Gearhouse Broadcast will debut its US-based and UK-built Columbus 4K truck at NAB, described as the first mobile unit in the US to feature a full 4K monitor wall, “one button” hydraulic deployment, and integrated RF.
 
The unit is specifically designed, built and integrated for 4K/UHD sports and entertainment productions. Columbus employs a virtual management system to control complex signal flow and has a second control room for digital streaming, additional languages, and IMAG.
  
The mobile unit is IP-ready and equipped with 24 Boland 4K monitors in the main control room monitor wall – driven either as quad splits or single input 4K monitors from the main router – giving flexibility in HD or 4K. It also features 16 Sony HDC-4300 4K/HD cameras with the capability to add an additional six RF cameras or a further four Sony HDC-4300s. Hitachi SK-HD1200 camera systems will be deployed for applications outside of 4K.
 
Columbus’ master systems control (Lawo VSM) gives operators control and flexibility with Wi-Fi tablets available to control and assign sources and monitoring in the various operational areas, including the monitor wall. This facilitates the initial set-up of the unit for production and allows the operators to very easily make changes during production with just “one touch,” rather than having to re-route video, audio and control features independently.

Columbus also uses a Grass Valley Karrera K-Frame S-series switcher along with four 12-channel EVS ChannelMAX live-production servers. An Imagine Communications Platinum IP3 router is supported by a Lawo VSM control and monitoring platform. Audio is supported via a Lawo mc2 56 (64 fader) audio mixer and communications are managed using the new RTS Adam matrix intercom. Wireless communication is supported via a Clear-Com Eclipse Delta frame running FreeSpeak II allowing point-to-point 4-wire beltpack usage.

Columbus was built by coachbuilder A Smith of Great Bentley (ASGB Ltd), per the design and under the oversight of Gearhouse’s System Integrations team in the UK.
 
“We loaded Columbus with powerful video and audio multi-format capabilities, so directors, producers, engineers and operators can work with ease and in a comfortable environment,” says Marc Genin, managing director, Gearhouse Broadcast USA. “For high-pressure, live broadcast situations, this truck gives productions the ability to adapt quickly. The mobile unit is automatically deployed and levelled via remote controlled hydraulics with no physical intervention required, and its technologically advanced infrastructure provides every level of service for broadcasters’ needs.”

Jon Creamer

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