TVN chooses Leader and PHABRIX T&M for latest production unit

Decades of experience in live broadcasting and the in-house development of powerful mobile production units has resulted in the TVN-OB8, which has been designed for UHD, HDR, and immersive audio production.

The new truck joins an extensive European TVN fleet, which now includes 11 OB vans and 13 SNG units. Each one has been designed with an emphasis on achieving maximum output regardless of footprint, ensuring that the best possible production results can be achieved at all times. Of course, this also means there is a clear need for the most capable and versatile production technologies, which is what led TVN to begin a conversation with Leader Electronics of Europe some time ago about its ability to undertake the full range of signal quality measurements.

“At the beginning of the UHD era, we were looking for measuring devices that could recognize the new standard and display it properly,” recalls TVN LIVE PRODUCTION CTO Christoph Moll. “Working closely with our partner LOGIC media solutions, we chose Leader and PHABRIX technology due to their product’s user-configurability and full operational flexibility. Leader/PHABRIX products have been supplied and proven indispensable to all of our live production units, which are deployed at a huge number of live production events including festivals and UEFA tournaments such as the Champions League.”

The need for an inherently flexible T&M device was the overriding factor behind the purchase of seven Leader LV5600 Waveform Monitors, which are compatible with SDI and IP signals, for use with TVN-OB8. The chosen device had to be capable of measuring IP streams, 12G/3G/HD SDI, HDR/SDR colour space and audio, and after a comparison of the available options a Leader solution again emerged as the most suitable. TVN also purchased two PHABRIX QxP Portable Waveform Monitors, which are 25G ST 2110 and 12G-SDI capable and will be used to enable all measurements outside the truck.

The high operational reliability of the units, as well as their general ease of use, clear signal display, variable measurement options, and ability to access firmware upgrades with new features are among the cited benefits that keep TVN returning to the Leader and PHABRIX brands time and time again. 

Moll reflects: “We are happy to fulfil the highest requirements and special requests of our clients in order to achieve the best possible production results at all times. We also achieve production quality and convenience with the corresponding high-end equipment of our mobile units, using the best video and audio technology available. We therefore rely on suppliers like Leader and PHABRIX who share our high standards for the most innovative solutions.” 

Martin Mulligan, COO of Leader Electronics of Europe, comments: “TVN is a pre-eminent force in live production across Europe, renowned for the quality of its live sports and entertainment, so to have enjoyed such a long association with the company is a real badge of honour for us. Their latest truck, TVN-OB8, has been receiving a huge amount of attention for its innovation and ability to support the full range of high-resolution, immersive production requirements. The fact that our T&M solutions are again integral to the specification of this truck confirms that we are continuing to provide what TVN needs as it caters to its impressive client roster in sports, music and TV.”