Hitachi Kokusai Electric will stage a European debut of its new OB-BOX concept, which is claimed by the company to offer entirely new levels of outside broadcast (OB) operational flexibility, cost-efficiency and technical performance right up to ultra-HDTV capabilities. Since its launch earlier this year, Hitachi reports high levels of interest amongst international broadcasters and […]
Hitachi Kokusai Electric will stage a European debut of its new OB-BOX concept, which is claimed by the company to offer entirely new levels of outside broadcast (OB) operational flexibility, cost-efficiency and technical performance right up to ultra-HDTV capabilities. Since its launch earlier this year, Hitachi reports high levels of interest amongst international broadcasters and production companies in this novel OB solution.
In essence, Hitachis OB-BOX is a fully featured modular OB facility which is delivered to the customer and then mounted onto a vehicles chassis using a proprietary fixing kit. This approach significantly reduces the manufacture and delivery time in any market worldwide since it removes the need to source and ship an appropriate vehicle for each customer. The OB-BOX comes in three different configurations which support four, eight and 12 production cameras. The option of a booth side extension adds further flexibility to unit sizing. In addition, an ability to connect two OB-BOX units in a cascade configuration adds more versatility and facilitates many different sizes of OB unit up to 20 camera mobile facilities.
Each OB-BOX is specified, designed and manufactured at Hitachis Istanbul-based facility to meet the customers exact OB needs. The unit provides all of the video, audio, transmission and infrastructure capabilities needed to create a stand-alone outside broadcast facility. The technical specification of the unit is such that it will support any broadcast signal from serial digital to HD and even 4K production. Alongside satellite and fiber connectivity, the units integrate powerful Ethernet connectivity, which provides the production team with internet facilities on site. At the same time, OB-BOX features sophisticated cloud capabilities, which enable the users to send 4K content back to the broadcasters production centre quickly and easily.
Building on its extensive OB vehicle design heritage, Hitachi has ensured that operational staff will feel at home whilst working in the OB-BOX. Attention has been paid to the facilitys internal design, monitor and control systems, air conditioning and weather proofing in order to create a comfortable working space irrespective of external environmental conditions.
IBC will be the first time that we demonstrate OB-BOX in Europe but already were receiving a high level of interest in this versatile and cost-effective OB solution, commented Cemal Yilmaz, General Manager of Hitachi Kokusai Turkey.
It is the result of a major development initiative at our Istanbul headquarters and the customer response we have seen so far indicates that this elegant 4K OB facility will provide a flexible option in many countries worldwide.
