Megahertz help get the BBC on the road

An ever-strengthening relationship between Cambridge based Megahertz Broadcast Systems and the BBC/BBC Ventures was illustrated at IBC 2002 by Resources' decision to show their new OB truck, Unit 10, on the Megahertz stand.
Recently outfitted by Megahertz, Unit 10 (pictured) is being hailed as the most advanced digital production unit in Europe, fully equipped to enable broadcast coverage of large-scale events. The vehicle, which has already been used at the Commonwealth Games, is a double expanding unit and can accommodate 24 operators. Unit 10 is optimised for 12 cameras and 16 VTRs and houses a Calrec 48 channel mixing desk as well as a Thomson Digital XtenDD-3 vision mixer with 54 inputs.
Megahertz's partnership with the BBC is not limited to the commercial subsidiaries, however, as they have also won a News Resources contract for the design and installation of a new Digital Satellite Newsgathering Vehicle. The vehicle, which will provide rapid-response newsgathering, is based on a Mercedes Benz medium wheelbase "Sprinter" 413D chassis.
Megahertz are solely responsible for the detailed vehicle design, coachbuilding and integration of power, as well as all video, audio, satellite and terrestrial link systems. They will also supply kit for the unit, including a single-thread Ku-band Satellite Up-Link System together with a 12m Pneumatic Mast with a remote controlled pan & tilt head located on top.
Expressing his confidence in Megahertz, Paul Field of BBC News Resources said: "This is the third vehicle in a series, with a basic design concept which is fixed for the series but allows the specific design to evolve with each vehicle. Megahertz offered the flexibility to work to our precise requirements and we are convinced we will receive a very competent vehicle.
Delivery of the completed unit is scheduled for mid-October 2002, with a second comparable unit to be delivered in February 2003.
Megahertz, which was the subject of a management buyout in September 2001, regard the wealth of BBC work as part of a coherent strategy to develop and strengthen their position in the UK market.
(GB)