IBC 2005: New HDTV OB truck with AURUS control room to be presented at IBC
tv productioncenter zürich’s new flagship OB truck will be one of the eye catchers on the show
Buttenheim, August 2005: SALZBRENNER STAGETEC MEDIAGROUP has delivered an AURUS digital mixing console and NEXUS audio network to equip Swiss outside broadcast specialist’s tv productioncenter zürich (tpc) new 12-24 camera HDTV OB truck. Designed and integrated by Sony U.K., the new vehicle will be presented to the public at IBC 2005 in Amsterdam. From September 9 to 13, the truck is parked next to the Sony Stand 9.410. Visitors will have the chance to discover its sound and video facilities on the spot and to get demos and explanations by tpc, Sony, and MEDIAGROUP staff.
The vehicle has been designed to provide studio facilities for major live events such as the Olympic Winter Games Torino 2006 and is fully equipped to support HDTV. The new programming demands for 5.1 with HDTV made the choice easy for tpc: They opted for a large AURUS console in the truck’s sound control room. 128 audio channels, 128 busses, and 48 fader strips on the AURUS now support even big surround sound productions. Too, the unique multichannel features of the desk recommend AURUS for this applications: Allowing to work on two or even more mixes simultaneously, e.g. one stereo version and one 5.1 mix, AURUS eliminates the need for quality-deteriorating automated downmixes or for an additional stereo mix. Thomas Neuenschwander, project engineer of tpc, says: »Equipping a truck for HDTV is a once in a lifetime investment. AURUS was our first choice, as it combines extreme reliability and perfect audio quality with quick and simple operation – no matter whether it’s a complex 5.1 production, a stereo mix or even both.«
Along with AURUS, the truck incorporates a NEXUS audio network of four base devices on board. Another three mobile base devices will be used as stage boxes on-site. The internal NEXUS provides a total of 100 AES inputs and 96 outputs, 112 line ins and 104 line outs, as well as several interfaces such as MADI and TDIF audio interfaces and GPI contacts. The moveable base devices not only offer to bring all necessary I/Os and interfaces close to the cameras, but also integrate all subscriber units of the intercom into the audio network. »Thus, no extra cabling for the communication network is required«, explains Sebastian Schmidt, MEDIAGROUP engineer in charge for this project. For maximum safety, the audio network has been designed with a high degree of redundancy. Therefore, all NEXUS base devices are equipped and cabled with double optical interfaces as well as with redundant power supplies for automatic and delay-free switchover in case of power or line failure.
About AURUS and NEXUS
Introduced to the market in 2003, AURUS is one of the best-selling mixing-desks in the small high class market: More than 50 systems have been sold to customers worldwide until today. The digital console features a unique, analogue-style, »direct-access« control surface with an exceptionally high number of controls for quick and simple operation. AURUS is inherently ready for multichannel up to 7.1. and is fully integrated into NEXUS audio network. Its compact, lightweight and fan free construction recommends AURUS for installations, where weight and low dissipation loss is a key criterion.
The fully digital NEXUS is one of the most versatile audio network and routing systems available. Build up completely modular and connected via fibre-optic cables, NEXUS forms decentralized networks of any desired size. A wide choice of plug-in boards, mounted in compact 19'' racks, allow to configure NEXUS individually according to any requirement. NEXUS provides audio routing as well as A/D and D/A conversion, signal processing, audio format conversion, signal transmission (SDI), power amplifier control, plus intercom matrix and talkback functionality.
About tpc
tv productioncenter zürich ag (tpc) is Switzerland’s biggest production company for audiovisual applications. The company was incepted on January 1, 2000, as a spin-off from the Swiss television corporation DRS (SF DRS). It is wholly-owned by SRG SSR idée suisse. With almost 800 employees, tpc’s turnover amounted to 139,2 million Swiss franks last year. See www.tpcag.ch for more information.
About SALZBRENNER STAGETEC MEDIAGROUP
SALZBRENNER STAGETEC MEDIAGROUP, a consortium comprising three companies, is one of the major system integrators in Europe and a leading developer and manufacturer of high-quality digital audio products such as AURUS, NEXUS, CANTUS and the C.A.S. product series. MEDIAGROUP installations can be found at hundreds of venues throughout the world, in broadcast stations, OB Trucks, theatres, government buildings and multipurpose halls. See www.stagetec.com to learn more and for a complete list of references.