Aret puts Ross Video at heart of Qatari 12G OB

Italian systems integrator Aret Video and Audio Engineering has recently completed the fitout of a 9m 4K/UHD OB production unit for the Qatar Cultural and Heritage Events Center. The new truck features a layout that maximises the internal space, allowing interoperability between the different production areas, which will allow the centre to enhance its quality of programming. Aret engineers relied on Ross Video solutions for UHD in 12G-SDI.

The OB comprises the main production area (a monitor wall and a replay and character generator station), the audio room with its custom acoustic insulation, and the engineering and camera control area that enables control of up to eight fibre plus two wireless cameras. Each area, including the racks, has a fully redundant air conditioning system in order to help the unit endure Qatar’s challenging weather conditions and operate under any circumstances. In addition, as per ARET standards, the OB unit has an automatic levelling and stabilisation system that can be operated by remote control, and a logic system for controlling mechanical movements and transport conditions.

“We are very proud of the result: this project is one of the first (if not the first) fully 12G UHD OB units in the Gulf Area, and it is proof that you can build a cost efficient 4K-UHD facility using 12G-SDI, with no compromises in terms of quality or workflow,” notes Aret vice president Umberto Asti. “This was thanks to our technology partner Ross, who today represents the state of the art in broadcast technology.”

The signals workflow was engineered to realise the unit’s maximum potential, and with operator ease of use at the forefront. To achieve this, Aret engineers relied on Ross Video’s Acuity production switcher installed alongside an XPression Studio character generator, all fully compatible with the new 12G format. In addition, an Abekas Tria+ replay server fits perfectly into the workflow, with the real-time monitoring function and its support for a large spectrum of resolutions and formats – including 4K-UHD, HD and SD.

The system is enriched by a wide variety of audio and video “glue” products, making the Ross’ openGear platform a natural choice. Finally, a DashBoard control interface enables the whole system to be configured and controlled easily, via a mixture of prebuilt and user-designed touchscreen control panels. Of particular note is the Ultritouch monitoring and control solution – a customisable touchscreen control solution capable of operating as a normal router panel and also as standalone a DashBoard interface. This enables operators to control and configure whatever is in the Dashboard workflow in a completely different way.