Manhattan-based Metrovision Production Group has now wrapped up work on Metro Seven, its latest vehicle in a growing fleet of mobile production units. Recently making its official debut at Gerling & Associates' outdoor booth at NAB2007, this new high-definition OB vehicle boasts ten HD cameras with an HD switcher, ten VTRs, and, at the helm of its audio suite, the first Studer Vista 5 digital console sold in North America.
Metro Seven, a 40-foot straight box truck primarily designed for city use, is an OB vehicle of many firsts. For example, the truck has a unique 33-foot sidewall that can expand out to either 40 or 60 inches. Another impressive feature is that the vehicle can provide seating for a practically unheard of 18 people.
The Vista 5 marks the first Studer console for Metrovision, and, according to Engineer-in-Charge Paul Wolf, it was chosen for good reason. "We need to be able to do AES digital audio transport, analog and 5.1 surround, and the Studer best combines those facilities in a light, compact desk that packs a powerful punch," says Wolf, who has been with the company since the inception of its truck division in 2000.
Extremely well-suited for OB unit use, the compact new Vista 5 digital live production desk can control over 150 channels and be configured to manage more than 1700 inputs and outputs. Highly portable, lightweight and simple to set up, the desk features Studer's patented and award-winning Vistonics user interface, robust redundancies, extensive snapshot automation, fully configurable DSP and I/O structure--supporting numerous output formats, including SDI and Dolby E--and Harman HiQnet compatibility.
Metrovision's mobile units provide production services for a variety of clients all along the Eastern Seaboard, including coverage of sporting events for networks like ESPN as well as a wide variety of entertainment and corporate events.
"Metro Seven wasn't designed with any one client in mind but, rather, who our future clients are going to be and the expanding level of technology they will be looking for. That was another reason to go with the Vista 5, as it allowed our operators to make the transition from analog to digital very smoothly," adds Wolf.
For more info on Metrovision Production Group, visit www.metrovision-nyc.com.
