Innovason Eclipse installed into Czech Radio OB Van

March 2011

MusicDATA delivers OB Van project ahead of schedule

Innovason distributor and renowned systems integrator, MusicDATA, has successfully completed their most difficult project of the year to date and delivered a brand new OB Van to national broadcaster Czech Radio. Furnished with state-of-the-art equipment, including an Innovason Eclipse digital mixing console, the project was completed ahead of schedule.

A MusicDATA team of some 15 people worked for two months on the transformation of the VW Crafter, installing the latest digital technology from Innovason. Now the most modern vehicle on the fleet, the OB van will be used by Czech Radio Ceske Budejovice to broadcast some of the Czech Republic’s most prestigious events, such as the Ceske Krumlov International Music Festival, around the world across the EBU network (European Broadcasting Union).

The technology of the new OB and recording vehicle is built on an EtherSound backbone which provides real time transfer of up to 128 channels with minimal latency and excellent connectivity with other EtherSound devices. At the heart of the installation is an Innovason Eclipse digital console complete with M.A.R.S., Innovason’s proprietary integrated HD recording system which enables recording of up to 64 tracks in 48 kHz/24 bit quality. Up to 80 inputs may be connected externally thanks to Innovason’s DioCore stagebox and the latest addition to the Innovason portfolio, the new compact SR-16 remotely controllable EtherSound-enabled mini-stagebox.

A back-up power supply will ensure full equipment functionality for up to 80 minutes in the event of a power failure. Independent air-conditioning and heating systems combined with high quality insulation makes it possible for the OB van to operate in any climactic conditions. All the cables and connector panels are installed at the back of the van along with several storage boxes and practical rack drawers for all the paraphernalia that is inevitably required during off-site recording.

According to MusicDATA’s Tomas Ourednicek, “Our aim was to build a highly professional OB van that will meet the standards of the most demanding European markets. We were able to draw on our considerable experience of over two decades in building recording studios, OB vans, as well as supplying systems for live television shows or indeed for international broadcasts, such as President Barack Obama’s visit to Prague.”

“Our employees are regularly trained in Germany, France and Great Britain, so they are fully up to date with the latest digital technologies and able to apply the latest trends with confidence.”

“Czech Radio certainly didn’t give us any quarter in terms of what they wanted for the van and their expectations of what we could provide,” notes project leader Miroslav Prihoda. “Fortunately, we enjoy a challenge and the result is a particularly pleasant working environment with excellent acoustics and reliable technology. With this project, I think we have set a new quality standard for small OB vans. We’re all delighted with the results of our hard work, as are the clients at Czech Radio.”