All-IP 4K HDR OB truck for Polsat
- Broadcaster’s vision to transform its production capabilities demanded a strong, stable and innovative partner
- Need to overcome multiple challenges including need for futureproofing, flexibility and interoperability with Polsat’s production vision
- OB workflow and network architecture based on open standards and IP switching fabic for agile production operations in any format (HD/UHD/SDR/HDR)
- Innovative orchestration system based on Sony LEO, offering holistic control of all IP resources for efficient production management
- Highly versatile multiformat OB vehicle that can be reconfigured quickly to deliver greater volume and variety of productions
- IP based OB truck leverages Sony’s innovative production workflows to meet broadcaster’s current and future production needs
We know that the future of the media and broadcasting industry will rely strongly on great technology to deliver great content to audiences. With this mind we set out to build a future proof truck capable of servicing this need. Sony is our trusted partner in this because of their strong industry knowledge and capacity for innovation.
Andrzej Szymański
CTO, Polsat
Meeting growing content delivery requirements
Warsaw-based media company Polsat has enjoyed a long working relationship with Sony Professional Solutions, who delivered one of Europe’s first HD Outside Broadcast vehicles to the broadcaster in 2007.
Building on this successful association, Polsat has again turned to Sony to oversee design and delivery of its new flagship OB vehicle. As part of Polsat’s business transformation strategy, the new truck leverages latest 4K HDR and IP technologies to provide an agile production environment capable of meeting rising demand for content and future delivery requirements.
Showcasing IP technologies for live production
Delivered in collaboration between Sony and local integrators 4Vision and Autokontener, the 14m vehicle is based on a full IP infrastructure, capable of handling production in any format – including HDR and 4K – with exceptional workflow flexibility.
“We know that the future of the media and broadcasting industry will rely strongly on great technology to deliver great content to audiences” comments Andrzej Szymański, Polsat CTO. “With this mind we set out to build a future proof truck capable of servicing this need. Sony is our trusted partner in this because of their strong industry knowledge and capacity for innovation.
“This project is also the fruit of collaboration with multiple implementation partners such as 4Vision and Autokontener and other technology vendors. It’s the first step in a longer term transformation of our infrastructures and workflows that will make our content production and supply chain more efficient, flexible as well as scalable and responsive.”
Open standards simplify future expansion
Polsat’s flagship OB vehicle showcases latest Sony technologies for live production. These include IP-native HDC-3500 cameras, XVS-9000 multiformat video switcher, PWS-4500 video server and PVM/BVM Series professional monitors.
Sony’s Live Element Orchestrator (LEO) and IP Live System Manager (LSM) software oversee control and monitoring of the complete system – including third party vendors’ devices – that’s built around an IP switch fabric by Cisco. The IP core is compliant with the SMPTE ST2110 and AMWA NMOS suite of open standards, simplifying interoperability with current and future systems in line with Polsat’s creative and commercial ambitions.
Simultaneous production in SDR and HDR
Built around the truck’s XVS-9000 and HDC system camera toolsets, Sony’s SR Live for HDR workflow enables simultaneous delivery in HDR and SDR without the need for duplicate hardware and production personnel. It’s complemented by NXLK-IP50Y IP HDR processor that inherits the HDR capabilities of the HDRC-4000, further augmenting the truck’s core processing capabilities.
The vehicle also features hardware and systems from other vendors including an SSL audio mixer, Riedel talkback system, Fujinon lenses, Imagine Selenio Networked Processor for multiviewers, VISLINK wireless links, Leader SPG and WFM-s, BroaMan fibre links and networking by Cisco.
Ready for a remote production future
The decision to embrace the benefits of IP also gives a strong hint of Polsat’s vision for live production. “In the near future most broadcasters – and definitely organisations like ours – will introduce remote production” says Andrzej Szymański. “We’re thinking in the near future to build a hub or production centre. This will enable just one crew to handle several different projects, for example sporting events.”
Many live sports producers require very specific formats for the entire broadcast production” notes Pawel Fila, Project Manager at 4Vision: “Implementing IP technology in this truck allows us to freely pick any of the possible formats, with the capability to quickly switch from one format to another.
Live productions are being built on a foundation of IP technology.
