Timeline Television’s new 4K IP truck packs a punch with Grass Valley solutions

Timeline Television has once again turned to Grass Valley for the newest addition to its outside broadcast (OB) fleet, UHD3. Built around Grass Valley IP solutions including GV Orbit Dynamic System Orchestration and Kahuna 9600 IP production switcher, the all-IP, 4K UHD HDR capable unit gives the UK-based company a ready to go and future-proof mobile production capability and expands its ability to support high-end live productions.

The double-expanding truck was originally commissioned for the BBC’s presentation coverage of UEFA Euro 2020, with the event postponed until next year it will initially support the Barclay’s FA Women’s Super League soccer and various light entertainment programing. The truck will also act as a remote production hub gallery to support Timeline’s Ealing Broadcast Centre. In addition, UHD3 will link with Timeline’s existing IP 4K UHD HDR truck, UHD2, to deliver expanded production capability when needed – entirely managed by GV Orbit. Built on a smaller scale, UHD3 leverages the same Grass Valley IP infrastructure and Arista 100G switch as Timeline’s triple-expanding UHD2.

“We operate in a highly dynamic industry, where having a nimble, flexible infrastructure that can support a diverse range of customer needs and adapt quickly to different production models – especially in these challenging times – is critical,” commented Quinn Cowper, head of engineering at Timeline Television. “The addition of another all-IP 4K unit means we can support a wider range of customer needs, from remote production to the largest on-location projects. Grass Valley has continued to drive the industry’s march towards IP, delivering the solutions we need to run a successful business. GV Orbit handles all configuration of the truck’s IP backbone which enables our team to remove complexity from the workflow without compromising on functionality.”

UHD3 is also fully loaded with Grass Valley’s IQUCP25 application platforms with SDI to IP essence processing software, enabling 25GBE ST 2110 IP connectivity for HD and 4K SDI equipment. IQAMD40MADI to IP interfacing modules connect audio to the network, while MV-821-IP Multiviewers handle main production monitoring and additional IQUCP25-MV units support peripheral multiviewer applications. UHD3 also leverages Grass Valley’s Audio Live system, allowing production staff to route any source audio to any destination. Dual GV Orbit controllers handle all configuration and monitoring of the truck’s IP backbone – including multiviewers and audio.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions on travel and staff numbers on site, the Grass Valley team commissioned all equipment remotely.

Tim Banks, Grass Valley’s vice president of sales, EMEA added: “Consumers have shown their appetite for live content remains unyielding – and the global lockdown has only accelerated this trend. Now more than ever, broadcasters and OB companies need scale and agility as they drive to meet this rising demand for unmatched viewing experiences more efficiently. We are very proud that Timeline has once again turned to Grass Valley solutions for its new truck. This project is a testament to our commitment to working in partnership with customers to deliver solutions that can transform their business and help them springboard into the next phase of growth.” BCS Bureau