Broadcast Networks to upgrade SBP OB vehicle to HD

Rome-based SBP has awarded Broadcast Networks a contract to refurbish an existing 20-camera Outside Broadcast vehicle (OB6) and upgrade it to full HD production capability.

The OB trailer, built by A. Smith Gt. Bentley, has been in constant operation throughout Europe since it came into service three years ago.

Work is due to completed by the end of July 2006, with an August roll out scheduled in Italy. Broadcast Networks was contracted earlier this year to manage the building of a new 24-camera OB vehicle (OB20) for SBP through Sony Broadcast (Italy).

This expansion of OB6 includes 20 Grass Valley LDK 6000 HD cameras, a Snell & Wilcox Kahuna HD video production switcher, four Sony HDCAM VTRs, four HD LSM EVS XT[2] and a Grass Valley central HD router. A new Studer Vista 8 audio mixer is also being added to the vehicle.