The challenge

Many broadcasters continue to commission HD-ready vehicles with an HD infrastructure and SD components that can be easily upgraded at a later stage. Others, including SIS LIVE - the largest outside broadcast provider in the UK - have undertaken to complete the SD-to-HD conversion in stages.

Unit 10, a 14-metre production trailer, was originally designed and built by MHz as an SD vehicle for BBC Outside Broadcast in 2002.  Subsequently MHz upgraded the vehicle to handle HD video. When SIS LIVE acquired the BBC fleet in 2008, the company continued the phased upgrade of the audio facilities by incorporating Dolby 5.1 surround sound throughout and build a new state of the art desk to accommodate the new audio mixer.

The solution

Not only can MHz design and build from new, the company is also able to deliver a significant return on investment (ROI) for customers with its phased refurbishment approach. So if you are looking to reduce costs and increase productivity of your aging OB fleet or maybe upgrade your SD vehicles to full HD production unit, then MHz can deliver this in a fast, flexible and cost-effective way.

In 2008, MHz began the next phase of the upgrade programme to refurbish the audio area and incorporate new desks to provide an ergonomic working environment. MHz specified and replaced the analogue audio cable with balanced and unbalanced AES digital audio cabling. It also digitised the audio interfacing in the VT area and installed Dolby processors and Dynaudio 5.1 BM5A and BM6A audio monitors — enabling Dolby E-encoded 5.1 audio signals to be accurately monitored. Most significantly, an HD, 5.1 surround sound capable Calrec Sigma digital console with BlueFin processing was installed — ensuring the highest level of audio reliability to meet the most stringent demands of live production operations.

As part of this refurbishment programme, MHz also manufactured and installed the requisite custom furniture using its in-house woodworking facility. This included equipment racks and a bespoke control desk to accommodate the Calrec mixer. Having everything in-house enabled the different teams at MHz to work together and deliver on the customer promise — to have the trailer back in service to cover the Badminton Horse trails for BBC Sport within three weeks.
 

Why MHz?

MHz has a broad range of expertise in building Outside Broadcast trucks and production trailers — achieved by offering a “one stop shop” to customers. MHz’s core competency is in its ability to provide the majority of these skills in-house. To that end MHz has built a strong reputation for satisfied clients with repeat business being proof of this success. Customers clearly see the MHz offering as one that provides flexible solutions to meet the rigorous demands of their business, build ROI and generate revenue streams in an ever changing and competitive market.   

MHz brings together all the many components to make this happen — the company’s headquarters in the UK incorporates not only a 2000 square metre prefabrication area, with integrated coach building facilities, an integral paint shop and CAD Design team but also a wiring/cabling workshop staffed by in-house wiremen. From compact DSNG vehicles to triple-sided expanded trailers, the MHz team can customise any vehicle in accordance with client requirements – and deliver a swift return on investment.   

Business Benefits

• Expertise in OB trucks - MHz has a longstanding in-house expertise to build OB trucks and productions trailers and offers fast turnaround refurbishment solutions that maximise to deliver cost-efficient, practical solutions to its customers;
   
• Flexible phased approach – whether a new build or a refurbishment, MHz provides a clear upgrade path for customers driving their HD implementation. These are executed quickly, efficiently and flexibly in order to maximise on the customer’s ROI;
   
• Repeat business - MHz has built a reputation for providing consultancy and systems integration solutions that are customer-focused and the repeat business that continues to flow back to MHz is proof of this success;
   
• Turnkey Solutions - MHz provides solutions that address the exacting needs of customers today and into tomorrow.

• Calrec Sigma digital console with BlueFin processing
• Dolby Encoder with 5.1 surround sound
• Dynaudio Audio monitoring