Large HDTV OB truck with AURUS sound control room at IBC
Amsterdam, September 2005: During IBC, the Swiss outside broadcast specialist tv productioncenter zürich (tpc) presented a new, large HDTV O.B. truck. Its sound control room is equipped with an AURUS digital mixing console and NEXUS audio network. The truck which was planned and integrated by Sony U.K., is designed as a trailer with two drawer sections on the long sides. This offers enough space, also for a sound control room with good acoustics for 5.1 productions. Surround sound was one of the major demands of tpc, especially for the big live productions such as the transmission of the Olympic Winter Games in Turin 2006.
The superb surround sound capabilities were one reason why tpc opted for a large AURUS console. 128 audio channels, 128 busses, and 48 fader strips on the AURUS console now support even big productions. The unique multichannel features of the desk recommended AURUS for this application: 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, a NEXUS audio network with four base devices belong to the truck. The internal NEXUS provides a total of 100 AES inputs and 96 outputs, 112 line inputs and 104 line outputs, as well as several interfaces such as MADI and TDIF audio interfaces and GPI contacts. Another three mobile base devices are used as stage boxes on-site. They are used where the cameras are located – as common also for the other digital O.B. trucks of tpc. With this strategy, NEXUS offers all necessary I/Os and furthermore integrates all subscriber units of the intercom into the audio network. »Thus, no extra cabling for the communication network is required«, explains Sebastian Schmidt, the project engineer of SALZBRENNER STAGETEC MEDIAGROUP for all tpc projects.
For a maximum of safety, the audio network has been designed with a high degree of redundancy. 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 a power or line failure.
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.