infrastructure is so easy to install and maintain,” said Mancini. “IP networks are a bit tricky to get right, but handling audio as packet-based signals made the most sense.”
Elbow Room To Work
The onboard 12G UHD workflow includes HDR processing for up to 24 Sony HDC 3500U HD cameras with Canon lenses. In total, the rig carries five high-frame-rate cameras capable of 8x speed. There are also two UHD RF cameras and eight EVS XT VIA UHD SloMo servers.
The production control room area is segmented into Slow-Motion and Production zones while the audio complement is located inside a noise-isolated audio room separated from the other work areas. The engineering room includes a Shading area plus a double workstation area for engineering activities while all the equipment racks are located in closed different areas.
The trailer features an expandable side for the production area. Opened up fully, the truck’s production space offers nearly 56 sq. meters (14 meters long by 4 meters wide), enough room for about 15 crew members to work comfortably.
“The space is like having a nice apartment in the center of Milan,” Mancini joked.
In a nod to the company it was built for, the OB Van is designed to operate in high-temperature environments, with a generous amount of A/C cooling throughout the truck and special insulation used for the external walls to protect against outside climate conditions.
With more than 45 years of experience, ARET Engineering, together with ARET Coachworx (the sister company dedicated to coachwork and mechanical works), takes the lead on the OB Van design and installation processes. This includes consultancy, mechanical design, coachwork and internal fitting, A/C and hydraulics, electric and power supply, as well as system integration implementation, configuration, commissioning and training.
A Familiar Baseband Core With An IP Audio Complement
A core component of the system design is the Ross Video Ultrix FR12 with a series of Acuity software-defined production engine blades, that adds to the system “a powerful vision switcher of 4 M/E UHD with no resource limitation or differences moving from base interlaced HD 1080i to full UHD-HDR configuration,” said Mancini. New features and functionality can be easily added via software licenses.
These task-specific blades are housed in a single space-saving 12 RU chassis that includes routing (216x216 UHD), video switching (4 UHD MEs), audio shuffling, a multiviewer with more than 40 heads and a huge number of PIPs. Each one includes frame syncs and audio embedders/de-embedders. The main production room is equipped with an Acuity A3 panel, a control surface with 32 cross-point buttons, that is used to operate the video production switcher. This allows precise control of all video switching operations while ensuring efficient video source management. There’s also a healthy amount of Ross OpenGear Gator UHD processing core with 12G-SDI interfaces, several Carbonite Ultra processing engines as platform converters, and a variety of networking equipment.
The audio control room is equipped with a Lawo mc256 audio production console, which provides native support for SMPTE 2110, AES67, RAVENNA, Dante (via a Power Core gateway), MADI and Ember+. Local I/Os include 16 Lawo Mic/Line inputs, eight AS3 inputs and outputs, eight GPI/IOs, and a local MADI port (SFP).
“The concept that we used for our SMPTE 2110 audio system design was to switch from an old system with multicore cables to just one Ethernet cable for distributing 64 IP channels, packet by packet,” said Felice Filippini, Senior System engineer at ARET, who designed and handled the audio networking and equipment configuration. “So for us the networking was adjusted to have a single core where audio signals are routed from one device to another without delay.”
Weight And Power Reduction
Among the key factors in an OB Van design is adequate space, power consumption, and air conditioning. Looking to significantly reduce physical weight and power requirements onboard the truck, products like the Ultrix switcher and Lawo’s A_UHD Core audio engine for the mc2 audio console were designated as the “best choice” by the team.
The OB Van’s monitor walls are made up of Sony PVM-X1800 4K reference monitors (for camera shading), and six 50-inch Sony professional flat screen displays for the PCR area of the truck. The Multiview display is handled by the Ross Ultrix system—which allows you to switch resolutions as desired. A Vizrt graphics system is also on board for real-time 4K graphics production. There’s also the optional possibility to add a Ross Expression engine on board for generating special effects for the video switcher when required.
Serving as the heart of the entire audio/video infrastructure is Lawo’s Virtual Studio Manager (VSM) broadcast control system, which enables IP control capabilities throughout the production truck. The complex yet easy to use software layer is seamlessly integrated with the Ross Video Ultrix system, including its internal router, the Lawo audio consoles and Riedel intercom systems.
“By controlling everything with a VSM software-based, broadcast control layer, we are able to recall any preferred configuration in one click,” said Mancini.
Robust Centralized Conversion
When camera feeds come into the truck as SDI, and the audio is on an IP network, combining the two is handled inside the Ross Video Ultrix system.
“We combine all the layers in Ultrix,” said Mancini. “Everything from the audio console is delivered to the Ultrix as MADI. The Ultrix system embeds all of the audio signals with the video based on preset parameters established by the client. So it really becomes a centralized conversion system".
“We have a lot of experience with this combination of signal paths,” he said, adding that if the video switcher falls, there’s redundancy on the router itself. “We’ve designed a couple of levels of redundancy into the system so that if something goes wrong, we have backup for disaster recovery that is independent from the other path. So all of the layers of production tools on the network are reliable when they are needed most.”
A Legacy Workflow
Both Mancini and Filippini said that although there’s a lot of talk about IP networking in the industry right now, and ARET has designed and built several successful IP projects, most of the engineers are still figuring out how to install it so that every device can communicate with others on board the OB Van. It’s not an easy task.
“The new world of IP is not easy for all broadcast engineers and, at the end, we need to deliver to a customer the best overall solution for him,” said Mancini. “In this case, and often in an OB Van, the complexity introduced by today’s 2110 technology is not paid back by the advantages offered.”
“I think our industry needs to have more time to experiment and learn about the complexities of this new transport system. We know that SDI is very robust,” he said. “It has existed for many years. And the cost of the equipment is lower, which is as well important to our clients.”
IP Audio networking onboard is based on a fully redundant “Red and Blue” 2110 network, for full redundancy. All audio signals are transferred over a 1 GB pipeline.
“We had some challenges in setting up the whole systems as we desired, due to some specific protocol implementation of some vendors which were not compatible with others, but at the end we could interface the vendors and achieve exactly the desired workflow,” said Mancini.
Lessons Learned
The new OB20 mobile unit is a near clone to a series of production trucks ARET has built for Italian national broadcaster RAI, using the same SDI video/IP Audio system design. And they are very happy with the outcome.
“We did a lot of experimentation on this type of combined production system last year and learned a lot of valuable lessons that we used in the new truck for Alamiya Media,” said Mancini. “Clients want hybrid systems, not all-IP everywhere, which can be difficult to operate and manage.
In the end Mancini said that Alamiya Media’s new OB20 is one of the most flexible and technically sound trucks ARET has ever built. The company builds about ten new OB Vans of different sizes each year.
“Flexible means that you can easily adapt to the workplaces and production requirements at hand,” he said. “The truck can handle any signal it receives and convert it to whatever other signal you need. That’s our philosophy for every OB Van we build. Clients want a return on their investment so the truck has to be able to work with whatever the crew needs at any given time during a live sports production.
“It’s also important that the crew feel comfortable working in the truck, so we make sure we discuss with the client their specific workflows and how they like to produce a telecast,” Mancini said.
“Therefore we always like to collect information from the users and collaborate with their engineering teams in order to improve the systems and capabilities our clients request.
The new Alamiya Media OB Van will hit the road in Saudi Arabia and begin its first productions in January.
Vatican Media Enhances Broadcasting Quality
Background
Dicastery for Communication of the Holy See, and its broadcasting brand known as Vatican Media, are in Vatican City.
Established by Pope Francis in 2015, it aims to rethink and reorganize the communication infrastructure of the Holy See. This initiative brought together several areas that Vatican Media is responsible for including audiovisual production for papal ceremonies and religious events.
Challenge
To communicate the Church’s messages effectively, Vatican Media faced several challenges.
From a technology perspective, as the pace of innovation accelerated, the organization recognized the need to invest in cutting-edge infrastructure and training to enhance processes and standards.
Integrating multiple technological systems and managing global content distribution in real-time posed additional challenges on flexibility and scalability, demanding an immediate solution.
Vatican Media aimed to refurbish two Outside Broadcast (OB) Vans, essential for covering significant events within the Vatican City and during papal visits. Designing a solution within the limited rack space available in the OB vans added complexity to the project.
Solution
To address these challenges, Vatican Media collaborated with Ross and ARET Video and Audio Engineering, building on their partnership established in 2008.
ARET video and audio engineering took charge of designing and supplying main infrastructure equipment.
After a comprehensive consultation period, a clear solution emerged. This entailed upgrading the two OB Vans to a UHD 12G-SDI workflow, incorporating leading technology from Ross, including Ultrix, Carbonite Ultra, and openGear solutions.
Benefits
By partnering with Ross and ARET to create an improved broadcasting infrastructure, Vatican Media unlocked substantial benefits.
The integration of Ross technology equipped Vatican Media with future-ready solutions. The establishment of an integrated UHD workflow not only improved broadcast quality but also optimized space utilization, reduced weight, and minimized power consumption.
The collaboration with ARET streamlined the project’s deployment, and the subsequent training ensured that operators were well-versed in the new systems.
Vatican Media particularly appreciated the partnership-centric approach consistently demonstrated by Ross and ARET, enhancing both the technological impact of the project and the organization’s capability to disseminate the Church’s message globally in various formats.
"We are thrilled to introduce Dicastero per la Comunicazione to solutions which fit their needs. Collaborating with the Vatican engineering team has been an exciting journey, fostering mutual learning and cooperation, which are crucial for the success of projects of this scale". (Alessandro Asti - Vice President of Sales, ARET video and audio engineering)
IBC 2023: ARET and ROSS Video Unveil State-of-the-Art OB Trailer with Advanced Equipment
ARET video and audio engineering is excited to announce its participation at IBC 2023, held from 15th to 18th September 2023 at RAI Amsterdam. At the event, ARET will showcase a state-of-the-art, 24-camera UHD HDR OB production trailer for their client Alamiya Media, featuring an advanced 12G-SDI workflow based on Ross Video equipment.
A vital component of the Alamiya OB20 trailer is the Ultrix FR12 with Acuity Blades, an advanced solution that combines routing (216x216 UHD), video switchers (4ME UHD), audio mixing, MultiViewers, trays of frame syncs, and audio embedders/disembedders into a single 12RU chassis. This powerful platform consolidates multiple functions into a compact unit, optimizing efficiency, space, and resources.
The main production room within the truck is equipped with Acuity A3 Panel, a control surface with 32 crosspoint buttons designed to operate the Ultrix-Acuity switcher. This intuitive interface allows precise control of switching operations, ensuring efficient video resource management.
The system is completed with a powerful 12G-SDI Ross Video Opengear Gator, Carbonite Ultra engines as platform converters, and all the needed networking equipment. Onboard the trailer, it will be possible to explore a selection of Ross equipment, including the MIRA replay server and Xpression Graphics Platform, the most advanced real-time graphics and video enrichment technology stack on the market.
“We extend our heartfelt thanks to our valued partner, ARET, and client, Alamiya in Saudi Arabia, for entrusting us with deploying a cutting-edge OB Van based on Ross technology in UHD 12G. Our collaboration with ARET has resulted in a remarkable OB Van that sets new industry standards, showcasing our shared commitment to innovation. The deployment of this UHD 12G OB Van for Alamiya in Saudi Arabia signifies a significant milestone, and we are proud to present it to you at IBC 2023. Alamiya’s openness to innovation has enabled us to partner, together with ARET on something that will add value to audiences and the crew alike. ” said David Mosca, Regional Sales Manager, at Ross Video.
“We are very proud of the trust given by Alamiya Media and of the final result of this OB Trailer, which uses Ross Video 12G-SDI technology, allowing a very powerful, easy, and flexible production workflow, which has a great price-performance ratio. Ross is a great partner to work with, with great people and cutting-edge technology,” states Alessandro Asti, Vice President Sales — ARET video and audio engineering.
Visitors to the event will have the opportunity to experience the devices’ capabilities firsthand by joining Ross at Booth (9.A05) in Hall 9, and the Alamiya OB trailer will be accessible for demonstrations at ARET Booth (0.A07). This unique collaboration between ARET and ROSS Video exemplifies the synergy of cutting-edge technology and creative expertise, raising the bar for media production solutions.
About ARET
ARET is a global broadcast turnkey video and audio systems integrator with 40 years of experience. Their expertise encompasses various areas of the broadcast industry, including TV/radio OB vans, DSNH vans, radio and TV production, post-production studios, news studios, production automation, master control rooms, IP infrastructures, storage, and robotics. ARET is the only broadcast systems integrator with an in-house coach-building company, ARET Coachworx. Every project comprises consultancy, structural design, electrical engineering, air-conditioning and system design, and proceeds throughout all the phases, from coachbuilding to systems integration, commissioning, training and after sales support. Find out more about ARET video and audio engineering at aret-engineering.com.
About ROSS Video
Ross Video powers high-impact video experiences around the world. The technology & services of our creative production universe are trusted by thousands of customers – from NBC to Sky, SoFi Stadium to Red Bull Media. Headquartered in Canada, with 20 global offices and 1,400 employees, we work in broadcast news, sports, stadiums, concerts, education, legislative, corporate, and more.
IBC 2023: ARET’s New OB Truck with Lawo VSM and mc²56 at 0.A07
IBC 2023 attendees are in for a treat as they will have a unique opportunity to experience Lawo’s cutting-edge technology showcased not only at the Lawo booth B90 in Hall 8 but also at the outdoor exhibition area on 0.A07: ARET will be unveiling their new OB trailer for Alamiya Media, featuring seamless integration of Lawo IP technology. This cutting-edge configuration boasts a UHD-HDR video workflow at 12G and AES67 audio networking.
Umberto Asti, CEO ARET video and audio engineering, states: “The Alamiya OB trailer represents a landmark in the OB van market for its quality of construction, the innovative design and for the technology installed. We have combined the power of the Ross 12-G SDI Hyperconverged solution with the flexibility and excellence of Lawo IP-based audio solutions. On top of everything, the workflow is controlled by the most powerful and reliable broadcast control system in the market: Lawo VSM.”
Lawo’s VSM (Virtual Studio Manager) broadcast control system, serving as the nerve center of the Alamiya OB truck, is unparalleled in its powerful and flexible IP-based control capabilities. Its seamless integration with a wide array of broadcast equipment, including video routers, audio consoles, and intercoms, makes it an ideal choice for managing resources efficiently. It also keeps evolving as ever more lighthouse projects require increasingly refined control and flexibility options. With its intuitive touch-enabled interface, Lawo’s VSM empowers producers with fast and accurate control over remote, distributed, and facility-wide resources and OB production trucks for exacting streamlined operations.
The audio control room within the truck is equipped with Lawo’s mc²56 audio production console. The Lawo mc²56 features compact size, flexibility, and versatile design for applications as diverse as broadcast trucks and studios, live performance and recording. It is optimized for today’s IP-video production environments, designed for networking in complex production infrastructures, with full native support for SMPTE 2110, AES67/RAVENNA, DANTE (via a Power Core gateway), MADI and Ember+. Local I/Os include 16 Lawo-grade MIC/Line inputs, 16 Line outputs, eight AES3 inputs and outputs, eight GPI/Os, and a local MADI port (SFP).
Significantly reducing physical footprint and power requirements, Lawo’s A__UHD Core audio engine for mc² audio production consoles provides intuitive HOME functionality. This software-defined IP DSP engine offers up to 1,024 DSP channels that can be shared among several mc² consoles for flexible resource pooling.
“This is just the beginning of our customer’s experience since after IBC, the OB truck will be shipped to destination and our customer will be able to enjoy our daily care for the whole life of the OB trailer”, Umberto Asti highlights the absolute service philosophy of ARET. “All from the ARET team are proud of this new delivery!”
IBC 2023 visitors are encouraged to make their way to the Alamiya OB trailer at 0.A07 to experience firsthand the seamless integration of Lawo’s VSM broadcast control system and mc²56 audio production console in a real-life project.
About ARET
ARET is a global broadcast turnkey video and audio systems integrator with 40 years of experience. Their expertise encompasses various areas of the broadcast industry, including TV/radio OB vans, DSNH vans, radio and TV production, post-production studios, news studios, production automation, master control rooms, IP infrastructures, storage, and robotics. ARET is the only broadcast systems integrator with an in-house coach-building company, ARET Coachworx. Every project comprises consultancy, structural design, electrical engineering, air-conditioning and system design, and proceeds throughout all the phases, from coachbuilding to systems integration, commissioning, training and after sales support. Find out more about ARET video and audio engineering at aret-engineering.com.
Cinevideo Waves cavalca l'onda del 12G con ARET
Clicca sull'immagine e leggi lo speciale che DigitalProduction.TV ha dedicato a Waves12G, un potentissimo ObVan 12G SDI 4K UHD HDR dotato di tecnologia Ross Video. Meccanica e carrozzeria interamente progettate e realizzate da ARET Coachworx.
Related links:
YouTube video
LinkedIn article
Ross Video Ultrix FR5 12G SDI
Ross Video Carbonite Ultra
Radio OB Truck powered by LAWO
Radio OB Truck powered by LAWO technology - Interview with Alessandro Asti
December 4th, 2018 – LAWO
Take a look inside this visual radio IP OB truck designed and manufactured by our partner Aret Video & Audio Engineering. Presented at IBC 2018, delivered to a renowned customer in the Middle-East and recognized for “Outstanding Innovation in OB Engineering 2018” with an ASBU BroadcastPro Award! Featuring Lawo sapphire & crystal IP radio consoles, Lawo VisTool touch-screen control GUI, Ross Carbonite vision mixer, Ross PIVOTCam PTZ cameras and lots more. Enjoy this quick tour with Aret’s Vice President Alessandro Asti.
Live Espresso Control
Live Espresso Control – See Aret Engineering's New IP Truck
July 13th, 2018 – LAWO
See Aret Engineering’s Alessandro Asti explaining his latest big IP production TV truck, featuring Lawo V__matrix-based multiviewers and IP encapsulation, Lawo V__pro8 base-band glue, Ross video switchers, Lawo mc² audio consoles and the Lawo VSM IP broadcast control system. The V__matrix and V__pro8 units significantly reduce the installation’s footprint reg. space, weight and power consumption – not the least issue to consider in broadcast truck design.
Don’t miss Aret Engineering at the upcoming IBC in Amsterdam, where the company will showcase two vehicles incl. their brand-new on-air radio truck, featuring Lawo crystal & sapphire radio consoles and a full-blown studio with robotic cameras for visual radio applications.
Coachwork Creations for Outside Broadcasting
Coachwork Creations for Outside Broadcasting
April 1st, 2018 – BroadcastPro ME
BroadcastPro ME speaks to the team at systems integrator ARET that custom-built the 3G HD OB van for Sharjah TV
The custom-built OB Van for Sharjah TV by systems integrator ARET went beyond equipment specs to create an effective tool for the broadcaster
This 3G truck has been designed for eight to ten cameras and is expandable on one side. The inside of the OB van is divided into four different areas that are separated using sliding glass doors: engineering and CCU, production, sound and a voice-over booth.
VAN:
- Chassis based on Mercedes-Benz ATEGO
- Custom made FRP panels to prevent sand and dust damage
- Motorised cable drum system
KEY KIT:
- Grass Valley LDX-86 World Cam systems
- Karrera video switcher with K-frame
- NVision 8144 video router
- Densité 3 glues
- Kaleido multiviewers
- Vinten camera tripods
- Riedel intercom systems
- Evertz replay system
- Genelec monitors
- Studer audio mixers
- Tektronix waveform monitors
- Canon XU-81W camera
Sharjah TV recently took delivery of an OB van from ARET for sports coverage and other demanding productions. The Italian broadcast systems integrator ARET has supplied 450 OB vans over four decades since 1976, with several customers in the region, and this probably influenced Sharjah TV’s choice.
“ARET has been active for the past 15 years in the MENA region, and the Middle East is one of the leading markets for ARET,” comments Sales Engineer and Marketing Director Dr Eng Umberto Asti, who is also Vice President of ARET Video and Audio Engineering.
“Among the 450 OB vans delivered around the world, many are operating in the Middle East, including Bahrain, Lebanon, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Iraq and the UAE. The last year has seen the completion of many outstanding projects in the region.”
As broadcasters require access to content no matter where they are, the mobile unit is now less of a workhorse of equipment and racks, and much more of a creative hub where broadcast technicians can focus on better engaging audiences through innovative live coverage. In response to the demands of the modern-day broadcaster, Dr Asti and his team at ARET created integrated workflows.
“We did all the coachbuilding. Instead of buying a pre-made coachwork from third parties, as most of the other companies do, we are very proud to have our inhouse coachwork department that relies exclusively on internal resources. Our coachwork allows us to carefully monitor every single step of the creation process. We also did the designing and systems integration.
“Another strong point of ARET is the ability to combine coachbuilding and systems integration towards creating a state-of-the-art product. This technique allows us to have strict connection among all the parts and variables of the project that need continuous feedback. As a result, all our coachwork creations are instruments for broadcasters built around equipment specifications, and this OB van is proof of that.”
Recalling the timeline of the project, Dr Asti says: “After an initial draft for the project was submitted, we at ARET proceeded with the analysis and modified it accordingly. Following the client’s requests that arose during the development phases, we then revised it and further customised the system. Every detail has been monitored with maximum precision and expertise. The van was completed last year and commissioned the following month.”
Giving an overall perspective of the OB van, Dr Asti says: “This 3G truck has been designed for eight to ten cameras and is expandable on one side. The inside of the OB van is divided into four different areas that are separated using sliding glass doors: engineering and CCU, production, sound and a voice-over booth.
“It features a telescopic mast with a PTZ camera on top and a flexible layout that allows adapting to different types of productions. The robotic PTZ camera, installed on the top of a pneumatic telescopic mast, can be raised up to eight metres. The pan-tilt head system incorporates a camera with 20x optical zoom that can supply high-resolution and high-magnification video in real time. The system is managed by an active control installed on the CCU desk that provides smooth transitions of the pan-tilt head.
“The voice-over booth, designed as per the customer’s requirements, is used for live commentary and features dedicated acoustic treatment. A satellite antenna, used to receive digital TV and radio signals, is also mounted on the roof. Each area is also monitored by a closed-circuit surveillance camera system.”
Highlighting the wide interiors of the OB van with dedicated lighting in every area, Dr Asti also remarks on the finishing details, from the designed tapestry to desk materials. He adds: “The power supply can be selected between the public network and a diesel generator. On the back of the truck, there is also a motorised cable drum system.”
Despite all the buzz around live remote broadcasting, OB trucks will remain on the front line of production, especially when it comes to covering live events. Having an in-house coachwork department has helped the team at ARET to custom-design each van according to the client’s requirement, Dr Asti stresses – especially in the case of Sharjah TV, which requested a full expansion to be able to adapt its workflow to every type of event.
“The chassis of the OB van is based on a Mercedes-Benz ATEGO. Modifications have been carried out by ARET in its internal coachwork department.”
“Our coachwork allows us to carefully monitor every single step of the creation process. We also did the designing and systems integration”
Dr. Eng. Umberto Asti
Vice President of ARET Video and Audio Engineering
The technicians at ARET also accounted for the harsh summer temperatures in the region, as Dr Asti explains: “The vehicle has been specially built to endure harsh weather conditions, with particular attention paid to the climate of the region. ARET has developed a unique coachbuilding technique dedicated to OB vans working in hot, dry and humid countries, that includes using custom fibre-glass reinforced plastic (FRP) panels and dedicated solutions to prevent sand and dust damage, as well as internal water condensation from the AC system. In addition, the careful selection of the materials, together with their assembly methods, guarantees perfect resistance in every weather condition.”
The new 3G HD van joins a fleet of OB vans already with Sharjah TV.
“This brand-new truck is a vital addition to their fleet that allows for the proper distribution of workload, optimisation of the overall workflow and significant improvement in video quality,” says Dr Asti. He explains that partnership with more than 30 broadcast brands has helped ARET “select the best equipment for every turnkey project”.
“Most significantly, partnering with the major broadcast brands has enabled ARET to be flexible and cost-effective, allowing the customer a tailored configuration instead of an all-in-one brand solution.
“The OB van uses Grass Valley’s LDX-86 Worldcam cameras and a Karrera video switcher with K-frame, NVision 8144 video router, Densité 3 glues, Kaleido multiviewers, Vinten camera tripods, Riedel intercom systems, an Evertz replay system, Genelec monitors, audio mixers by Studer (Vista 1 for the main mixer, On Air 1500 as a back-up) and Tektronix waveform monitors. A Canon XU-81W camera is mounted on the telescopic mast.”
On the critical issue of testing and training, Dr Asti spells out the exacting procedure that ARET followed.
“The first part of the training was carried out at our headquarters in Milan. We verified that the coachwork corresponded in all of its details to the project specifications. The same meticulous check-up was carried out for the broadcast and electrical systems. The whole system was then validated and tested together with all the supplied devices, always including the broadcast, electrical, air conditioning and hydraulic systems.
“The second part of the commissioning was carried out on-site in Sharjah, where ARET’s engineers fine-tuned all the configurations, verifying that the OB van operated without any issues in every condition. Both phases of the training were carried out flawlessly and the customer was pleased with the support received.”
To understand the potential uses of the OB van and provide solutions to suit the client’s requirements is at the heart of the success of such a project, Dr. Asti underlines. Signing off on our conversation, he adds: “We have received positive feedback from the client, and we are looking forward to the next collaboration.”
About BroadcastPro ME
BroadcastPro Middle East is a monthly publication covering television and radio broadcasting technology as well as filmmaking trends in the Arab world. The magazine focuses on the entire broadcast chain from content acquisition and editing to media asset management, and playout and transmission across both traditional and new media platforms. Also, BroadcastPro ME is the official media partner for CABSAT, the region’s largest broadcast show. The Editor of BroadcastPro ME is also the only representative from the Middle East to be part of the jury for the IBC Innovation Awards.
ARET upgrades RAI studios and OB vans with Lawo V__pro8 video processors
ARET upgrades RAI studios and OB vans with Lawo V__pro8 video processors
Italian public broadcaster RAI, a long-time user of Lawo products and solutions, has just taken delivery of 37 Lawo V__pro8 8 Channel Video Processing Toolkits.
The new Lawo equipment will be employed in a nationwide technical upgrade and renovation of studios and OB vans located all over Italy. System integrator and Lawo partner ARET Video and Audio Engineering, headquartered in Milan, won the tender after participating in a test procedure which scrutinized prominent brands’ ability to process video in broadcast environments.
Alessandro Asti, ARET’s VP of Sales comments: “The unique features and flexibility of V__pro8 – its ability to synchronize, convert, embed / de-embed and apply delay to both audio and video, as well as monitoring eight inputs at once – received the maximum technical marks in the tender. Thanks to the outstanding performance of the V__Pro8, it is the perfect tool for signal monitoring in RAI’s studios and OB vans.”
The RAI project is the latest in a number of successful joint projects between ARET and Lawo. Another notable project, from 2017, was the outfitting of Italian production company NVP’s OB4 OB Van. The heart of OB 4’s audio systems is a pair of Lawo mc²56 production consoles, a Nova router and DALLIS interfaces. The complete OB Van is controlled using Lawo’s VSM (Virtual Studio Manager) system; Lawo’s V__pro8 eight-channel video processing units give producers control of the complete broadcast production workflow using just 1 RU of rack space. Together, these Lawo systems deliver the versatility required for multiformat operation on Europe’s most challenging productions.
About V__pro8 eight-channel video processing toolkit
V__pro8 is a compact, fully digital eight-channel video processor with all of the “glue” features needed for today’s broadcast production workflows. It works as a flexible matrix system: using its 8 x 8 video matrix and 384 x 384 audio matrix, it is possible to switch any signal to any other. A modern GUI (based on HTML5) provides an intuitive interface for fast handling of day-to-day work.
V__pro8 connects differing video formats, with high quality format conversion, color correction and audio embedding / de-embedding capabilities. It also combines video and audio management, with a high-density MADI audio connection providing efficient video-to-audio bridging within the studio infrastructure. This combination of video and audio management in a single unit guarantees maximum operating efficiency by significantly reducing required space, wiring infrastructure and cost.
About Lawo
Lawo designs and manufactures pioneering network, control, audio and video technology for broadcast and post-production, as well as live performance and theatrical applications. Products include control and monitoring systems, digital audio mixing consoles, routers, video processing tools as well as solutions for IP-based A/V infrastructures and routing systems. All products are developed in Germany and manufactured according to highest quality standards at the company’s headquarters in the Rhine valley town of Rastatt, Germany.