Megahertz Broadcast Systems win BBC contracts

Less than a year after their successful management buy-out, Cambridge-based Megahertz Broadcast Systems have won a number of significant contracts from the BBC, including one to install and integrate equipment in a new OB vehicle that is destined for the Commonwealth Games in Manchester.
The large, double expanding trailer was commissioned by BBC Unit 10 and will primarily provide linking and studio facilities at a range of sporting events, starting with the Commonwealth Games.
Coach builders Smiths of Great Bentley is currently adapting the trailer, which will be large enough to accommodate 24 operators and will be divided into four main areas – sound, production, engineering/camera and VT. Megahertz Broadcast Systems take delivery of the vehicle at the end of May, giving the company just six weeks to install and integrate a comprehensive range of audio and video equipment ready for the start of the Games in July.
Among the equipment specified for the vehicle is a 48-channel Calrec mixing desk, which will be installed in the sound area along with the communications systems. The production area will include a main monitor stack containing about 40 monitors, plus seating for two rows of personnel – production at the front and a split second row for editors and graphics operators. The engineering area will contain operational camera controls and the vision jackfields, which the VT area will contain digibeta machines and editing facilities. The vehicle will also incorporate a systems area containing most of the vision and VT equipment, including up to seven disc based machines.
Megahertz Broadcast Systems have also been awarded a contract by BBC Resources’ London Operations to provide the technical installation and system integration for a new live mobile recording vehicle, which will be used for recording and transmitting live music events to be broadcast on Radio 1 and 2. Based on a 13.5m trailer, the new LMM2 mobile has been designed to cope with most size venues and locations in congested streets.
The vehicle will incorporate a 48-channel SSL 9000 J-series main mixing console and a 32-channel Soundcraft K3 submixer. Provision is also made for four 48-track multitrack machines and two 24-track hard disk recorders.
Megahertz Broadcast Systems, www.megahertz.co.uk
(GB)