Visions Supply 3Gb/s OB Trucks To Sky Sports

The largest independent Outside Broadcast facilities company in the UK, has announced that Sky Sports has commissioned two new 3Gb/s-capable Outside Broadcast trucks for live Premier League and UEFA Champions League football coverage. The leading edge technology and innovative space-saving design headed by Visions, mean that the two trucks can replace three existing vehicles while increasing operational capability and efficiencies.
The new trucks will be the largest in Visions’ fleet, comprising 65 sq. m of floor space per truck. Both trucks will have a tapeless HD and 3Gb/s-ready infrastructure, which will in future enable all OBs to interface with the new Sky Sports studios currently being developed in West London. The internal design utilises every centimetre to provide the same amount of operating space as the three original trucks. In addition, combining three trucks into two reduces set-up time and parking requirements, and increases fuel efficiency.
Keith Lane, Operations Manager of Sky Sports, commented: "We challenged Visions to provide us with a streamlined truck solution incorporating pioneering technology for our football coverage. These two new trucks will provide huge efficiencies and the tools for our production teams to provide the best coverage."
Steve Jenkins, Managing Director, Visions, said, "We have been working with Sky for a long time - they are great partners and trust us to understand their high standards and requirements. We wanted to provide a technical solution that would take them well into the future, and a practical solution to improve operating efficiencies.
"These trucks fulfil both criteria, allowing Sky to focus on providing top quality coverage from state-of-the-art vehicles."
The two new trucks will be ready by July 2010, and will be used for the Sky Sports coverage of the opening match of the new Barclays Premier League in August. Outside of football commitments, the trucks will be available for other Outside Broadcast events.
(BMcN/BMcC)