NEP The Netherlands Expands OB Fleet: The UHD 2
NEP The Netherlands, a division of NEP Group, has added a new flagship Outside Broadcast (OB) truck to its extensive OB fleet. The UHD 2 is equipped with the latest broadcast capture technology and completes the broadcast and media technology company’s ‘multi-cam à la carte’ offerings. “With this we can now offer a suitable solution for every type of production and budget,” said Theo Stam, Lead Solutions Consultant at NEP The Netherlands.
The UHD 2 is the largest OB truck in NEP’s European fleet, and allows for production to be controlled with more than 24 cameras. The truck can handle many types of cameras, including large sensor cameras, and it features a state-of-the-art audio desk that is ideal for sports and entertainment programs, which are productions where UHD HDR images and audio are crucial for the home experience.
Stam says: “We had the choice to upgrade our existing NL 2 OB truck, which would have been financially attractive, or to have a new one built. Since the demand for UHD registration is increasing and we prefer for our people to work with the latest technology, we decided on the latter. We used the blueprint of one of NEP’s Swedish trucks, which we have used for a number of productions in the Netherlands. Then, together with our Swedish colleagues, we looked at where there is room for improvement. The UHD 2 is the result of this collaboration and work.”
NEP’s OB fleet is no longer only meant for the Dutch market, but for the entire European market. Foreign divisions use the same technology, which means that not only resources, but also people can be easily exchanged. The baptism of fire for the UHD 2 took place Wednesday 3 April in the Ziggo Dome (Amsterdam) with a concert production of Eros Ramazzotti in UHD with 21 cameras. Production of the World Ice Hockey Championship will take place in Slovakia from 10 May. Stam: “We innovate with our Centralized Production Platform, but we consider our OB trucks to be at least of equal importance. We are the largest in the world and we take that role seriously. Recently, we also added the OB trucks of the former Facility House to our fleet, which makes us even more flexible.”
