Broadcast Solutions integrates a new mobile unit for the German WDR

The new Ü3 unit is part of a global concept and marks the beginning of a fleet of cross-media production tools for WDR.

The systems integrator Broadcast Solutions has built a mobile unit with 6 cameras, called Ü3, for German public broadcasting WDR.

The vehicle stands out for its compact design, a well-thought-out space concept, eight flexible workstations and focuses on flexible production approaches and innovative interconnectivity and stage box solutions.

During planning and execution, many considerations were made regarding the function and application of a mobile unit in combination with two other new mobile radio units, also integrated by Broadcast Solutions for WDR.

The idea behind the concept was to create a multimedia approach for a mobile that reflected the changes in production. At the same time, WDR and Broadcast Solutions had to take into account the interaction of Ü3 with other mobile production units (legacy and new, TV and radio) of WDR. The new Ü3 unit is part of a global concept and marks the beginning of a fleet of cross-media production tools for WDR.

The vehicle will primarily be used for smaller productions and is equipped with all the necessary video and audio technology. In case the audio capability (a console has been installed Their mc256 with currently 16 faders) will reach its limits, for example in larger productions such as classical music concerts, Ü3 will work in combination with a mobile radio unit that will take care of audio production. Ü3 will then function purely as a video production tool. In such situations, all audio production is outsourced and handled by the radio mobile. The Ü3 audio workplace is available for other activities.

Decentralized structure

At the heart of Ü3 is a decentralized structure of Riedel MediorNet UHD, which marks the first use of the new UHD cores worldwide. Six of these devices are installed in a different location inside the vehicle. Another seven are mounted in stageboxes, which contain the camera CPUs as well as all audio, control and IP interfaces and can be flexibly positioned on or near the stage.

Wiring is carried out exclusively through fiber optic and MTP12 connectors of Neutrik. Entire productions can be carried out with a single cable coming from the rear of the mobile unit while a second cable provides complete redundancy. The mobile unit Ü3 and the respective radio unit are connected by the same system using a fiber optic cable and a MicroN.

All workstations within Ü3 are planned with maximum flexibility. Tasks and equipment can be easily exchanged between workplaces, and work can be distributed very flexibly.

To ensure the production flexibility and maximize the use of the workplace and equipment, Broadcast Solutions and WDR have implemented the hi human interface control system, a proprietary development of Broadcast Solutions. To implement and work with the flexible workstation concept and the unique camera/video/audio stage boxes, the hi system offers many advantages.

All system components and their configuration can be easily addressed and modified by the WDR team without the need for external support. The additional demand from WDR to receive a vehicle that is IP and UHD/HDR ready is perfectly supported and anticipated by the hi control system.