The purpose of the role will be to provide SNG Up-link Operations service delivery, ensuring that all customer service requests are completed on time and that … Read more]]> An exciting opportunity has arisen within SIS LIVE for a Mobile Satellite Communication Engineer.

The purpose of the role will be to provide SNG Up-link Operations service delivery, ensuring that all customer service requests are completed on time and that all Key Performance Indicators, SLAs and customer satisfaction targets are met. You will also be required to carry out any uplink operations as directed by the Operations Manager or Booking Centre.

You will be required to have a full and detailed knowledge of current analogue and digital compression equipment as used in the delivery of satellite services and of production equipment used for news, sport, mainstream TV and data broadcasting. Experience as a Military Communications technician would also be acceptable.

Previous experience is a must in this role and the following qualifications are desirable rather than essential: BTEC in Electronic Engineering (with the emphasis on RF elements) or a BTEC in Broadcast Engineering.

It is essential that the applicant hold a clean ‘C1’ category license, have had an eye test in the last 2 years, hold a valid UK/EU passport and live within 45 minutes of the designated base. As often the only SIS Link representative a client will meet you will be well presented and confident with an even temperament.

This role requires a high degree of flexibility as the successful applicant may be required to work long hours, be called out to work at very short notice, work away for periods up to a month, work overseas and possibly in high risk areas such as civil disturbances and areas of conflict.

To request a full job description please contact jobs@sis.tv

To apply for this position please send a copy of your CV and a covering letter to jobs@sis.tv.

This vacancy will close on Friday 1 June 2012.

Stictly no agencies apply.

The first … Read more]]> We are delighted to announce that the Royal Wedding coverage which SIS LIVE played a major role in over a year ago has been nominated at this year’s BAFTA Television Craft Awards in not one but two categories.

The first is in the category of SOUND:FACTUAL and recognises the creativity of the SIS LIVE sound team, who worked with BBC Entertainment at the Royal Wedding Service in Westminster Abbey. The service, one of the major royal events of recent history, called for impeccable and flawless sound design to capture and broadcast the most intimate moments and spectacular grandeur of the service. Microphones were ingeniously rigged to maintain the aesthetic qualities of the event for those attending and for the cameras.

The second nomination is in the category of DIRECTOR:MULTICAMERA for SIS LIVE and BBC Entertainment’s work with director Claire Popplewell, also at the Royal Wedding.

The British Academy Television Craft Awards honour the very best behind-the-scenes talent working in TV over the past year. The ceremony will be held on Sunday 13 May 2012 at The Brewery in East London, and will be hosted by Alan Davies.

Find out more here

Evolving from the broadcast of the Swedish Vasaloppet race in 2007, Ski Classics was launched … Read more]]> From January to March 2012 SIS LIVE are covering the high endurance Cross Country Skiing races in the Ski Classics series for IEC in Sports.

Evolving from the broadcast of the Swedish Vasaloppet race in 2007, Ski Classics was launched in 2011 and packages 6 existing events, which already boast enormous history and prestige, into a special televised tournament. These long distance races feature professional elite skiers and a huge number of amateurs, similar to marathon or cycle races, who travel through some of the most picturesque landscapes in Europe.

The tournament kicked off this year on 8th Jan with the Jizerska Padesatka race in the Czech Republic. SIS LIVE provided three live HD feeds from remote wireless cameras positioned on three snow mobiles/skidoos plus one from a helicopter mounted camera. Images were relayed to the OB compound via an all-weather fixed wing vehicle which was circling above. The mobile HD cameras were also fully racked via data systems through the aircraft.

The comms engineers at SIS LIVE are among the most talented in the industry, with a massive combined experience and skill base. The crew dispatched for this event comprised five specialist comms engineers and a comms rigger who, between them, handled the equipment set up, spectrum management, signal path, sound and talkback, among other things. The RF communications equipment was also supplied by SIS LIVE and included video links, data control and talkback systems.

The team worked tirelessly in testing conditions to deliver a faultless broadcast. Pat Blackburn, comms supervisor, SIS LIVE explains some of the challenges involved: “At times the temperature dropped to around minus 30 degrees. Most of the equipment is rigged outside and, while we do have extreme weather clothing, the gloves have to come off for the more dexterous work needed to make the installation possible. Batteries don’t operate well in the cold but we managed to find ways of extending the operating time to 4 or 5 hours.”

Barry Parker, commercial manager, SIS LIVE says: “We’re particularly proud of the quality of HD pictures we delivered, and the fact that we devised a solution which allowed the cameras to be data controlled throughout the race. Our comms team are pioneers in the field and have developed some innovative new techniques especially for this contract.”

SIS LIVE provided facilities for three of last year’s 2011 season races, and are working on four of the seven races in 2012 including the 65km Norefjellrennet final race takes place near Oslo.

David Nilsson, IEC in Sports says: “We are pleased to have the SIS LIVE comms team on board for these events. With so much effort put into the staging of the races it is absolutely essential to reliably deliver these pictures for broadcast – not always an easy thing to do considering the scale of the courses and the often challenging weather. SIS LIVE have shown a great level professionalism, dedication and technical expertise throughout, and we look forward to continuing this successful relationship.”

SIS LIVE will reveal the latest addition to their innovative product range at CABSAT. Weighing in at just 12kgs, ManPak is an integrated and compact VSAT terminal that provides a high bandwidth connection capable of high … Read more]]> ‘Market-changing’ VSAT terminal launched

SIS LIVE will reveal the latest addition to their innovative product range at CABSAT. Weighing in at just 12kgs, ManPak is an integrated and compact VSAT terminal that provides a high bandwidth connection capable of high speed data and HD SNG transmissions. Extremely rugged, portable and fully integrated, ManPak is the only terminal of its type without any loose parts. The unit features a high performance 60cm parabolic antenna, and can be used in X, Ku and Ka bands.

David Meynell, managing director, SIS LIVE says: “The ManPak unit is the latest addition to our award-winning product range and incorporates our immense acquired knowledge and expertise in the development of mobile VSAT technology. This terminal packs a huge range of features into a truly portable unit, enhancing the possibilities for use in a wide range of rapid deployment field applications. I believe the ManPak will radically change the way data is transmitted for multiple markets.”

ManPak is very easy to use, offering assisted acquisition via its award-winning software and GUI. ManPak’s Cartridge Modem system allows for complete flexibility supporting multi-formats including iDirect. The simple design allows for rapid deployment, making it ideal for fast responding newscasters, disaster recovery, emergency services, military and special operations.

This unit can be comfortably carried in a rucksack / bag across rough terrain and checked in as airline baggage, being fully IATA compliant and exceptionally light. It can be powered by AC adapter or 24 VDC with ‘hot-swappable’ MIL batteries, is weatherproof to IP65, and MIL STD 810F compliant, enabling transmissions to take place in difficult environmental and hazardous conditions.
ManPak is exceptionally easy to use, has a high gain, is multi-band, can acquire and be used on any satellite using SIS LIVE’s award-winning GUI, and can be out of its bag and operating live in less than three minutes.

ManPak will be demonstrated at CABSAT in Dubai and launched at NAB in April. Also on display at CABSAT will be uPak® 60, a fully automated lightweight, flat plate VSAT terminal, Tr-uPod®, a compact tripod satellite uplink system, uPod®, an automated drive/fly system and RouteCase®, the powerful, compact and affordable 4 channel HD/SDI production unit. These products have been developed and built in-house by the SIS LIVE design team based on specific requirements identified and feedback gained in the field.
SIS LIVE will also be promoting its numerous service offerings, which include wireless camera solutions, microwave links, custom built radio frequency systems, systems integration services and special cameras. SIS LIVE is highly experienced in providing broadcast integration solutions to their clients, and combining products and services from their wide-ranging business, to deliver end-to-end and cost efficient results.

After a competitive tender process, SIS LIVE were selected by Sky News Arabia (SNA) to supply multiple flyaway systems and ongoing technical support … Read more]]> SIS LIVE announce sales of their in-house designed and built product range into the Middle East Market.

After a competitive tender process, SIS LIVE were selected by Sky News Arabia (SNA) to supply multiple flyaway systems and ongoing technical support for key parts of their contribution services across the Middle East and North Africa. They have also been selected to provide additional remote control fixed links in key regional bureau locations, including a 1.2m Tr-uPod®. In addition to the sale of products, SIS LIVE have also secured part of the satellite capacity requirements for SNA. SIS LIVE have significantly increased their satellite pool with premium fixed Intelsat and Eutelsat space, and will be supplying a significant amount of additional capacity for SNA’s contribution feeds in the Middle East territory.

Sky News Arabia is a new, free-to-air Arabic-language news channel which will launch to viewers across the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region in Spring 2012. Based in Abu Dhabi, Sky News Arabia will operate under the Sky News brand, providing comprehensive coverage of the regional and international news agenda through a 24-hour channel offering rolling news and current affairs programming, as well as a video-rich website and mobile applications.

David Meynell, managing director, SIS LIVE says “This is a strategically important deal for both parties and we are excited to confirm our venture into this importantterritory. We are confident that this will open up new avenues to promote and sell our award-winning product range in the region and to other major broadcasters.”
The SIS LIVE Tr-uPod uplink system for the Flyaways is an ideal solution to meet the requirements, having been developed specifically to meet the needs of broadcasters who want cost effective newsgathering services.

The Tr-uPod is an exceptionally flexible, compact satellite uplink system with tool-less assembly, available fully automated or with simple manual operation. All size antennas pack to IATA compliant cases which can be flown as standard airline baggage and easily carried over rough terrain. The robust, high stability tripod system can be set up within minutes and in automated mode, using SIS LIVE’s in-house differential antenna control system, will find any satellite in an instant. Tr-uPod can also be used with SIS LIVE’s award winning control software and interface. This is available either as a 2 button system with a small display integrated onto the antenna base or using a plugin laptop. The automated operation offers absolute simplicity with maximum operability which allows unskilled operators to utilize and transmit to multiple satellites.

Lew Dias, Launch Design Specialist, Sky News Arabia says “We saw SIS LIVE’s market leading satellite products at the IBC conference in Amsterdam and were extremely impressed with the technical capabilities, robust build and competitive pricing of the Tr-uPod flyaway system. These features, combined with the creditable reputation and extensive experience of SIS LIVE, made it the system of choice to meet our demanding requirements.”

PwC, one of the world’s largest professional … Read more]]> Although Christmas may be a distant memory to many of us, the merry spirit of generosity is still alive and well at SIS LIVE, and among those involved in this annual pantomime.

PwC, one of the world’s largest professional services firms, works hard to ensure they give back to their local communities. In London each year they stage an amateur pantomime, run by over 200 PwC staff and alumni. Alongside their sponsors they give out free tickets, goody bags and arrange transport so that thousands of disadvantaged children from inner-city schools and charities can attend the shows. This year’s show was the classic panto tale of Aladdin and his magic lamp, and was directed by none other than Ian Hamilton, more usually seen directing and producing popular shows like Miss World, I’m a Celebrity, the Lottery Show, The Paul O’Grady Show, and so many more.

SIS LIVE was once again called upon to capture the 25th January show at the Peacock Theatre in London and broadcast it live to eleven Vue cinemas, allowing children all over the UK to be able to share in this classic panto story. SIS OB Unit 4 was the vehicle of choice, being a powerful and compact, and with a small footprint for that tricky London parking. A small experienced crew of SIS LIVE staff set up and delivered the faultless five camera shoot, handling all vision and audio feeds, mixing and uplinking the signal via the SIS Link 18 vehicle.

Andrew Jones, unit manager, SIS LIVE says “We have been involved with the PwC Pantomime for the last 13 years and it always inspires me to see so many people giving up their spare time to try and make a difference in the lives disadvantaged children. This year’s show was a resounding success and we were very pleased to play our part in it.”

The 90min broadcast featured three live races … Read more]]> SIS LIVE was at Holyrood Park in Edinburgh to provide OB and uplink services for a series of international cross country races featuring some of the world’s top athletes On the 7th January.

The 90min broadcast featured three live races and highlights of two more, and aired on BBC 2 in Scotland and BBC 1 in the rest of the UK. The programme included coverage of the Junior Men’s and Junior Women’s 6km races, the Men’s International 4.2km and 9km races and the Women’s International 5.8km. Commentary was provided by Steve Cram and Brendan Foster with Jonathan Edwards presenting.

After last year’s slippery snow covered course, this year saw warmer temperatures and wet ground, slowing the runners down somewhat. The shock of the day occurred when double Olympic champion and odds on favourite Kenenisa Bekele finished 11th in the international men’s event. This exciting race was, without question, the highlight of the day, and saw the Kenyan Asbel Kiprop finish in first place, just five seconds ahead of the elated Briton Jonny Hay. An exciting Team International Match was also staged with the Great Britain and Northern Ireland team seeing off stiff competition from the United States and Europe Select side.

The events were captured by 8 cameras placed around the track, including a 34m hydraulic hoist which gave swooping aerial views, and a 4 wheel buggy with radio linked steadicam tracking the action around the course.

The Final Cut Pro edit suite aboard OB Unit 10 was used on Friday and Saturday morning to cut together pre-recorded interviews with the athletes. These were then loaded into the EVS and inserted into the main programme. The EVS was also used to record, edit and play in the pre-recorded races and for slo-mo coverage of the live race finishes.

SIS LIVE also provided uplink services to BBC Television Centre through their SIS 60 SNG vehicle as well as wireless connectivity for the RF linked buggy.

So, as the sun sets over the picturesque Edinburgh, all that remains is for SIS LIVE’s VT editor to backup the footage onto hard drive and digibeta and send it safely to the BBC archives for future use, despite the protestations of a certain disappointed Olympic Champion.

Did you happen to catch the BBC’s coverage of the London New Year celebrations? No prizes for guessing who was … Read more]]> Happy New Year to everyone, and here’s to 2012 which looks like being an exciting year for the broadcast world.

Did you happen to catch the BBC’s coverage of the London New Year celebrations? No prizes for guessing who was there to deliver the stunning HD pictures and audio as Big Ben rang in 2012, surrounded by a massive fireworks display. But how did we do it?

SIS LIVE’s Outside Broadcast vehicle OB 7 was stationed in the Ministry of Defence car park on the river bank opposite the EDF Energy London Eye, in prime viewing position for this spectacular event. 11 cameras and operators were dispatched to give spectacular views across London, from the roofs of New Zealand House, Westminster Abbey and the Shell Building, as well as from Embankment, the Hungerford Bridge and the Victoria Embankment Gardens. A partial rig took place on 30th December with cables run across embankment, with the final setup taking place on the 31st. The crew were up bright and early on the 1st Jan to complete the derig.

The 25min show was broadcast on BBC1 and featured the 11min fireworks display, as well as presenter Jake Humphrey chatting with the crowd before and after the show. SIS LIVE provided this 2 camera and a jib presentation position at the Battle of Britain memorial.

The sound requirement comprised a three-way mix, balancing the chimes of Big Ben with the explosions of the fireworks, which were captured by Radio mics positioned on the pontoons in front of the wheel. The music was fed from BBC Radio 1 and worked into the mix. This impressive show was the first to launch fireworks from Big Ben, and the finale sequence featured Olympic rings made out of exploding shells.

SIS LIVE also provided full uplink facilities, using their Link 21 and Link 18 vehicles, and the main and international feeds, as well as supporting BBC News and BBC Radio onsite.

Engineering manager Jeremy Turner says “We were proud to be heavily involved in delivering a faultless broadcast to the BBC and millions of viewers worldwide. There was a great atmosphere at the event and, being parked on MoD property, surrounded by police, military and ambulance crew we felt very safe!”

Watch the footage here

The MTV Staying … Read more]]> The stars of MTV Staying Alive Foundations’s smash-hit Kenyan youth drama Shuga spoke live from their studio in Nairobi, Kenya to an audience in Washington D.C, thanks to transatlantic fibre and satellite links organised by SIS LIVE.

The MTV Staying Alive event called Shuga Talks commemorated World AIDS Day on 1st December and was broadcast live on MTV and streamed directly to the Shuga website. Contributors from countries around the world took part in the global debate via the live web stream, Twitter and other social media sites to address the key issues in the fight against HIV and AIDS that are tackled by Shuga itself.

The discussion was hosted by BET star Big Tigger and MTV Africa VJ Kule Ekirapa, and was organised by MTV Base and the Staying Alive Foundation in conjunction with UNICEF.

Shuga stars and a global audience came together to watch a special screening of Shuga, take part in the debate and later joke and even fight each other in sub-continental rap competitions live on air.

SIS LIVE organised and coordinated the live links directly from Milton Keynes. We provided multiple two-way transcontinental SDI fibre links between Washington D.C. and BT Tower and then organised two-way uplinks between a Paris teleport and an SNG truck parked outside the Shuga studios in Nairobi.

First premiering last year in Kenya and Zambia and reaching 96 per cent of the top 50 HIV/AIDS-impacted countries, Shuga is a hard-hitting drama series set in Nairobi that follows the lives, loves and ambitions of college students.

According to John Hopkins Research conducted shortly after the show’s launch, an incredible 80 per cent of viewers believed the drama changed their thinking about HIV and the stigma attached.

The aptly named Staying Alive Foundation is an MTV supported charity whose mission is to support young people around the world who are involved in campaigns to prevent the spread of AIDS or who are fighting against the disease itself.

“MTV Staying Alive is dedicated to creating new and innovative ways to empower young people engaged in fighting the stigma, spread and threat of the HIV and AIDS epidemic around the world,” said Georgia Arnold, Executive Director of the MTV Staying Alive Foundation.

The event took place on the 30th anniversary of the first AIDS diagnosis in Britain.

Xfactor judge and former Destiny’s Child star Kelly Rowland headlined the gig at London’s … Read more]]> The 1st December, was the climax of the Radio 1Xtra tour and SIS LIVE were on hand to deliver broadcast facilities for the televised event.

Xfactor judge and former Destiny’s Child star Kelly Rowland headlined the gig at London’s Brixton Academy, supported by Big Sean, Jessie J and UK Female Allstar MCs. 1Xtra’s MistaJam and Trevor Nelson co-hosted the show with Ronnie Herel and Robbo Ranx DJ’ing between sets. The 6 camera shoot was streamed live to the 1Xtra website and broadcast on the BBC Red Button channel.

SIS LIVE have been travelling up and down the country with the BBC Visualisation team to enable coverage of the four date tour, which saw acts such as Chase & Status, Wretch 32, Dappy and Tinchy Stryder performing in Manchester, Birmingham and Bristol.

SIS LIVE’s outside broadcast vehicle, Unit 8, a favourite of BBC Visualisation, was deployed to handle the incoming camera and audio feeds, mix the signals and prepare them for broadcast. The main concert sound mix was handled by BBC Radio Outside Broadcasts then passed to SIS LIVE for processing prior to broadcast.

SIS LIVE also rigged the musician’s tour bus, turning it into a mobile studio with 4 cameras and microphones to capture artist interviews and intimate behind-the-scenes footage for live transmission via the BBC’s Red Button service.

From Unit 8 the feeds were passed on to one of SIS LIVE’s SNG vehicles for uplinking. At their Milton Keynes base the signal was downlinked, and from here it was sent to BBC Television Centre for broadcast on their Red Button service. SIS LIVE’s team of IP specialists also encoded the audiovisual content for live streaming to the web. This enabled viewers across the world to share in the experience and get a taste of what the audience at the venue was experiencing.

Martin Evans, Account Executive, SIS LIVE says “We are pleased to be working closely with the BBC Radio Outside Broadcasts and the BBC Visualisation team at such an exciting time for broadcasting. Our depth and range of experience, and proactive pursuit of new technologies has put us at the forefront of the movement, which will see audiovisual content increasingly consumed on a variety of devices over the next few years.”

To see all the videos visit bbc.co.uk

The Rory Peck Trust, … Read more]]> Last night SIS LIVE were in attendance at the Rory Peck Awards, an annual event which takes place at the British Film Institute on London’s Southbank, to recognise the work of freelance news cameramen and women.

The Rory Peck Trust, who organise the event, was set up in 1995 by Julie Peck, two years after her freelance cameraman husband Rory Peck was tragically killed while filming in Moscow. The charity provides advice and support for freelance camera operators and their families, promoting their right to work safely, often in hazardous situations as they seek to capture first response news footage.

SIS LIVE worked with the event organisers again this year providing equipment, staff and vehicles to film the event and deliver a live uplink feed to Reuters news agency. Four cameras were positioned inside the venue to capture the award presentations, hosted by the BBC’s Mishal Husain and Channel 4′s Alex Thomson. These feeds were fed into our new SIS 65 outside broadcast and uplink truck where they were vision mixed for the live feed and also recorded to tape. Our team of operators also took charge of the playback of the winning films which were shown during the ceremony on large screens inside the venue.

Donna Palumbo, Marketing Manager, SIS LIVE, says “The Rory Peck Trust is a unique charity and one we are pleased to be involved with. We’re proud to show our support for the often courageous freelance news cameramen and women around the world and help bring attention to the issues they face in their day to day working lives.”

The Award for News was presented to Belgian freelancer Ahmed Bahaddou for his extraordinary frontline footage of rebels fighting Gaddafi forces in Western Libya. American freelancer Abdallah Omeish, who was born in Libya, won the Rory Peck Award for Features, for his Benghazi film, Libya: Through the Fire, and Jezza Neumann was awarded the Sony Professional Impact Award for a film about the harsh reality of life for three children in Robert Mugabe’s Zimbabwe, titled Zimbabwe’s Forgotten Children. All three films are available to view at www.rorypecktrust.org

Tina Carr, Director of the Rory Peck Trust said, “I want to congratulate all of this year’s finalists on producing such exceptional work – the sheer range and quality on show tonight demonstrates how vibrant and talented the freelance community is right now. It is a privilege to celebrate their work.”

SIS LIVE are excited to be working with the Red Bull Music Academy on an ambitious and unique event which will see 30 music gigs simultaneously broadcast live … Read more]]> SIS LIVE broadcast 30 simultaneous music events for Red Bull Music Academy

SIS LIVE are excited to be working with the Red Bull Music Academy on an ambitious and unique event which will see 30 music gigs simultaneously broadcast live on the internet, online radio and to a live audience from the EDF Energy London Eye.
The EDF Energy London Eye, which dominates the skyline of the Southbank area of the River Thames stands 135-metres tall and comprises 32 passenger capsules, representing each of the London boroughs. Tonight, 30 of these capsules will play host to a range of bands, producers and DJs such as Ms Dynamite, Kano, Andrew Weatherall, Beardyman and Don Letts, plus some special guests from the Red Bull Music Academy.
SIS LIVE are providing OB 3 and Link 21 vehicles, plus operators and equipment to produce live video streams from 4 of the capsules, and audio streams from all 30 capsules to be broadcast on the Red Bull Music Academy Radio player.

Inside each of the 4 ‘video enabled’ capsules feeds from 2 x HD Cameras will be linked via Radio Frequency (RF) to Link 21 and then passed on to OB 3 where they will be cut using one of four RouteCases® situated on the rear desks of the production area. RouteCase, a SIS LIVE designed and developed product, is a self-contained, compact HD portable production studio which lends itself perfectly to this sort of live mixing environment.

The remaining 26 capsules will have audio only radio transmitters fed by a small audio mixing desk which will send the audio down to OB3. This sound will be routed through the sound desk for TV treatment before getting to RouteCase. The output will then go back onto the matrix before being sent for streaming.

Streaming server towers and cabling into OB 3 for 34 stereo pairs of audio and 4 video streams are installed, with 3 x i-direct modems in Link 21 connecting directly to each streaming tower.
James Clement, sales director, SIS LIVE says “The planning and preparation has been meticulous, particularly as the teams will only be allowed access to the capsules 90 minutes before the live event. We are pleased to be so heavily involved in this exciting and elaborate show.”
So, the end result is that the viewers at home will get to see close up coverage of each gig from 2 cameras, cut with a wide shot of the whole wheel in motion as well as graphics fed by an EVS XT[2] identifying the artist.
Additionally, audio outputs are being sent to the Delta Sound ‘Silent Disco’ which will take place at the foot of the wheel. Using radio headsets the audience will be able to dial in to their gig of choice and dance to their hearts content, whilst also providing amusement for those without headsets. The EDF Energy London Eye’s in house IP system is also fed with a quad split of the 4 filmed acts.
David Meynell, managing director, SIS LIVE says “We are proud to be working so closely with the Red Bull moving image department to pull off this ambitious production, which will demonstrate not only the expertise of SIS LIVE’s operational team, but also the innovation and reliability of our award winning product range.”

This event is brought to you by the Red Bull Music Academy, a world-travelling series of music workshops and festivals and a platform for those who shape our musical future. Visit their website for more information.

http://www.redbullmusicacademy.com/worldtour/london/

3D Storm, exclusive distributor of NewTek products in the EMEA region will take to the road in this MINI … Read more]]> SIS LIVE recently provided integration services for NewTek, creating the first HD Live Production vehicle ever made in a compact SUV.

3D Storm, exclusive distributor of NewTek products in the EMEA region will take to the road in this MINI Countryman car, which has been fitted with the new 3Play 425 replay system and the TriCaster 450 Extreme, a 14-channel, HD/SD portable live production switcher with multi-track recording technology.

The custom built vehicle has been christened the MINI LiveMan and is unveiled today at Sportel in Monaco. From there it will tour through Europe, visiting all the major industry trade shows throughout 2011/2012.

The MINI LiveMan also features, mounted on it’s roof, the award winning SIS LIVE uPod IP satellite uplink system, which includes an integrated iDirect modem and rechargeable PAG battery packs. uPod IP is a totally self contained, integrated and compact IP uplink system, that works seamlessly with any satellite capacity providing a satellite broadband IP link wherever and whenever it’s needed.

The SIS LIVE Engineering team completed the project in less than two weeks at their Milton Keynes workshop, fitting the Tricaster 450 Extreme, 3Play 425 system and various other equipment, as well as mounting the uPod on to the roof.

The hard work of our engineering and product design teams have helped make the MINI LiveMan a state of the art production vehicle, and prove that good things really do come in small packages.

For more on the uPod antenna click here

After securing a multi million pound three year deal with ESPN in July 2010, SIS LIVE has delivered a full season of football to an … Read more]]> SIS LIVE launch the latest addition to its fleet, SIS 65, on the September 17

After securing a multi million pound three year deal with ESPN in July 2010, SIS LIVE has delivered a full season of football to an exceptionally high standard. Part of this commitment to ESPN was to innovate and offer new ways of covering and delivering the football to ESPN customers globally. SIS 65 has been designed specifically for the requirements of ESPN America.
The SIS 65 build was commissioned by ESPN to provide coverage of English Premier League (EPL) games for the US market by adding on to selected matches already broadcast in the UK. The programmes will be presented by Ian Darke and Steve McManaman with pitch side reports coming, in the main part, from Darrell Currie.
SIS 65 is a self-contained, small footprint, high resource truck capable of delivering pitch side presentation, commentary position coverage, EVS analysis, IP services and uplink through its 1.8m dual thread system.
The 11.5 metre vehicle was designed by the SIS LIVE in-house engineering team, has a Mercedes chassis and is fully HD capable and 5.1 surround sound ready, as well as having the ability to carry its own cable and equipment loads. The 2-tier single-expand production vehicle layout gives space for 7 production staff and 7 operators, as well as including a dedicated 3 person VTR area and has the added advantage of being operable without being expanded. SIS 65 is 4 camera capable, featuring a For-A mixer, a Miranda hybrid router, glue and multiviewers, a Calrec Zeta audio console and a Riedel comms system.
Stephen Cook, executive producer, ESPN, says “Having developed our requirements over the past year we approached SIS LIVE to deliver a custom-built, compact and self-sufficient unit which would provide us with a high level of facility for use over the next two years.”
On 17th September SIS 65 will make its first outing to cover Blackburn Rovers versus Arsenal at Ewood Park. Although built to serve ESPN requirements SIS 65, when available, will be able to take on other ad hoc work such as Champions League matches.
David Meynell, managing director, SIS LIVE, says, “The delivery of SIS 65, which was bespoke designed and built to ESPN specifications, demonstrates our commitment to serving our clients with high quality vehicles to meet their needs. SIS 65’s small size, flexibility and ease of deployment make it a significant addition to our fleet.”

As part of their move to MediaCityUK, SIS LIVE, has just awarded a contract to S3 Satcom and General Dynamics SATCOM Technologies for the supply, installation and commissioning … Read more]]> SIS LIVE award contract for largest teleport in the North of England

As part of their move to MediaCityUK, SIS LIVE, has just awarded a contract to S3 Satcom and General Dynamics SATCOM Technologies for the supply, installation and commissioning of the largest broadcast teleport in the North of England. The teleport will be located at Trafford Wharf, Salford Quays, Manchester, next to the new MediaCityUK complex which already houses the BBC and ITV. The new teleport will allow SIS LIVE to expand the services offered to broadcast customers and confirms the company’s position as the leading provider of satellite facilities in Europe.The contract worth almost £3 million is for the supply of 9 earth stations comprising 2 x 6.3m, 2 x 4.8m and 2 x 3.8m Ku-band uplinks, a 9m C-band uplink, an 8.1m DBS-band uplink and an 8.1m Ka-band uplink. The antennas are being supplied by SATCOM Technologies with the remaining ground communications equipment, remote control & monitoring system, integration and installation services being provided by S3 Satcom. The contract was awarded following stiff competition in an international tender.

“S3 Satcom and SATCOM Technologies were chosen for this project due to their proven track record in the provision of high quality design and on-time delivery of services, resulting in the high reliability and availability of their earth stations”, says Stephen Herbert, Head of Commercial Contracts, adding, “The teleport will allow SIS LIVE to offer our existing and new customers enhanced services and provide MediaCityUK with direct access to the global satellite market.”

Brad Majeres, General Manager, Products, for SATCOM Technologies, said, “We are very pleased to provide a variety of our antenna products for this project. As the leading supplier of satellite communications antennas and electronic products for communications gateways around the world, SATCOM Technologies is proud to support the SIS LIVE Teleport.”

“We are delighted that SIS LIVE has selected S3 Satcom for their latest earth station facility”, says David Cope, Sales Director at S3 Satcom. “We pride ourselves in delivering the highest quality design and this contract further demonstrates that our customers really appreciate the difference that we provide. The inclusion of our Fiesta remote monitor and control system will further ensure the ease of use and reliability of the SIS LIVE system.”

Work on preparing the site has already started with the systems entering service progressively during 2012.

SIS LIVE has confirmed that it will be making its facilities in Corsham Street, London N1 6DR available … Read more]]> A rare opportunity has arisen for broadcasters wishing to establish secure studio, production and transmission facilities in Central London throughout this summer.

SIS LIVE has confirmed that it will be making its facilities in Corsham Street, London N1 6DR available for broadcast requirements surrounding the major sporting events taking place in the capital this summer.

The central London facilities are six miles from the new stadium in Stratford and as close as four miles from other events, making studio interviews with athletes and commentators a practical option for broadcasters, including non-rights holders, wanting a city base next summer.

The site enjoys excellent transport links by road, rail, tube and buses. It is less than two miles from Kings Cross Station and an easy walk to the nearest tube station, Old Street, and outside London’s congestion charging zone. Unusually, the site has parking for up to 14 vehicles.

As the HQ for SIS LIVE for many years the building is fully integrated to accommodate studio production operations and play out facilities. Current clients include Channel 4, William Hill and Coral TV.

The buildings have production space for up to 150 people, four studios, extensive satellite teleport facilities, including HD fibre connectivity to BT Tower. Space is available for edit and sound suites and graphics facilities.

David Meynell, Managing Director of SIS LIVE, said: “Our facilities are ideal for rights and non-rights holders, who would be able to generate top-quality programming at a fraction of the cost. SIS LIVE can provide as much, or as little, equipment as a broadcaster requires.”

SIS LIVE can support any broadcast requirement with a comprehensive service offering, including satellite uplinks, PSC crews, communications solutions, editing and streaming facilities.

For more information, please contact:
Andrew Jones, Business Development Director, SIS LIVE
Email: asjones@sislive.tv
Phone: +44 (0)7721 862114

The team is currently on location in Plymouth, UK preparing to broadcast the next America’s Cup event which can … Read more]]> SIS LIVE continues its work delivering HD agile cameras and digital RF microwave links for the 34th America’s Cup Event Authority

The team is currently on location in Plymouth, UK preparing to broadcast the next America’s Cup event which can be viewed live at the SIS LIVE stand at IBC on 10th and 11th September.
The opening race of the regatta series began on the 6th August in the port city of Cascais, Portugal, a location world-renowned for its magnificent sailing conditions. By the end of the week-long competition, which featured the AC45 wing-sailed catamaran in it’s first-ever competition, the Emirates Team from New Zealand were ahead, having completed the course in an impressive 37m41secs.
In taxing conditions, SIS LIVE delivered a resoundingly successful service, utilising 36 newly developed, agile robotic cameras and 7 control units across the 7 live and 3 backup yachts.

16 dedicated engineers multiplexed two vision circuits from each yacht, plus one from each of the three helicopters, one from each of the two TV catamarans, one from the Mark boat and one from the Committee boat to provide 21 simultaneous HD RF links in all. All vision circuits had full camera data control systems which were developed in-house to aid with the capture of images from water and airborne sources. Combined with two radio cameras on the shore SIS LIVE were able to produce exciting coverage of the event and intimate footage of the crews in action.

David Meynell, managing director, SIS LIVE, says: “After months of planning, design and product development, it is exciting to see our cutting edge technology in action. The SIS LIVE team has shown great creativity and invention and delivered a faultless service to the America’s Cup Event Authority, with whom we are looking forward to a long and rewarding relationship.”

As well as providing the cameras, SIS LIVE handled receive signals from the helicopters and chase boats and, for the first time ever, connected the cameras by the use of IP with great success. By rigging the ariel and power amp at the top of the mast on each boat SIS LIVE were able to employ a land based diversity receive system. This method provided a faultless system with no break-up of pictures whatsoever in the ten days of the regatta. This technique will be applied for the rest of the tournament.

Paul McNeil, head of the onsite special cameras team says: “It was a tremendous undertaking to develop and deliver these market-leading systems and solutions for such a prestigious event. We were proud of the results and amazing feedback from the customer and general public.”

SIS LIVE have designed and built in-house a unique rugged waterproof surround microphone designed to mount underneath an HD Pod Camera so that it is almost invisible. Currently 5.0 as specified by America’s Cup, this can be easily modified to 5.1. The circular casing is milled from solid aluminium and contains 5 waterproof omni shock mounted capsules along with 5 preamps. The windproofing has been custom built and designed by Rycote and features an easily removable ‘headband Windjammer’. As it is 48V Phantom Powered, and is delivered as 5 discrete audios, it is easy to use with any sound desk or recorder. Its size means it is easy to mount almost anywhere. Additionally 5 audios are being provided for Crew Radio Mics and 3 Audios for Spot FX Mics on the Yachts.

The multi-million pound contract sees SIS LIVE supply the on-board camera systems over a three-year period to the America’s Cup Event Authority (ACEA), covering two America’s Cup World Series, and including 16 regattas around the globe; the Louis Vuitton Cup, the America’s Cup Challengers Series held July 13 – September 1, 2013 in San Francisco; and the America’s Cup Match to be held September 7 – 22, 2013 in San Francisco.

Some of the equipment designed specifically for the America’s Cup will be exhibited at the IBC 2011 conference in Amsterdam, including the aft post of an AC45 which will feature a yacht camera and bespoke designed 5.1 surround sound microphone.
The SIS LIVE team is working hard to build upon their achievements as they prepare for the next America’s Cup event to be held at Plymouth, UK from the 10th to the 18th of September.

These enhancements see their uPak units made available in a Ka, Ku and X band parabolic style antenna and the RouteCase system … Read more]]> SIS LIVE will be presenting some exciting new developments to their product range at the 2011 IBC exhibition

These enhancements see their uPak units made available in a Ka, Ku and X band parabolic style antenna and the RouteCase system offered with an optional multi-channel SDI audio embedder / de-embedder. SIS LIVE will also be exhibiting the ground breaking Tr-uPod for the first time in Europe.

David Meynell, Managing Director, SIS LIVE, says: ‘During 2011 SIS LIVE has strived to push the boundaries in our product development of both new, innovative ranges and enhanced well-proven, market-leading systems. With a significant partnership for military sales we have utilised a large R & D effort and investment in the development of the lightest, most robust and innovative products.’
SIS LIVE can be found at stands 1.C55 and OE205.

uPak®
Multi-band uPak® is now available with a 60cm parabolic style antenna as well as the previously issued flat plate antenna. This integrated and compact, fully automated VSAT terminal provides high-speed data communications for internet connectivity, video transmission and VPN connectivity, using it’s integral iDirect modem. With single button operation the unit can be used by anyone with little or no training. uPak is lightweight, weatherproof and extremely portable, designed to be transported as checked baggage on an airline or in a rucksack for remote field operations. The system is MIL STD 810F compliant, available in X band, and offers a high gain, for more throughput enabling uPak to transmit in less than optimal conditions.

Tr-uPod®
Unveiled at NAB, Tr-uPod® will be exhibited for the first time in Europe at IBC 2011.
Tr-uPod® is an exceptionally flexible, compact satellite uplink system featuring an advanced composite antenna design, tool-less assembly with fully automated or simple manual operation. The multi-band antenna is available in 0.75, 1.0, 1.2 and 1.5m versions and packs into 2 x IATA compliant carry cases which can be flown as standard airline baggage and easily carried over rough terrain.
Tr-uPod can also be used with SIS LIVE’s award winning control software and interface. The automated operation offers absolute simplicity with maximum operability which allows unskilled operators to utilise and transmit to multiple satellites. SIS LIVE have the best surface accuracy of their segmented parabolic antennas than any other manufacturer and all antenna sizes are capable of X, Ku, DBS and Ka band with the 1.5m also available in C band.

RouteCase®
Now available with an optional multi-channel SDI audio embedder / de-embedder, RouteCase® is a powerful, compact and affordable 4 channel HD/SDI production unit incorporating the latest in vision mixer technology with industry standard audio mixing facilities. RouteCase can handle asynchronous sources in many formats with comprehensive picture monitoring via the built in 15” HD LCD monitor. RouteCase takes just a few minutes to set up, and offers true ‘plug and play’ operation, making it ideally suited for live operations such as satellite newsgathering, outside broadcasts, sporting events and live streaming content creation. Running on 12 volts, measuring 410mm x 300mm x 100mm and weighing just 4.8kg, the RouteCase is a compact and rugged field production unit.

uPod®
With the same functionality as Tr-uPod®, the uPod® series is the leading automated uplink system, used by multiple clients. uPod is enhanced this year with SIS LIVE’s differential compass antenna controller, new software and multi-band (X, Ku, DBS and Ka) capability.
Full product information and services can be found at www.sislive.tv

Tr-uPod®is an exceptionally flexible, compact satellite uplink system featuring an advanced composite antenna design, tool-less assembly with fully automated or simple manual operation. The multi-band antenna is … Read more]]> SIS LIVE announced the launch of Tr-uPod®, its multi-band, fully-automated tripod antenna system at NAB

Tr-uPod®is an exceptionally flexible, compact satellite uplink system featuring an advanced composite antenna design, tool-less assembly with fully automated or simple manual operation. The multi-band antenna is available in 0.75, 1.0, 1.2 and 1.5m versions.

David Meynell, Managing Director, SIS LIVE, says: Tr-uPod is a robust, highly portable tripod antenna aimed at a variety of field applications. SIS LIVE has made significant investment in carbon tooling and work to exceptionally stringent tolerances, to achieve industry leading results.  The Tr-uPod system was developed using cutting-edge, award-winning technology and is another great addition to our innovative product range.’

The robust, high stability tripod system can be set up in minutes and in automated mode, using SIS LIVE’s in-house differential antenna control system, will find any satellite in an instant.  The system has been built to withstand the tough conditions in the field, with an operational temperature specification of between -4ºF to +140ºF (–20 to +60ºC), weatherproof to IP65, MIL STD 810F compliant.  All size antennas pack to 2 x IATA carry cases which can be flown as standard airline baggage and easily carried over rough terrain.

Tr-uPod can also be used with SIS LIVE’s award winning control software and interface. The automated operation offers absolute simplicity with maximum operability which allows unskilled operators to utilise and transmit to multiple satellites.  SIS LIVE have the best surface accuracy of their segmented parabolic antennas than any other manufacturer and all antenna sizes are capable of X, Ku, Ka, and DBS band with the 1.5m also available in C band.

For more information, see http://www.sislive.tv/products-tr-upod.php

The new multi-band tripod satellite uplink, Tr-uPod was launched at the show.

Tr-uPod is an exceptionally flexible, compact satellite uplink system with tool-less assembly available fully automated or … Read more]]> SIS LIVE is at NAB this week, exhibiting an award-winning product range.

The new multi-band tripod satellite uplink, Tr-uPod was launched at the show.

Tr-uPod is an exceptionally flexible, compact satellite uplink system with tool-less assembly available fully automated or with simple manual operation.  Available with a 0.75, 1.0, 1.2 and 1.5 metre reflector, all sizes pack into 2 x IATA carry cases which can be flown as standard airline baggage and easily carried over rough terrain.

The award-winning fully-automated satellite uplink antenna, uPod, is exhibited, along with RouteCase, a laptop size HD production studio.

uPak, a fully-automated, flat panel antenna system is on display with an embedded PC card and integrated control panel allowing full automation at the touch of a button.

SIS LIVE’s products are also on display outside.  ABC’s new uPod is exhibited alongside RouteCase on AMT’s stand.  uPak is attracting crowds on ThinKom’s booth, demonstrating its unique fully automated satellite acquisition.

SIS LIVE has agreed a five-year, multi-million pound deal with racecourse operator, Arena Leisure Plc, to provide OB facilities at all its … Read more]]> Multi-million pound deal over five years to provide enhanced OB services for over 350 race meetings a year

SIS LIVE has agreed a five-year, multi-million pound deal with racecourse operator, Arena Leisure Plc, to provide OB facilities at all its racecourses in the UK. The deal, beginning 15^th May 2011, covers over 350 race meetings a year, including the famous Ladbrokes St Leger at Doncaster. Arena Leisure is the busiest racecourse operator in the UK, with seven courses that comprise Doncaster, Lingfield Park, Royal Windsor, Southwell, Folkestone, Worcester and Wolverhampton.

Ian Renton, Racing Director, Arena Leisure Plc, says: “We are delighted to team up with SIS LIVE to create an enhanced television experience at all of our UK racecourses.  Whilst our own in-house technical services department at Arena has been extremely successful, we now have a media rights agreement in  place with SIS. As part of our future joint strategy and with their extensive expertise in this area, we are very pleased for SIS to take over the broadcasting at all the Arena racecourses.”

David Meynell, Managing Director, SIS LIVE, says: “SIS LIVE has unique experience covering horse racing at all levels. Not only do we already cover hundreds of races a year as part of our commitments to the SIS bookmakers services, but we have extensive experience of covering international events such as the Grand National and other big sporting events for broadcasters. We will bring all that experience to this work with Arena Leisure, significantly improving the viewing experience for bookmakers, broadcasters and racecourse customers.”

SIS LIVE will provide an enhanced and improved OB service to Arena Leisure, with a full review of coverage at all its racecourses, utilising the company’s vast experience of live horse racing broadcasts. New camera positions will be added, including start cameras to capture all of the action from the off, and higher quality coverage with the latest multi-format cameras, initially in Standard Definition but with a planned progression to High Definition broadcasting in the future.

SIS LIVE’s OB feeds will be provided to Arena Leisure for its on-course TV coverage as well as to the stewards for integrity purposes.  In addition, the feed will be used by SIS LIVE’s parent company, Satellite Information Services Limited (SIS), as part of its television services to bookmakers, broadcasting live horseracing and other sporting events to 10,000 bookmakers in the UK and the Ireland. SIS LIVE currently provides SIS with extensive uplinking facilities and dedicated OB services to cover around 400 race meetings a year. The deal with Arena Leisure, means SIS LIVE will now provide the OBs at 800 race meetings with over 5,000 individual races a year.

George Irvine, Managing Director, Production and Data, SIS, says: “I’m delighted with the service we get from SIS LIVE at the moment and I’m positive everyone will see a marked improvement in the quality of coverage from the Arena racecourses when the new contract begins in May.”

The coverage will also be used by At The Races, the dedicated horse racing channel that is a joint venture partnership between BSkyB and Arena Leisure Plc. It will also be used by GBI Racing, the joint venture company of RMG (Racecourse Media Group) and At The Races, which offers exclusive international rights to all 60 UK racecourses, allowing customers to view the races as far afield as South Africa, Turkey, Italy, Singapore and Australia.

SIS LIVE has launched the next addition to its line-up of new-generation trucks, OB 5. The 13.5m x 3.9m vehicle is fully HD and … Read more]]> New generation outside broadcast unit debuts at Match of the Day West Bromwich Albion v Liverpool

SIS LIVE has launched the next addition to its line-up of new-generation trucks, OB 5. The 13.5m x 3.9m vehicle is fully HD and 3G capable and is equipped for full 5.1 surround sound. It had its first outing on Saturday 2^nd April with BBC coverage of the West Bromwich Albion v Liverpool premier league game for Match of the Day.

David Meynell, managing director, SIS LIVE, says, “OB 5 is a significant addition to our new fleet of advanced vehicles, which are built to the highest technical standards. The unit is designed to comfortably satisfy the requirements of production teams working across the whole breadth of programme genres. Its flexibility, together with state-of-the art engineering, make it a great asset.

OB 5 joins 13 other HD OB units, as part of SIS LIVE’s fleet of new-generation vehicles. All are designed to provide production teams with the latest equipment in a well-designed and comfortable environment.  SIS LIVE’s new-generation trucks are completely HD throughout and 3G capable. This means both1080i/50 pictures can be handled as well as being future-proofed for 1080P/50 for progressive transmissions. The double capacity 3G infrastructure also makes the OB vehicle ideal for 3D signal processing and will allow SIS LIVE to continue to be at the forefront of this format.

OB 5 can easily be configured as a powerful two-truck solution and can be integrated to work with our latest HD VT vehicles.  OB 5 will be used to cover football, including the Scottish Premier League, and also major national live events. It is already lined up for both the Royal Wedding and Glastonbury Music Festival.  It’s very quick to deploy and ideal for events where the production team needs to go in, rig, shoot and then be away by the end of the day. It’s designed to be completely programmable, with all screen, router and talkback configurations being immediately recalled.

OB 5 has three main production areas, with a primary control desk, together with two secondary desks, allowing room for 12 people. The combined engineering and VTR area at the rear of the vehicle can carry up to 20 cameras, as well as four SloMo and four radio cameras. On board are 6 EVS LSM disk recorders. When operating with the second HD VT truck, there will be additional capacity for another 10 EVS operators, two production co-ordinators and an engineer.

SIS LIVE has won the prestigious contract to design, build and deliver HD agile cameras and digital RF microwave links … Read more]]> SIS LIVE has won a multi-million pound contract to design, build and deliver HD agile cameras and RF microwave links

SIS LIVE has won the prestigious contract to design, build and deliver HD agile cameras and digital RF microwave links for the 34^th America’s Cup. The multi-million pound contract will see SIS LIVE supply the on-board camera systems over a three-year period to the America’s Cup Event Authority (ACEA).

David Meynell, Managing Director, SIS LIVE, says: “This is a very important strategic contract that allows SIS LIVE to develop cutting-edge solutions for the America’s Cup Event Authority. We have already started the process, having been to New Zealand to look at the boats. SIS LIVE is unique in its ability to offer a complete solution including the design, build and delivery of the highest specification HD agile cameras and RF microwave links. We also have the technical and operational personnel to operate the cameras in race conditions. SIS LIVE has extensive experience of designing and operating small on-board HD camera systems and RF links for motorsports, sailing in Beijing and other sporting events, and we are bringing all that expertise to the America’s Cup.”

SIS LIVE will provide a fully managed integrated technical solution for HD agile cameras and RF microwave links. This includes the remote cameras on-board yachts, camera feeds and audio from yachts to shore, chase boats, umpire boats and helicopters’ camera feeds. The systems are being specially designed to be as ergonomic and lightweight as possible to minimise their impact on the racing yachts, while generating the high quality HD pictures needed for the global television and online coverage.

Gary Lovejoy Head of Media Production, ACEA, says: “We are transforming the television coverage of the 34th America’s Cup to make it more comprehensive, more dynamic and more engaging for our viewing audience. We want to enable viewers to feel like they are on the boats – feeling the power of the wind, seeing the split-second decisions being made, seeing these athletes in action – so on-board cameras are a key part of our strategy.”

The three-year contract covers two America’s Cup World Series, which begin this summer and include 16 regattas around the globe; the Louis Vuitton Cup, the America’s Cup Challengers Series held July 13 – September 1, 2013 in San Francisco; and the America’s Cup Match to be held September 7 – 22, 2013 in San Francisco.

SIS LIVE has moved into a new expanded facility in the heart of Paris to serve broadcast and media customers throughout France. The facility, located close to the Eiffel Tower, … Read more]]> SIS LIVE opens expanded facility close to the Eiffel Tower

SIS LIVE has moved into a new expanded facility in the heart of Paris to serve broadcast and media customers throughout France. The facility, located close to the Eiffel Tower, complements SIS LIVE’s Outside Broadcast and satellite uplinking capabilities and provides the latest studio and connectivity infrastructure.

SIS LIVE Paris now offers a studio and playout facility, with a stand-up position that has the Eiffel Tower as a back-drop. The facility also features the latest satellite and fibre connections, with the ability to provide live playout and full back-office activities.

David Meynell, Managing Director, SIS LIVE, says: “We are continuing to make a significant investment in our infrastructure in France to serve French and international clients who need guaranteed, secure communications throughout the country and overseas. We continue to invest in our French operation. Our fleet of uplinks and the new offices are something that we are extremely proud of.”

Jean-Louis Cleret, European Commercial Director, SIS LIVE, says: “SIS LIVE has had an office in France for 11 years and this investment is part of our on-going commitment to increase our presence. We now offer High Definition OB services in Paris and our new facility allows us to provide expanded services including live studio playout.”

SIS LIVE employs a total of 19 people in Paris and has several significant clients, including France Télévisions, which it supplies with facilities for its news operations in Paris and for the coverage of international sport events such as the 6 Nations and Tour de France, and Canal+, which it provides OB facilities to cover Champions League and Europa League football matches. SIS LIVE also provides ad-hoc satellite uplinking work for a number of broadcast customers. The new facility will allow the company to significantly expand its client base and the services it can provide.

As sponsors of the Best Sport Programme … Read more]]> SIS LIVE was credited with its involvement with many high profile LIVE events at the 2011 Broadcast Awards last night, with numerous clients receiving nominations and taking to the stage to accept awards.

As sponsors of the Best Sport Programme Award, David Meynell, Managing Director of SIS LIVE, took to the stage to present the trophy to IMG Media for their coverage of the Indian Premier League Final.

Of the six shortlisted for the award, two were events SIS LIVE covered.  North One Television team for ITV4 for its coverage of the Isle of Man TT 2010 and Vsquared TV for Tour de France both received nominations.

The Best Music Programme prize was awarded to the BBC for Glastonbury 2010 where SIS LIVE provided outside broadcast, satellite uplink and satellite internet facilities.
Commenting on the Awards, David Meynell said, ‘We can take a lot of satisfaction that SIS LIVE is the name behind a lot of award-winning work. These clients are at the top of their game and we’re right behind them providing the services they need. Congratulations to all nominees and winners.’

SIS LIVE has signed an exclusive reseller and development agreement with Astrium, an EADS company and one of the biggest suppliers of civil and defence space systems and … Read more]]> SIS LIVE to use its in-house development and manufacturing facilities for Astrium

SIS LIVE has signed an exclusive reseller and development agreement with Astrium, an EADS company and one of the biggest suppliers of civil and defence space systems and services in the world. Under the terms of the deal, SIS LIVE is to use its in-house development and manufacturing facilities to complement Astrium’s existing development programmes. The first product being developed by SIS LIVE for Astrium is the world’s first fully-automated flat plate antenna system.
David Meynell, Managing Director, SIS LIVE, said: “SIS LIVE is delighted to be working with Astrium to supply innovative new satellite uplinking systems. Astrium has great heritage and capability in secure satcom systems, and we’re fully confident that this agreement will benefit their customers across the world.”
David King, Engineering Director, Astrium Secure Satcom Systems, said: “SIS LIVE has developed and built a number of innovative new uplinking products and we are very excited to be working closely with them to create systems that are designed to meet the demands of our customers.”
SIS LIVE’s in-house design and manufacturing operations are responsible for creating a number of cutting-edge satellite uplinking systems, including the uPod portable uplinking system and the brand new uPak fully-automated flat panel antenna system. SIS LIVE will continue to be responsible for the development of both products and will concentrate on the broadcast market, whilst Astrium will continue to focus on the military, government and other markets.
uPod is the ultimate portable uplink system that packs into easy-to-carry, flyaway cases, each weighing less than 23kg, offering a totally integrated uplinking system, with its own bookings system and dedicated satellite capacity. At the same time, it’s incredibly easy to operate, even for novices. There are four models to choose from — with antenna sizes of 0.75, 1.0, 1.2 and 1.5 metres.
uPak is a compact, fully automated flat plate VSAT terminal that provides high-speed data communications for internet connectivity, video transmission and VPN connectivity. With single button operation, the unit can be used by anyone with little or no training. uPak is lightweight and extremely portable, designed to be easily transported for remote field operations. Initially, the uPak will operate in Ku-band, but the range is being extended to also offer Ka-band and X-band versions. Both products will become part of Astrium’s MobilePatrol product family.

Based upon the uPak, Astrium launched the MobilePatrol MPS450 during Global MilSatCom in London on the 9th November. The terminal attracted great interest and enthusiasm, due to its low weight, size, competitive pricing, innovation and single button operation.

Recorded at the Hippodrome in Birmingham, we … Read more]]> Even without the help of a fairy godmother, SIS LIVE were invited by Glass Slipper Productions, in conjunction with the Birmingham Royal Ballet, to record a new adaption of the story of Cinderella.

Recorded at the Hippodrome in Birmingham, we deployed High Definition OB Unit 12 alongside our specialist sound recording truck, Mastersound.  High Definition cameras recorded every element of the show in the greatest detail with  five VTRs to record the pictures and a sound guide track, leaving Mastersound to mix and multi track the sound from the live orchestra.

As with all ballets, the orchestra plays an integral role in the telling of the story and the music has to be captured in the best possible way. Over 60 strategically placed microphones captured every instrument whilst our award-winning sound team expertly mixed the sound.

The ballet concludes with Cinderella riding off with her Prince Charming, leaving us to make sure that our crew make it home before midnight!

SIS and Peel Media, owners of MediaCityUK, have today announced a major new joint venture to deliver an enhanced range of production and technical services to the BBC when it moves … Read more]]> Joint venture to deliver enhanced production and technical services

SIS and Peel Media, owners of MediaCityUK, have today announced a major new joint venture to deliver an enhanced range of production and technical services to the BBC when it moves to the new site next year.
The 10-year agreement with the BBC will see SIS and Peel Media form a new company to run MediaCityUK’s state-of-the-art studio facilities, including post-production, content and technical services, as well as manage all connectivity.
Harnessing SIS’s industry-leading knowledge and experience in broadcasting, Peel Media has been able to increase the breadth and quality of the services on offer to clients at the Salford Quays site.
SIS has demonstrated its determination to being at the heart of this exciting new venture by beginning the process of relocating its production and engineering operation, involving approximately 100 staff, from its headquarters in London.
The joint team will also work with the BBC, Salford University and other media partners to develop new technologies and services and help deliver MediaCityUK’s vision of becoming a world-class hub for content creation.
The BBC, whose search for a new northern base was the genesis for the project, is set to move nearly 2,300 staff to MediaCity in 2011, including five departments currently based in London (Radio 5 Live, Children’s, Sport, Learning and Future Media and Technology). BBC Breakfast will also be broadcast from MediaCityUK by Easter 2012.
David Holdgate, Chief Executive, SIS, said: “I am delighted to finalise this agreement and confirm our involvement in running the fantastic new facilities at MediaCityUK, both for the BBC and other users.
“The opportunities for the broadcast community offered by these new facilities are vast, and we look forward to developing long-term relationships with many organisations within the broadcast community as part of this.”
Bryan Gray, Chairman of Peel Media, said: “We are delighted to have reached agreement with the BBC and SIS on the provision of a wider range of services at MediaCityUK. Our studios will be up and running from January and we look forward to creating a radical new environment for leading companies, such as the BBC, to share in the benefits.”
Richard Deverell, Chief Operating Officer, BBC North, said: “This new agreement [with Peel Media] will help ensure that BBC North becomes a leading innovator in digital media and content production in the UK. Additionally, we hope that the deal will make MediaCityUK a first choice destination for companies interested in working in partnership with the BBC.”

SIS LIVE’s OB 2 was selected for this very special event as it can cope admirably with 12 High definition … Read more]]> As Sir Cliff Richard reaches his 70th birthday, WE’RE THERE at the Royal Albert Hall recording Cliff Richard’s Christmas DVD.

SIS LIVE’s OB 2 was selected for this very special event as it can cope admirably with 12 High definition Sony 1500 cameras and 2 HD minicams. The concert was enhanced by mounting the 12 HD cameras in various places ranging from cranes, hotheads and remotely operated tracking dollies. The minicams, supplied by our special cameras department, took pride of place on the stage capturing those exciting close up shots of Cliff and the band. They were ideal and can get to the places a large camera cannot reach. The large VT Area in OB 2 is ideally suited for multi machine recording, in this case it required 16 Sony M2000 HD VTRs. As with the pictures, all sound was recorded individually by a large mobile sound truck giving full flexibility in post production.

A very enjoyable day was had by all, with the results available for purchase by all those avid Cliff fans in the run up to Christmas. Pre-order your copies now!

SIS LIVE, the UK company providing all of the host broadcast television production and coverage facilities and services for the Commonwealth Games in India, is ready for the games to begin.
Read more]]> UK company’s 1,600 staff set for cameras to roll

SIS LIVE, the UK company providing all of the host broadcast television production and coverage facilities and services for the Commonwealth Games in India, is ready for the games to begin.
SIS LIVE, Europe’s largest outside broadcast (OB) and satellite uplink company, has had over 1,600 staff in India to prepare all the venues for television coverage. Alan Bright, the project director for SIS LIVE in Delhi, said: “The problems of late completion of the venues have certainly caused us issues: instead of several months to complete the installation of cameras and wiring, in some instances we have only had two weeks.
“Like the Games organisers and other agencies, we have been working incredibly hard to make sure everything is ready. In many cases, we have been working in very challenging conditions. All venues were completed very late and the monsoon rains caused roads and broadcast compounds to flood.
“Despite the difficulties of working in extreme heat and in torrential rain, and in some cases in darkness with torches strapped to our hard hats, we have made good progress and anticipate that barring any unforeseen issues arising, we will have all the venues broadcast-ready for the Games.”
SIS LIVE won the multi-million pound contract from India’s public broadcaster, Doordarshan, part of Prasar Bharati, the Broadcasting Corporation of India. SIS LIVE will provide high definition (HD) television coverage of the Games, the first time the event will be entirely broadcast in HD. All television companies will take live feeds provided by SIS LIVE during the Games.
SIS LIVE has amassed a formidable technical team to work on the Games, who are experienced in broadcasting all the CWG sports such as gymnastics, tennis, swimming and athletics, with the aim of providing a truly high-quality television service for the Games.
Working with ZOOM Communications, South-East Asia’s largest broadcast services company, SIS LIVE will provide coverage of 17 sports events and outside races across 12 competition venues, as well as the opening and closing ceremonies. This involves over 37 production areas including studios and OB kits of various sizes over 350 HD camera channels as well as other specialist production and camera equipment.
David Meynell, managing director of SIS LIVE, said: “India had high aspirations when they won the right to host the Games and many of the venues are spectacular. There have been some issues and I think we have all been surprised at some of the obstacles that we have had to overcome. We have had to condense four months’ work into less than four weeks. Our teams have been working tirelessly to ensure we are ready to provide world class television production and broadcast services for the Commonwealth Games”

SIS LIVE has upgraded the technical facilities for BBC Sport’s coverage of Formula 1 motor racing. The UK-based company has … Read more]]> OB and uplink specialist SIS LIVE designs and builds £2m HD flyaway kit and OB truck to capture race-weekend footage

SIS LIVE has upgraded the technical facilities for BBC Sport’s coverage of Formula 1 motor racing. The UK-based company has designed and built a brand new HD-ready flyaway unit and OB truck to capture BBC Sport’s race-weekend footage for BBC One, BBC Red Button and BBC online. The £2 million system was first used at the Belgian Grand Prix at the Spa-Francorchamps circuit, 27th-29th August, and is heading next to Monza, Italy, for the Grand Premio Santander d’Italia, 10th-12th September.
David Meynell, Managing Director, SIS LIVE, says: “SIS LIVE is always looking to improve its support for BBC Sport’s coverage of Formula 1 and the new flyway kit and OB truck gives the BBC access to the latest HD-ready kit. The £2 million system was fully designed, project managed, integrated and tested by our teams in Milton Keynes. The equipment fits into two easy-to-transport containers that can be taken anywhere in the world to cover Grand Prix. A third container holds the control services for the system. For all the European events, the same control services are fitted in the OB truck, which operates out of the UK. The system offers BBC Sport the greatest flexibility for its F1 coverage on BBC One, BBC Red Button and the web.”
SIS LIVE’s containers ship a complete production facility for BBC Sport to wherever the Grand Prix is held. Based around a Sony MVS-6000 multi-format production switcher and 96 x 96 Evertz Quartz router, the system features three Sony PDW-F800 XDCAM HD422 HD-capable radio cameras, four FCP editing suites, a HD and 5.1 Surround Sound capable LAWO sound desk, a radio talkback system, plus EVS, XDCAM HD and XS recorders. Everything has fibre interconnections to save weight.
SIS LIVE also supplies BBC Sport with the majority of the technical crew, including the three cameramen, two editors, two sound engineers, a sound mixer, a vision engineer, rigger, two comms engineers and the supervising engineering manager, Ian Haynes.
Ian Haynes, SIS LIVE’s engineering manager, Formula 1, says: “When fully rigged, the system provides BBC Sport with a production gallery, VT area, two main edit suites and two smaller edit suites. For long-haul races, the containers can be transported by cargo plane and the control services equipment is set up in a Portacabin in the paddock area of the Grand Prix circuit. In Europe, the same equipment is rigged in our refurbished GPPU (Grand Prix Production Unit) OB vehicle and driven to the circuit for all the weekend’s race coverage. A separate flat-bed truck drives the two containers with the production equipment to make for easy rigging. The system was first used live at the Belgian Grand Prix, where it was a success and everyone was very happy.”
BBC Sport’s comprehensive F1 coverage combines race footage provided by Formula One Management Ltd (FOM) with BBC commentary and further coverage from the paddock with presenters and experts.
“On qualifying day and race day, we do a live pre-race show on BBC One that runs between 30 minutes and one hour using all our equipment,” Haynes says. “Five minutes before the race, we join FOM coverage, which the BBC comments on, then after the end-of-race press conference, we do BBC analysis, which lasts from 15 minutes to one hour. Then we move from BBC One to the BBC Red Button for another hour of BBC Forum.”
SIS LIVE, which incorporates the former BBC Outside Broadcast division, has nearly 75 years experience of covering major sporting events, and currently provides the facilities and personnel to cover everything from Formula One to Wimbledon to the London Marathon. SIS LIVE is also providing the production and coverage facilities and services to cover the entire 2010 XIX Commonwealth Games in Delhi, this October.

With over 850 staff, SIS is the foremost … Read more]]> Satellite Information Services (SIS) has announced plans to relocate its London operation to MediaCityUK at Salford Quays. This will be a phased move and is due to be completed by 2013

With over 850 staff, SIS is the foremost supplier of television programming and data services to the UK and Ireland betting industry. It is also one of Europe’s largest outside broadcast and satellite news gathering companies, providing thousands of hours of news, sports and entertainment coverage each year. SIS will join BBC North and the University of Salford as key occupiers of the 36-acre media community.

In order to achieve its future growth plans, SIS will expand its operation by taking on new and additional space in the MediaCityUK development, alongside further development of its facilities at Milton Keynes.

The plan will involve relocating the company’s production and engineering facilities from its offices in Corsham Street, London N1, a site that SIS has occupied since it was formed in 1986 when the UK satellite TV industry was still in its infancy. SIS will take a minimum of 25,000 sq ft of space within one of the studio towers at MediaCityUK and expects to have in excess of 100 staff working in Salford.

MediaCityUK aims to become the largest purpose-built media and creative hub in Europe over the next ten years. The BBC, whose search for a new northern base was the genesis for the project, is set to move nearly 2,500 staff to MediaCity in 2011, including BBC Breakfast and five departments currently based in London (Radio 5 Live, Children’s, Sport, Learning and Future Media and Technology). In addition, the University of Salford will open a new higher education centre at MediaCityUK next year, housing 1,700 students and staff.
Commenting on the move, David Holdgate, Chief Executive of SIS, said: “The MediaCityUK development at Salford Quays represents a fantastic opportunity for SIS and our staff to be based in what will become the television centre of the UK. As well as co-locating with some key clients, including the BBC, we’ll have the advantage of purpose built premises.”

Bryan Gray, Chairman of Peel Media, developers and owners of MediaCityUK, added: “We are delighted that SIS has taken the strategic decision to relocate its London operation to MediaCityUK. The company has a first class reputation within the broadcasting industry, and the experience and expertise of SIS staff will be a key component in what MediaCityUK has to offer. We look forward to working closely together.”

SIS LIVE, is proud to announce that it is an official supporter of the England 2018 World Cup Bid. As part of its commitment … Read more]]> SIS LIVE is proud to be an official supporter of the England 2018 World Cup Bid

SIS LIVE, is proud to announce that it is an official supporter of the England 2018 World Cup Bid. As part of its commitment to helping England secure the backing of FIFA, SIS LIVE is offering its technical expertise and its experience in running major sporting events to the England 2018 team. Specifically, SIS played a major part in helping England 2018 to develop its broadcast offering within its proposal to FIFA. England’s Bid Book was officially delivered in Zurich on May 14th.
David Meynell, Managing Director, SIS LIVE, says: “SIS LIVE is proud to be an official part of England’s campaign to win the right to stage the 2018 FIFA World Cup. A World Cup in England would be a fantastic experience for fans at home and abroad if we won the right to stage the tournament.”
England 2018 Chief Executive, Andy Anson says: “SIS LIVE has experience covering top-flight football and providing the technical facilities for major sporting events. We are delighted they stepped forward to offer their expertise during the development of our bid strategy.”
SIS LIVE has over 70 years of BBC outside broadcast experience and works with all the major UK and international broadcasters at the highest level across many sports, including a huge variety of national and international football competitions. The company has extensive experience covering the Barclays Premier League, the FA Cup, UEFA Europa Cup, UEFA Champions League and previous FIFA World Cups.
SIS LIVE has an on-going investment programme to ensure all its facilities incorporate the latest High Definition and 3D broadcast equipment, and will continue to invest in state-of-the-art equipment up to and beyond the 2018 World Cup.
SIS LIVE crews and project managers also offer vast experience across football production, have well-developed relationships with the FA and all the UK clubs, and are very familiar with most UK and many international football venues. The company has an excellent international reputation for providing host broadcast facilities for football events and other major sporting events. In 2010, SIS LIVE is providing the technical facilities and production coverage of the XIX Commonwealth Games in New Delhi, India.
SIS LIVE can also offer a wide range of additional services to help ensure that its football coverage continues to achieve the highest production standards. The company’s award-winning special cameras division has designed, built and operated many innovative new camera systems and angles, from goalpost cameras, to overhead 3D camera systems, to the latest RF communications.

SIS LIVE provided 70 satellite uplink vehicles to the main UK broadcasters for their coverage of … Read more]]> All the main UK news providers, including the BBC, ITV, Sky News, ITN, Five and GMTV, take advantage of SIS LIVE’s huge uplinking capacity

SIS LIVE provided 70 satellite uplink vehicles to the main UK broadcasters for their coverage of the UK General Election 2010 coverage. Uplink vehicles and SIS LIVE crew were deployed throughout England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland, giving the broadcasters unprecedented coverage of the main electoral battlegrounds. The number of SIS LIVE’s customers represented the whole array of broadcasting companies, including the BBC, Sky News, ITV, ITN, Five News and GMTV, as well as STV in Scotland, RTE in Ireland and Sky Italia.
David Meynell, Managing Director, SIS LIVE, says: “The scale of the SIS LIVE news operation in the UK is quite staggering and we provided approximately 70 live satellite links from across the country utilising our contract and ad-hoc SNG truck fleet, along with a number of IP vehicles operating to our iDirect satellite Hub in Milton Keynes. We also provided the UK broadcast industry with 500 MHz of satellite capacity, some permanently contracted to the BBC, Sky, ITV, ITN and Channel Five, with a significant amount supplied from our large pool of ad-hoc capacity. No other provider in Europe could get anywhere close to the service that we can now provide and it is a testament to the quality of our equipment and the dedication of our staff that SIS LIVE can offer coverage on such a scale and subsequently receive tremendous feedback from our customers.”
Among the 70 uplinks supplied, SIS LIVE provided contract trucks for ITN, Sky News, ITV and the BBC, part of long-running contracts to supply the broadcasters with live news coverage. Many of these uplinks used SIS LIVE’s innovative uPod Micro portable uplink system. uPods were also supplied to GMTV and BBC Wales.
Jackie Faulkner, Head of Operations, Sky News, says: “SIS LIVE offered us a great service with our contract trucks, additional trucks and double crewing which enabled us to offer the first ever UK election coverage in HD. We brought viewers all the important action and results as they happened from all corners of the UK”
Sky Italia’s Mini Micro also transmitted LIVE news feeds to Italy. The Mini’s small ‘footprint’ made parking in a narrow side street easy and the fully automated uPod Micro satellite uplink allowed transmissions at the push of a button.
Paul Stevenson, Director of Technical Operations and Technology for News Operations at ITV, says: “Our teams worked with SIS LIVE to bring our viewers unprecedented coverage of the election from across the UK, with uPod uplinks relaying reports back for the best UK regional coverage and inserts into the national news.”
Two SIS LIVE OB trucks and numerous uplink vehicles have been positioned outside Buckingham Palace ready to cover the new Prime Minster arriving to meet the Queen, whenever that may be!

Fresh from covering the London Marathon last weekend, SIS LIVE provided LIVE production facilities and crew at the Great Edinburgh Run today.

At NAB 2010 in Las Vegas, SIS LIVE will unveil uPak, a new Ku-band flat-panel antenna system for satellite contribution at low data rates. uPak, … Read more]]> Easy-to-use, lightweight satellite uplink system gives greater bandwidth at the touch of a button

At NAB 2010 in Las Vegas, SIS LIVE will unveil uPak, a new Ku-band flat-panel antenna system for satellite contribution at low data rates. uPak, which weighs less than 50lbs (23kgs) and fits in a single IATA compliant case, is designed for users to send live video, data or voice communications via satellite. The system is designed to work at between 512kb/s and 1024Kb/s upstream, and up to 10Mb/s downstream, making it ideal for broadcasters, NGOs and military applications.
uPak is unique compared to other flat plate antennas in that it is smaller and more powerful than anything else on the market whilst being fully automated. The system locks onto the satellite automatically, with no manual pointing required, making it extremely easy to use. SIS LIVE has designed uPak to be user-friendly, allowing NGOs and military users to establish secure data and voice communications with a one-button operation, or for a broadcast cameraman to set-up quickly and be the first to send live video contributions from a breaking news story.
David Meynell, Managing Director, SIS LIVE, says: “uPak is the first one-button flat plate antenna aimed at a variety of field applications, offering full Ku-band coverage and fully automated operation. It combines an advanced antenna design with the latest compression technologies to transmit high quality video at low data rates. uPak is perfect for users who want a low cost, compact solution for critical data and voice communications or live video contributions that is far easier to use than anything else on the market.”
With an integrated iDirect modem, uPak users have access to SIS LIVE’s worldwide satellite capacity. The system has been built to withstand the tough conditions in the field, with an operational temperature specification of between -4ºF to +140ºF (–20 to +60ºC), weatherproof to IP65, MIL STD 810F compliant and measures just 19.7” x 13.4” x 12” (500mm x 340mm x 305mm).
Mark Shadbolt, Sales Director, SIS LIVE, says:” uPak is a very small, compact, lightweight solution. It has none of the potential mechanical issues that can be associated with a parabolic antenna. It is packaged in one box and unlike some other small, lightweight systems, isn’t limited to one, high cost satellite and can access any Ku band satellite, from any provider, fixed or inclined, significantly reducing operating costs. It also has low power consumption and hence greater battery life.”
Shadbolt continues: “For broadcast news applications, imagine a cameraman is on site and setting up a critical shot and connection for live transmission. He does not want to spend time unpacking and then manually searching for the satellite. He would prefer to use the simplest and most efficient system available, and get the first shots from the scene live from the breaking news story. For the military, uPak allows you to set up a data connection in the field for critical telephone and data communications circuits, press one button to deploy the antenna and then get on with other duties. The system is unique, no manual pointing is required, it is quick to set up and unpack, and with one-button operation it automatically acquires the satellite quickly. This is unique and will enable military personnel to continue with their critical duties whilst relying on uPak to set up the communications for them”
uPak prototypes are being demonstrated at NAB 2010 in Las Vegas, with production models shipping by the end of the year.

SIS LIVE has unveiled its latest new-generation, super-sized outside broadcast vehicle, OB 1. The 24-camera, 14.6m x 5.65m truck is the largest OB vehicle in the … Read more]]> 24-camera unit with the latest production specification debuts with two major national treasures!

SIS LIVE has unveiled its latest new-generation, super-sized outside broadcast vehicle, OB 1. The 24-camera, 14.6m x 5.65m truck is the largest OB vehicle in the UK. The state-of-the-art production unit is fully high definition (HD) throughout and 3G capable. Its first job was to cover Match of the Day for BBC Sport and it is now moving on to two more very big BBC broadcast events, the Boat Race and extended coverage of the 2010 John Smith’s Grand National from Aintree on 10th April.
“SIS LIVE is delighted to launch OB 1, the company’s biggest OB vehicle ever and the most innovative and advanced in Europe. OB 1 has been designed in close consultation with our customers and offers a huge amount of flexibility and advanced engineering features for major sports and other outside broadcast events,” says David Meynell, Managing Director, SIS LIVE.
OB 1 is the third advanced OB vehicle designed by SIS LIVE to offer producers the latest production facilities wherever and whenever they are needed. The elegant modular design of the interior of OB 1 gives producers maximum flexibility to set up the vehicle to best suit their needs. Anyone who has used the other two new-generation production units, OB 3 and OB 7, will instantly feel at home in OB 1.
Julian Boden, Head of Engineering, SIS LIVE, says: “OB 1 is an extremely powerful OB. We have packed in as much of the very latest technological equipment as possible. We have designed the truck with major events in mind, such as the Wimbledon Championships and Open Golf. It also works seamlessly with our other new-generation vehicles, OB 3 and OB 7, offering the most powerful OB combination in Europe. The flexibility and scale that OB1 can offer our customers we would hope will appeal to a broad base and will enhance any broadcasters production”
OB 1 operates up to 24 Sony HDC-1500R multi-format cameras plus radio cameras as required. The 14.6 metre long vehicle has triple expanding sides which open out along the entire length, giving a huge 5.65 metre width when extended. There are two production control rooms, which can become one single space for the largest production jobs. This is combined with 2 separate audio mixing areas, a large VT production control room, VT slo mo area featuring 9 x EVS hard disk recorders and 8 x HDCAM SR recorders. There is also a separate Final Cut Pro edit suite. OB 1 is based around a powerful 576 inputs x 1152 outputs Evertz EQX matrix with embedded audio, featuring a Sony MVS-8000G video switcher and Calrec Alpha and Omega Bluefin digital audio mixers, which deliver 5.1 surround sound. The EQX matrix also powers the advanced multi-viewer technology in the production areas, which allows a producer to set up the monitoring precisely for individual events. A total of 28 x 23-inch displays are each able to display up to 4 pictures, giving a total of 112 different sources if required, plus 3 x 26 inch single display monitors for transmission.
OB 1, like OB 7 and OB 3, is completely HD throughout and 3G capable. This means it can both handle 1080i/50 pictures as well as being future-proofed for 1080P/50 for progressive transmissions. The double capacity 3G infrastructure also makes the OB vehicle ideal for 3D signal processing and will allow SIS LIVE to continue to be at the forefront of this format.

Langley, United Kingdom: