Modernisation and digitalisation of ZDF production vehicles

Future-proof technology for mobile TV production

MARKETS & INDUSTRIES

Outside Broadcasting

CUSTOMER

Zweites Deutsches Fernsehen

CITY

Mainz, Germany

ZDF relies on state-of-the-art technologies to ensure flexible and high-quality reporting. In order to meet the increasing demands of 4K/UHD productions and real-time editing, the digital production mobiles DPM1 and DPM2 were specifically modernised.

The focus here was on expanding the production infrastructure to enable parallel processing of programme content during recording. By integrating a high-performance network infrastructure, optimised signal processing and innovative storage solutions, the production mobiles are now ideally equipped for future requirements.

The challenges

The requirements for a modern mobile production solution are high:

Technological advancement: optimisation of production processes for maximum future-proofing
Flexibility in production: possibility of parallel editing, dubbing and playout during ongoing recording
UHD production quality: integration of a continuous 12Gb/s SDI infrastructure in accordance with SMPTE ST 2082-10
Scalability & expandability: Additional editing suites can be easily integrated to respond flexibly to growing production requirements
Optimised signal processing: Embedded audio technology for maximum compatibility and efficiency

Our solution

BFE has comprehensively modernised the DPM1 and DPM2 production mobiles and equipped them with powerful broadcast technology.

Highlights of the solution:

UHD productions in real time - Continuous 12Gb/s SDI infrastructure in accordance with SMPTE ST 2082-10
Efficient post-production - Integrated 3 editing suites, 1 admin suite and 2 voiceover suites
Flexible signal routing - ROSS Ultrix video router for optimum signal distribution
Professional audio editing - High-quality DHD audio system for precise sound mixing
Powerful video server - EVS video server for fast storage and processing
Optimised editing workflow - Avid Media Composer for seamless post-production
Network-based control - Centralised storage solution with expandable capacity
KVM system IHSE - High-performance KVM system for efficient workstation control
Realisation of the highest acoustic requirements

Technology used:

HP
ROSS Ultrix
DHD audio system
EVS video server
Avid Media Composer
IHSE KVM system

Technical details

Product specifications: HP Workstations
Signal transmission: UHD via 12Gb/s SDI according to SMPTE ST 2082-10
Signal management: End-to-end signal processing with embedded audio
Storage solutions: High-performance centralised network infrastructure for seamless editing
Video router: ROSS Ultrix for high-performance signal routing
Audio system: DHD for professional audio processing and mixing
Video server: EVS video server for efficient storage and fast processing
Post-production: Avid Media Composer for professional editing and production workflows
KVM system: IHSE KVM solution for flexible and secure control of workstations

Customer benefits

By modernising the DPM1 and DPM2 production mobiles, ZDF benefits from a highly flexible, powerful and future-proof production environment. The real-time processing of programme content significantly increases efficiency and enables dynamic reporting at the highest technical level.

Thanks to the new network infrastructure, UHD signal processing and optimised storage solutions, ZDF is now ideally prepared for future broadcast challenges.