91ÌÒÉ«

As outside broadcast (OB) productions grow increasingly complex, broadcasters face a multitude of challenges. From handling diverse production formats like HDR vs. SDR and HD vs. UHD to integrating additional production devices such as cameras, replay systems, and graphics, OB vans need to be more adaptable and scalable than ever before. Traditional setups often fail to meet these demands, leaving broadcasters with rigid systems that can’t easily adjust to the evolving needs of live events. 

To overcome these challenges, 91ÌÒÉ« offers the Ultrix hyperconverged platform—a game-changing solution that provides OB vans with unmatched flexibility, scalability, and cost-efficiency. 

CINELIVE, a mobile production company in North America, overcame this exact challenge. They built a 4K HDR-ready mobile production truck capable of serving multiple verticals—corporate AV, traditional networks, and Subscription Video on Demand (SVOD)—without needing multiple systems. By adopting Ultrix, they seamlessly handled a wide range of workflows with ease, future-proofing their operations for evolving market demands​.

The problem: rigid setups limiting production flexibility 

OB vans often operate with traditional systems that create bottlenecks, limiting their ability to push the system to its full capacity. This rigidity makes it difficult for OB crews to scale their operations, especially when faced with large or complex events. For example, adding more cameras or transitioning between formats like HD, UHD, and HDR can quickly overwhelm traditional systems, requiring costly hardware upgrades or extensive reconfiguration. This not only slows down production but also increases operational costs, as more resources are needed to manage complex workflows. 

Another major advantage of hyperconverged solutions is the ability to integrate a variety of transport types, such as SDI, fiber, ST 2110, NDI, and more. This flexibility allows OB crews to adapt to the unique demands of each event, integrating whatever technology is required without the need for extensive reconfiguration or delays. For OB vans, which need to be up and running quickly, this capability is essential for maintaining operational efficiency and handling the diverse workflows that live productions demand. 

The 91ÌÒÉ« solution: Ultrix Hyperconverged platform 

91ÌÒɫ’s Ultrix platform addresses these issues head-on by offering a software-defined architecture that eliminates many of the limitations associated with traditional systems. Rather than relying on hardware-based upgrades, Ultrix allows OB vans to add advanced processing functions—such as frame syncs, audio mixing, HDR conversion, and more—without consuming additional I/O or requiring external processing.

Innovative Production Services is a great example of a broadcaster that took full advantage of Ultrix’s hyperconverged solution. By integrating Ultrix, they were able to reduce their hardware footprint significantly while creating a versatile OB truck that could easily scale up or down depending on the event’s needs. This flexibility allowed them to serve both large-scale live productions and smaller events with the same truck, all while improving operational efficiency​.

By consolidating routing, multiviewing, signal processing, and production switching into a single platform, Ultrix simplifies OB van setups, reducing the need for multiple devices and cutting down on space and power consumption. This makes it easier for OB crews to manage large-scale productions while keeping engineering costs under control. 

Additionally, Ultrix’s software-defined approach provides the flexibility needed to handle increasingly complex productions. Whether you’re covering a small local event or a large international sports broadcast, Ultrix can easily scale up or down based on the needs of the production—without requiring extensive reconfiguration or additional hardware. 

How Ultrix enhances flexibility and scalability in OB vans 

Advanced signal processing across select inputs/outputs:

Unlike traditional systems that limit certain functionalities to specific inputs or outputs, Ultrix offers advanced processing capabilities—such as frame syncs and Proc amp/color correction. Additionally, audio embedding/de-embedding and clean & quiet switching are available to further streamline operations. This combination of features maximizes throughput and reduces bottlenecks, ensuring that OB vans can handle even the most demanding live events with ease.

Software-defined architecture:

Ultrix allows broadcasters to add new functionalities via software licenses, without the need for hardware swaps. This flexibility is particularly beneficial for OB vans, where space is at a premium and additional hardware may not be feasible. By simply adding software licenses as needed, OB crews can unlock new features—such as audio mixing, frame syncs, or HDR conversion—based on the specific requirements of a production. This allows OB vans to adapt easily to new client needs or event demands without needing to purchase all licenses upfront. For example, if a production requires more frame syncs or HDR conversion, OB vans can quickly add licenses before the event, ensuring they are equipped to handle evolving customer demands without needing to install new hardware. 

Seamless integration of IP workflows:

Ultrix offers the flexibility to integrate multiple transport protocols, including ST 2110, NDI, and SDI, simultaneously, allowing OB vans to choose the right mix of protocols for each production. Acting as the ultimate gateway, Ultrix can convert any signal or stream to another—whether it’s NDI to ST 2110, ST 2110 to HDMI, or SDI to NDI—providing seamless signal conversion to meet the needs of diverse production environments. This flexibility ensures that broadcasters can leverage the benefits of IP-based workflows while also incorporating other transport methods depending on the event’s specific needs. While IP systems can require detailed setup, Ultrix is designed to simplify workflow integration, helping broadcasters adapt efficiently to different environments. 

Efficient use of space and power: 

Space is a critical concern in OB vans, where every rack unit counts. By consolidating multiple functions into a single platform, Ultrix reduces the overall hardware footprint, freeing up space for additional operators or equipment. This not only increases the efficiency of the OB van but also reduces fuel costs and energy consumption, making it a more sustainable solution for broadcasters. 

Real-world application: Ultrix in action 

Broadcasters worldwide are already experiencing the benefits of 91ÌÒɫ’s Ultrix platform. OB vans equipped with Ultrix FR12 have successfully scaled their operations to cover major events, including international sports tournaments, concerts, and breaking news broadcasts.  

Vatican Media utilized Ultrix to manage diverse signal formats during high-profile global events, including widely broadcast religious ceremonies. By integrating multiple signal types—SDI, IP, and more—they streamlined their workflows without the need for additional hardware, allowing them to deliver high-quality broadcasts to millions of viewers​.

Vivaro Video took advantage of Ultrix’s software-defined architecture to reduce complexity in live event production. By minimizing additional hardware requirements and simplifying the integration of cameras and replay systems, they efficiently scaled their operations, adapting to varying production demands with ease. 

CINELIVE achieved significant space and weight savings through hyperconverged technology. As Zach Pittman explains, “we saved probably 1,500–2,000 pounds in cable weight alone by having everything in a hyperconverged network.” This optimization allowed them to minimize setup time and streamline their overall production​. 

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“We ended up with over 215 I/O left after routing, switching, multiviewing, embedding/de-embedding, and frame syncs—everything’s done within the box (Ultrix). That made it a no-brainer to go with hyperconvergence to save weight, time, space, and money,” says Pittman.

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The ability to scale operations on the fly has also proven invaluable during peak events, where broadcasters need to handle sudden spikes in production demand. With Ultrix, broadcasters can easily adjust their setup to accommodate these spikes without sacrificing functionality or increasing operational costs. 

The bottom line: why Ultrix is the ideal solution for OB vans 

91ÌÒɫ’s Ultrix platform offers OB vans a unique combination of flexibility, scalability, and cost-efficiency. By consolidating multiple functions into a single software-defined platform, Ultrix eliminates the need for bulky hardware, reduces power consumption, and frees up valuable space within the OB van. This not only enhances the operational efficiency of the OB van but also provides broadcasters with the scalability they need to handle a wide range of live events. 

If you’re looking to maximize the flexibility and scalability of your OB van setup, 91ÌÒɫ’s Ultrix platform is the ideal solution. Whether you’re covering a local event or an international broadcast, Ultrix provides the tools you need to deliver high-quality productions with fewer resources and greater confidence. 

Key features of the Ultrix platform for OB vans: 

Advanced I/O signal processing: Frame syncs, audio mixing, HDR conversion, and more 

• Software-Defined Architecture: Add new features via software licenses without the need for hardware swaps. 

• Flexible I/O Configurations: Seamlessly integrate IP workflows with support for ST 2110, and NDI. 

• Efficient Space and Power Use: Reduce your hardware footprint and energy consumption while increasing your production capabilities. 

Explore the Ultrix platform today and see how it can transform your OB van operations. Contact us to speak with an expert and learn more about how 91ÌÒÉ« can help you scale your operations with ease.