Whether you are broadcasting from your backyard or halfway around the world, an outdoor broadcast unit empowers you to seamlessly connect your viewers with uninterrupted content in real time. With so many companies to choose from, it can be challenging to know which company will provide you with the highest quality outdoor broadcast unit for your next event.
Today we are going to look at everything you need to consider when renting an outside broadcast unit.
What is an outdoor broadcast unit?
Outdoor broadcast (OB) refers to any television or radio program which is broadcast from a location away from the normal studio setting. The location doesn’t have to be “outdoors.” The “outside” simply refers to outside the studio. Outside broadcasts can range in size, requiring one to dozens or more cameras. An outdoor broadcast (OB) unit is a mobile production unit designed to travel to any location to provide broadcast coverage.
What equipment do OB units include?
While every unit differs, there are some basic aspects to OB units. Typically, an OB unit will include the following equipment:
- Broadcast cameras (ranging from one camera to fourty or more cameras per OB unit, depending on your needs)
- A mobile control room, which can be staffed by a director, vision controller, sound operator and VT (videotape) operator
- Equipment and housing for a presentation area
- Transmission equipment
- And more
Quality matters
Regardless of the size of your production, one of the most essential considerations for every live event is equipment. Not all OB units are created the same. When it comes to equipment, quality matters. Not only does your equipment need to perform with reliability but it also must be portable enough to accommodate your needs with ease. From cameras to support equipment and accessories, an outdoor broadcast OB unit must be built to withstand the demands placed upon it in the field. When researching OB units, be sure to select a company with the highest quality recording and transmission equipment to ensure the most optimal broadcast experiences.
What size unit do you need?
When selecting an OB unit, it’s important to choose a unit that meets the specific needs of your event. For example, if you are broadcasting a live sports event, you will require multiple cameras to cover multiple vantage points to ensure your viewers don’t miss any of the action. However, if you are broadcasting a live speech or conference, you might require less cameras. While you never want to pay for equipment you won’t need, when it comes to capturing the shots, it’s better to err on the side of caution and make sure you have more than enough cameras to cover your live action.
Work with a reputable company
As you research OB rental units, be sure to start with companies who have a solid reputation for providing quality units to meet the needs of your event. For example, if you are broadcasting a sports event, you want to make sure the unit you rent is designed to broadcast live sports coverage. Check the company’s online portfolio, online reviews, and ask for examples of their work. The best companies will be more than happy to share proof of their capabilities with you.
As the first to introduce 4K to the region, the experts at Seven Productions currently house the largest independent fleet of outside broadcast trucks and innovative streaming equipment within the MENA Region. With a reputation for providing the most dependable units for uninterrupted live broadcast streaming, our OB units are equipped with SNG capability for real-time live transmission and specialist ENG, 4G, remote cameras, and can be tailored to your specific needs. Leveraging the latest satellite capabilities, these combined technologies ensure viewers at home experience the game in real-time without any interruptions.
Contact a member of our team to learn more about our outdoor broadcast units for your next live event.
