Zest4.TV Purchases Polycam Outside Broadcasts

Zest4.TV has purchased the business and assets of Polycam Outside Broadcasts and hired former Polycam owner Trevor Marr as Head of OBs.

The acquisition expands Zest4.TV's facilities from its traditional multi-camera flypack solutions to full outside broadcast facilities, with the addition of an 8-camera Mercedes Vario truck with full HD engineering and audio capabilities.

Simon Roe, Managing Director of Zest4.TV, commented: "We used to hire in the Polycam truck on jobs where there was nowhere to locate our flyaway facilities. We enjoyed it every time, with its good size for multiple crew, ergonomics and build quality. When the opportunity arose to purchase the truck, we decided to purchase the whole business (giving us an in-house Head of OB and the clients previously serviced by Polycam). The truck is a perfect size for our work. The small footprint of 7m x 2.5m enables it to be used in areas where much larger trucks are not suitable."

Truck Specification
The truck is divided into three separate seated galleries for Production, Engineering and Sound (with air conditioning in each area). The versatile design makes the unit flexible and able to adapt to many different production needs including different camera makes/models.

It is ideal for corporate webcasts, Facebook live streams, studio add-on facilities to larger OBs, festivals, and anywhere that a powerful, small/medium sized truck is needed. It comes with one of three tender vehicles, depending on the production: Renault Master LWB, VW Crafter MWB or Citroen Berlingo mini-van.

The production gallery has a three-person desk for Director, Vision Mixer and PA / Graphics, with room for two more behind, such as a Producer and Prompt. Engineering has two seats for vision engineer and EVS or RoboCamera or VT area. Sound has one seat.

Other key features include:

• Cameras: Up to 8 x Sony CCUs & RCPs – triax or fibre (Sony HXC-100 standard, HDC-1500s or 2500s on request)

• Blackmagic Design 2M/E ATEM switcher (standard) or For-a HVS-390 (special request)

• Five switchable monitors in gallery

• Blackmagic 40x40 Videohub router

• Playback Pro VT system

• DigiCo SD11 sound desk with MADI 32/8 stage box

• In-built 4G modem and WiFi

• Wirecast live streaming software

• Multiple record options – MovieRecorder live ingest, Blackmagic Hyperdecks, Convergent Design Apollo

• Easy access to rear of engineering racks for bespoke builds

• Talkback is currently FACE Systems matrix with a Clear-Com Eclipse HX-Delta upgrade planned.

Trevor Marr, new Head of OB, said: "I invested many years designing, building and then working the truck. It is fantastic that I can keep guaranteeing it, continue to serve Polycam's existing clients under the Zest4.TV name, and join a team of like-minded, highly-skilled and experienced individuals to push through more work for the truck. I look forward to seeing it evolve as technology moves forward and client demands change over time."

www.zest4.tv

(JP/LM)