Brazil's EPTV Outfits OB Van with Grass Valley Solutions for Coverage of the 2014 FIFA World Cup

Brazil's Empresa Paulista de Televisão (EPTV), part of the commercial network TV Globo, replaced its SD OB van with a brand-new HD OB van equipped with a scalable Grass Valley live production solution for HD coverage of major sporting events, including the upcoming 2014 FIFA World Cup in Brazil. The purchase includes 12 LDX WorldCam advanced imaging cameras, 12 XCU WorldCam eXchangeable Control Units, which support fiber as well as triax, and a Karrera Video Production Center switcher with K-Frame.

"We were looking for a complete camera solution that fulfilled several requirements, with superior image quality and versatility at the top of our list," comments Jose Francisco Valencia, technical director of EPTV. "The XCU base stations are true workhorses. We can slide them in and out whenever we need to, and we can transfer them between our OB van, our studio, or any other location, and they fully support the LDX WorldCam camera. All around, this is an extremely flexible solution, and we're very pleased with our purchase."

For optimized control, the LDX Series works in tandem with XCU base stations, providing full 3G transmission connectivity for both triax and fiber. The unique cradle of the XCU can be pre-mounted and pre-wired in the rack, forming a secure mechanical and electrical connection, so the XCU base stations can easily slide in and out as needed, with XCU base station settings stored in the XCU cradle's EEPROM.

The LDX WorldCam is a high-performance HD camera optimized for all broadcast applications, offering an unrivalled performance both in cost and imagery. Its core technology is based on the Grass Valley Xensium-FT CMOS imager, which enables the camera to deliver superb picture quality even in low light conditions. The lightweight Karrera switcher is ideal for OB vans with its familiar controls, intuitive interface, and minimal training time, which translates into faster setups. It provides full 3G 1080p50/60 HD support, while K-Frame adds a software-based modular approach with upgradability.

"Our goal is to provide broadcasters around the globe -- whether mobile or fixed -- with the easiest way to increase production and enhance their programming without having to increase their budget," says Felipe Andrade, regional sales director, Brazil, Grass Valley. "With its new Grass Valley live production solution in place, EPTV can maximize the use of its truck without compromising on any operational aspects, image quality, or performance."