Category
Post & network production facilities
Submitted by
Diversified Systems
Design Team
New Century Productions: Mike Mundt, VP of eng.; Jack Pakkala, EIC
Diversified Systems: Duane Yoslov, VP; Alan Bourke, project mgr./lead eng.; Jay Park and Davin Clem, design eng.; Walt Thomas, install supervisor
Technology at work
ADC video, audio and data jackfields
Calrec Alpha Bluefin
Canon lenses
Chyron HyperX2 CG
Evertz
Terminal gear
Processing gear
VIP multiviewers
EVS
XT2 server
Xfile software
Multicam LSM
SpotBox playout
Harris X75 converter
NCP X HD? trailer
Panasonic VTRs
RTS ADAM intercom
Sony VTRs
Thomson Grass Valley
LDK 8000 mk II
Kalypso HD switcher
Utah Scientific router
Vinten tripods
New Century Production’s NCPX HD truck: An evolution in design
The latest New Century Productions (NCP) mobile sports production truck features a stunning flat-screen monitor wall in the production control room and innovative design and technology. Completed Aug. 20, the 53ft expanding drop-deck trailer is the first in a series of HD units for NCP, which produces football, baseball and basketball events for national networks.
Diversified Systems spearheaded the engineering and integration of the unit. The seasoned team delivered a high-quality vehicle on the short, 11-week timeline. Diversified Systems created a unique solution to provide NCP with an advanced system using the latest technology that optimizes the limited space available within the unit. A single-level HD routing system means everything from monitors to external connector panels can be addressed on one router.
The choice to use a single HD router, versus several smaller ones, resulted in significant cost savings. NCP also saved money because it eliminated costs associated with conversion of HD devices to the standard routing level.
The monitor wall is a key feature of the new truck. Space and weight restrictions were paramount for Diversified Systems when designing the monitor wall concept. The team employed flat-screen monitors, effectively saving 1ft of space in the production control room. The absence of racks required to hold traditional CRT screens was another space saver. Additionally, cabling was cut to length to save weight. The completed wall is 160in wide and features 43 20in Samsung LED monitors and three program preview monitors from TV Logic.
Engineers also eliminated CRT monitors in the video room, instead choosing 20in LCD monitors driven by Evertz, which offer added flexibility in the tape area. Using a single HD router and all HD monitors means that every source in the unit captures true HD images, as opposed to the SD representation. The main video router offers 288 inputs and 736 outputs for added flexibility — any monitor in the unit can be driven by any source.
Diversified Systems relied on ADC for all patching solutions to support the signal flow. ADC also provided future proofing. The result is a scalable system that can evolve with technology. The audio and video products are designed for exceptional signal response, and Diversified Systems didn’t experience a single failure on its mobile units with the ADC patches. For audio, the engineers installed a semicustom patch bay, and at NCP’s request, used a hidden normaling technique to wire audio portions in the most effective physical way, which allows for higher density wiring.
With the first NCPX HD truck completed, Diversified Systems is already at work on several new vehicles.
