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VCS introduces Egypt’s first full High Definition production OB truck
Video Cairo Sat (VCS) is synonymous with innovative broadcasting technology for its business of content and programme creation and transmission for a global client base. May 2008 sees the launch of VCS’s latest OB vehicle, a fully staffed mobile HD facility – the first in Egypt – specified and assembled in the UK by JVC Professional Europe.
Apart from the high performance, multi-format HD specs of the video equipment, the van itself is really quite special. It is equipped with insulation and air-conditioning to endure the hottest of conditions and with air-filtration to withstand all types and intensities of dust. Built on a strong Mercedes chassis and over 10m in length, the vehicle is enhanced with hydraulic air-ride suspension, making the roughest of terrain a smooth ride and effectively protecting the onboard equipment.
Utilising VCS’s existing state-of-the-art HD uplink facility, the OB van is an easy match for the highest of requirements of any international broadcaster.
The HD capability will be used to help international broadcasters create a new insight into Egypt’s archaeological wonders of the world; it will be used to enhance locally-produced terrestrial and satellite channel programming; and with increased attention on the Egyptian football league after winning a second consecutive African Cup of Nations trophy in February, 2008, a new market has opened for high-quality production and transmission of Egyptian football games.
The on-board HD video equipment and the attendant VCS uplinks have been specified and installed to provide maximum flexibility for shooting anything from documentaries to drama to sporting events, providing live feeds or fully edited programmes. The OB van and its up-to-date specialist crew are available for hire at a moment’s notice, day and night.
As well as the OB van having seating for up to 13 crew members, there is still space available for further specialist hardware that a client may wish to use.
The equipment list itself is the summation of an exercise in international relations, set up and co-ordinated by Christopher Darnley, Export Sales Manager of JVC Professional Europe. The ten HD cameras, Hitachi model SK-3020, were customised by Hitachi themselves in Japan to provide dual HD output of progressive 720p and interlaced 1080i. The mixer is the very latest, fully specified Vision 3 from Ross, Canada. Another significant on-board brand is JVC Professional who has supplied the LCD monitor wall, comprising 20” and 24” DT-VL high definition LCD panels with in-screen UMD area. Engineering and operator training on all the OB van’s equipment has been managed and carried out by JVC in the UK.
VCS Chairman Mohammed Gohar hailed the arrival of the mobile HD facility. “In all my years at the leading edge of video production and transmission, I have never felt more pleased or confident about the level of technology and service that we can now offer to our overseas and local customers. JVC has supplied us a vehicle that handles both the extreme heat and terrain, that delivers the best possible HD images in a choice of formats, and that can transmit them live or edited across the world.”
