Production truck
Other television production trucks are smaller in size and generally require two or three people in the field to manage.
[10] Although made from converted HGVs, inside these trucks were incredibly cramped as a result of housing all of the components of a television gallery.
The keyed dirty feed (with digital on-screen graphic) is what is actually transmitted back to the central studio that is controlling the outside broadcast.
It is essential that the directors and assistant producers are in communication with each other during events, so that replays and slow-motion shots can be selected and aired.
Chyron, a well known manufacturer of character generators, “keys” graphics over a specified source the TD chooses, but is generally used for images, and lower third messages, as well as occasionally smaller videos.
The Bug Box character generator works the same way but is only for sporting events - the operator is in charge of ensuring that the time, score, and statistics are displayed on the broadcast as appropriate.
They ensure that the audio is within pre-set limits, typically with the help of peak programme meters and loudness monitors.
This area is controlled by an operator called a V1 (vision supervisor in the UK) and depending on the size of the show may have multiple V2s.
Crew Equipment Some production trucks contain an integrated transmission area, where the outgoing feeds are monitored by the vehicle's engineers to ensure the audience have a good picture and a high-quality signal output.
Production trucks can broadcast from most remote locations and are available in platforms ranging from Ford Transit and Sprinter Vans, self-propelled units up to 45', and trailers up to 53'.
The transmission of the raw video feed from the remote location to the studio or master control is called backhaul.
[24] Microwave transmission requires an unobstructed line-of-sight path from the transmitting to the receiving antenna, which can be difficult to achieve in urban locations.
Some production trucks have a small microwave dish mounted on a telescoping mast, that can be raised 30 to 40 feet to "see" over buildings and other obstructions.
were authorized, which required only small dishes less than a meter in diameter, but these are not usable in rainy weather because of rain fade.
Where available, production trucks can use existing high capacity fiber optic cable to send video directly via the Internet to broadcasting companies for distribution.
This is a very high quality, low loss way of sending video quickly and securely around the world.
