Next-generation OBs: 4K, IP and immersive audio

By its very nature, the development of new OB trucks has always been something of a moving target. Invariably one of the most significant investments that a broadcaster or service company will make, the modern OB truck needs to be user-friendly, (re)configurable, and flexible enough to deal with content ranging from news to sports to live music.

Consequently, there has been an enduring focus on specifying and installing technologies that support efficient production workflows, and which can be adapted as requirements change.

With 4K/UHD, HDR and IP all in the process of making a dramatic impact on broadcast production, the design process for a new truck has become increasingly exacting. Not surprisingly, this has translated to even greater scrutiny being placed on the selection of ‘core’ equipment, in particular the cameras, video switchers and servers, routers, audio consoles and intercom systems.

The challenge of ‘added requirements’

John Mailhot, CTO of networking and infrastructure at Imagine Communications, says the development of any new OB unit begins with consideration of the types and sizes of productions that are going to be targeted. “It is driven by the user requirements, and then the technology chosen is…