TVN-OB8 is fully UHD/HDR-capable and equipped with cutting-edge broadcast technology and corresponding back-up systems. With two galleries and 32 UHD cameras, OB8 was built for the UEFA EURO 2024 football championship where it captured games taking place in Berlin, including the closing ceremony at the finale in Berlin.

TVN approached Evertz at NAB 2023 and asked if the company could build a large-scale 704 x 704 12G-SDI UHD routing platform, which was significantly larger than any router available on the market at the time. This needed to be ready, installed and fully operational in time for the UEFA EURO 2024 championships, which kicked off in June 2024.

The final go-ahead for the project wasn’t signed off until the end of 2023, yet despite the tight time frame Evertz rose to the challenge and succeeded in delivering a fully operational large-format router in time for TVN’s deadline.

For such a large and complex routing challenge, an IP solution using SMPTE ST 2110 would be the primary choice for the UHD routing core. However, TVN insisted that their router be SDI-based, as the OB van’s use is aimed at large events where it is necessary to exchange a high number of SDI signals from 1080i to UHD 12G directly at the OB van patch panel with other broadcasters. In addition, SDI is faster than IP and is therefore perfect for the instant playback of live content on large LED screens at festivals without any visual delay. Also, switching between the live camera signals on an SDI basis is still the most efficient and convenient solution for the technician when shading on the reference monitor.

As the NEXX processing and routing platform offered optional SMPTE ST 2110 gateway capabilities, the choice of a NEXX router has made it easy for TVN to transition to IP in the future because all they need to do is change out the modules, giving customers the perfect hybrid solution that allows them to be future-proofed.

Designed to provide broadcast facilities, OB trucks, venues and stadia with the building blocks for 3G/12G-SDI, Evertz NEXX next generation processing and routing solution has a compact modular frame with a main interface/backplane. The router supports SD/HD/3G/6G/12G data rates, thus providing a clear pathway to transition to SMPTE ST 2110 and adopt more remote services as part of their workflow.

For TVN Live Production’s OB8, Evertz built a NEXX router with 704 x 704 12G-SDI I/O, 16 x 3G and 8 x UHD HDR conversion paths, and 48 standard and 14 advanced UHD multiviewer heads in 17 RU. This compact routing and processing platform also includes flexible modules for conversion, processing, and non-SDI interfaces.

TVN Live Production’s OB8 will be showcased at IBC 2024 in the Outside Broadcast Area. Evertz will also be highlighting the latest addition to its NEXX router platform at IBC.