Production truck
Encyclopedia
Television Production trucks were developed to take television studio
s on the road so video production
s could be made at distant locations for a remote broadcast
, outside broadcasting
(OB), electronic field production
(EFP) with multiple-camera setup
and a support of a number of different technologies to bring everything together. Each production varies, some require a crew of about 12-16 to make sure the production goes smoothly. There are usually one or two other trucks following the main production truck with some of the equipment not able to fit in the main truck, as well as an uplink truck required to transmit the video across the world. There are companies that contain both the functions of a satellite truck
and production truck in a single truck body to save space, time and are considerably low cost. (See Also SDTV)
Other television production trucks are smaller in size and generally require two or three people in the field to manage. For instance broadcast journalism
news reporters providing live television
, local news
in the field electronic news gathering
(ENG) outside a formal television studio
.
can include: Technical Director
, Camera operator
, Video Tape Operator, Video Technician, Audio Mix Engineer
, Audio Assistant, Graphic Operator, Production Assistant
and Broadcast Engineer.
s in orbit that satellite communication start a consumer market for satellite use in television.[1] This open market for satellite space spawned a flurry in mobile satellite uplink truck's for hire in the United States. Using these trucks in accordance with a television production truck allowed for live viewing of television all across the world. (See also Satellite television
). There are trucks being built with the capability for both television production and satellite uplink they are frequently called hybrids. (See also SDTV)
. The video is then distributed to the broadcast companies for distribution. The production truck will use these with an Asynchronous serial interface
(ASI) digital stream from the video encoder. This is a very high quality, low loss way of sending video quickly and securely around the world.
Television studio
A television studio is an installation in which a video productions take place, either for the recording of live television to video tape, or for the acquisition of raw footage for post-production. The design of a studio is similar to, and derived from, movie studios, with a few amendments for the...
s on the road so video production
Video production
Video production is videography, the process of capturing moving images on electronic media even streaming media. The term includes methods of production and post-production...
s could be made at distant locations for a remote broadcast
Remote broadcast
In broadcast engineering, a remote broadcast is broadcasting done from a location away from a formal television studio and is considered an electronic field production . A remote pickup unit is usually used to transmit the audio and/or video back to the television station, where it joins the...
, outside broadcasting
Outside broadcasting
Outside broadcasting is the electronic field production of television or radio programmes from a mobile remote broadcast television studio. Professional video camera and microphone signals come into the production truck for processing, recording and possibly transmission...
(OB), electronic field production
Electronic field production
Electronic field production is a television industry term referring to a video production which takes place in the field, outside of a formal television studio, in a practical location or special venue...
(EFP) with multiple-camera setup
Multiple-camera setup
The multiple-camera setup, multiple-camera mode of production, or multicam is a method of filmmaking and video production. Several cameras—either film or professional video cameras—are employed on the set and simultaneously record or broadcast a scene...
and a support of a number of different technologies to bring everything together. Each production varies, some require a crew of about 12-16 to make sure the production goes smoothly. There are usually one or two other trucks following the main production truck with some of the equipment not able to fit in the main truck, as well as an uplink truck required to transmit the video across the world. There are companies that contain both the functions of a satellite truck
Satellite truck
A satellite truck is a mobile communications satellite Earth station, typically mounted on a truck chassis on a platform allowing satellite transmission from any location that the production truck can reach, provided a line of sight to the desired satellite is available.-Equipment:Typically a...
and production truck in a single truck body to save space, time and are considerably low cost. (See Also SDTV)
Other television production trucks are smaller in size and generally require two or three people in the field to manage. For instance broadcast journalism
Broadcast journalism
Broadcast journalism is the field of news and journals which are "broadcast", that is, published by electrical methods, instead of the older methods, such as printed newspapers and posters. Broadcast methods include radio , television , and, especially recently, the Internet generally...
news reporters providing live television
Live television
Live television refers to a television production broadcast in real-time, as events happen, in the present. From the early days of television until about 1958, live television was used heavily, except for filmed shows such as I Love Lucy and Gunsmoke. Video tape did not exist until 1957...
, local news
Local news
In journalism, local news refers to news coverage of events in a local context which would not normally be of interest to those of other localities, or otherwise be of national or international scope.-Television:...
in the field electronic news gathering
Electronic news gathering
ENG is a broadcasting industry acronym which stands for electronic news gathering. It can mean anything from a lone broadcast journalist reporter taking a single professional video camera out to shoot a story, to an entire television crew taking a production truck or satellite truck on location...
(ENG) outside a formal television studio
Television studio
A television studio is an installation in which a video productions take place, either for the recording of live television to video tape, or for the acquisition of raw footage for post-production. The design of a studio is similar to, and derived from, movie studios, with a few amendments for the...
.
Equipment
- Vision mixerVision mixerA vision mixer is a device used to select between several different video sources and in some cases Compositing video sources together to create special effects...
– switch between multiple video feeds to produce an easy to watch television experience. - Video monitorVideo monitorA video monitor also called a broadcast monitor, broadcast reference monitor or just reference monitor, is a display device similar to a television set, used to monitor the output of a video-generating device, such as playout from a video server, IRD, video camera, VCR, or DVD player. It may or...
– monitor different routable sources on multiple monitors to help select which feed is the best at any given time. - Frame synchronizer – puts Asynchronous or “wild” video sources into SynchronizationSynchronizationSynchronization is timekeeping which requires the coordination of events to operate a system in unison. The familiar conductor of an orchestra serves to keep the orchestra in time....
with other video signals. - Video routerVideo routerA Video router or Matrix are used for transporting video signals from sources or inputs to output destinations.- Inputs and outputs :...
– send video and audio to any destination from any source. - Audio Mixing consoleMixing consoleIn professional audio, a mixing console, or audio mixer, also called a sound board, mixing desk, or mixer is an electronic device for combining , routing, and changing the level, timbre and/or dynamics of audio signals. A mixer can mix analog or digital signals, depending on the type of mixer...
– combine any source of audio and change the level and dynamics of the audio, digital or analog audio sources. - IntercomIntercomAn intercom , talkback or doorphone is a stand-alone voice communications system for use within a building or small collection of buildings, functioning independently of the public telephone network. Intercoms are generally mounted permanently in buildings and vehicles...
– Two wire or Four wire intercom allows everyone on the production able to communicate quickly and effectively. - Video tape recorderVideo tape recorderA video tape recorder is a tape recorder that can record video material, usually on a magnetic tape. VTRs originated as individual tape reels, serving as a replacement for motion picture film stock and making recording for television applications cheaper and quicker. An improved form included the...
– VTR’s record a high quality of video and make it easy to store and share video. - Video serverVideo serverA video server is a computer based device dedicated to delivering video.Unlike personal computers, being multi-application devices, a video server is designed for one purpose; provisioning video, often for broadcasters. A professional grade video server records, stores, and playout of multiple...
- - Professional video cameraProfessional video cameraA professional video camera is a high-end device for creating electronic moving images...
s – source of the video feeds sent back to the truck. - MicrophoneMicrophoneA microphone is an acoustic-to-electric transducer or sensor that converts sound into an electrical signal. In 1877, Emile Berliner invented the first microphone used as a telephone voice transmitter...
s – the many different style adapt to the different applications for these in television and filming. - CableCableA cable is two or more wires running side by side and bonded, twisted or braided together to form a single assembly. In mechanics cables, otherwise known as wire ropes, are used for lifting, hauling and towing or conveying force through tension. In electrical engineering cables are used to carry...
s – Triaxial cableTriaxial cableTriaxial Cable, often referred to as triax for short, is a type of electrical cable similar to coaxial cable, but with the addition of an extra layer of insulation and a second conducting sheath. It provides greater bandwidth and rejection of interference than coax, but is more expensive...
, Coaxial cableCoaxial cableCoaxial cable, or coax, has an inner conductor surrounded by a flexible, tubular insulating layer, surrounded by a tubular conducting shield. The term coaxial comes from the inner conductor and the outer shield sharing the same geometric axis...
, Audio multicore cable, XLR connectorXLR connectorThe XLR connector is a style of electrical connector, primarily found on professional audio, video, and stage lighting equipment. The connectors are circular in design and have between 3 and 7 pins...
, and Power cablePower cableA power cable is an assembly of two or more electrical conductors, usually held together with an overall sheath. The assembly is used for transmission of electrical power...
s (Edison)
Crew
A television crewTelevision crew
Television crew positions are derived from those of film crew, but with several differences.-Pre-production:-Casting Director:-Costume designer:-Director:* Associate Director -Location Manager:-Make-up artist:...
can include: Technical Director
Technical director
The Technical Director or Technical Manager is usually a senior technical person within a software company, film studio, theatrical company or television studio...
, Camera operator
Camera operator
A camera operator or cameraman is a professional operator of a film or video camera. In filmmaking, the leading cameraman is usually called a cinematographer, while a cameraman in a video production may be known as a television camera operator, video camera operator, or videographer, depending on...
, Video Tape Operator, Video Technician, Audio Mix Engineer
Mix engineer
A mix engineer, also referred to as "mixing engineer", is a person who, once all instruments, voices, and sounds, etc., have been recorded, creates what is called the final version of a song, hence the term "mix engineer"...
, Audio Assistant, Graphic Operator, Production Assistant
Production assistant
A production assistant, also known as a PA, is a job title used in filmmaking and television for a person responsible for various aspects of a production...
and Broadcast Engineer.
- Technical DirectorTechnical directorThe Technical Director or Technical Manager is usually a senior technical person within a software company, film studio, theatrical company or television studio...
(TD) – The TD operates the video switcher during a telecast. The TD translates the cues from the Director to take a specific source and route that to “the air” or line cut. The TD is also in charge of setting up the production room with the correct sources on the monitor wall in front of the Director and TD. The TD sets up the video switchers “cuts” and graphics overlays before the telecast, and when necessary will “key” them over the video.
- Camera operatorCamera operatorA camera operator or cameraman is a professional operator of a film or video camera. In filmmaking, the leading cameraman is usually called a cinematographer, while a cameraman in a video production may be known as a television camera operator, video camera operator, or videographer, depending on...
opr Camera Op – The Camera Op set up the cameras at various locations around the venue before the telecast. The Camera Ops focus on subjects and zoom for different kinds of framing of the subjects. Camera Ops also listen to the director for targets of new shots and for the focus of the production. Some productions require the Camera Op to be very quick and responsive to any and all action. A sample of some shots called from the Director include: wide, tight, over the shoulder, extreme close up, 2 shot, 3 shot, etc. In the end of each production, they are also in charge of striking their equipment back to the production truck for safe keeping.
- Video Tape Operator and Digital Disc Operator (EVS) Operators – The Tape Operators control the recording equipment that receives the video from the various cameras. They coordinate with the Director on playing back pre-recorded video, and other replays of action they recorded. The EVS Operator records and plays back instant replays and small wrap-ups of the action that is accessed from a Video serverVideo serverA video server is a computer based device dedicated to delivering video.Unlike personal computers, being multi-application devices, a video server is designed for one purpose; provisioning video, often for broadcasters. A professional grade video server records, stores, and playout of multiple...
.
- Video Technician or Camera Shader – The Video Technician is in charge of all the cameras iris and overall look of the cameras video. They can “shade” the cameras for optimizing the color and unifying all the cameras’ colors and shade. The Video Technician also troubleshoots the issues that may arise with the cameras, cable length and intercom.
- Audio Mix Engineer or Audio Mixer A1 – The A1 controls the sounds that the audience will listen to. They will mix the assorted sounds such as crowd noise, effect sounds, announcers, etc. They route the different sources of sounds from microphones, cameras, discs, video tapes, telephones, EVS, or outside audio sources, into the audio mixing board for control. They are also in charge of insuring the audio is successfully being transmitted. They also insure the intercom is working for every station in the production, as well as dial up coordination with a network director.
- Audio Assistant A2 (remote television production)A2 (remote television production)In outside broadcasting using a remote television crew, an A2 is a person responsible for placement and interconnection of audio devices, such as microphones and intercom, from the Television Production truck to the venue...
– The A2 works under the direction of the A1 as they set up all the audio equipment around the venue for various sounds. They also set up the intercom system between the production truck and stage or announcer booths. They are also in charge of “mic-ing” the talent as they enter and exit.
- Graphics Operator and Graphics CoordinatorGraphics coordinatorA graphics coordinator, GC, or font assist is an individual who works, usually on a television show, as a producer of on-air still and motion graphics. The graphics coordinator decides what content should be displayed on-air - such as on a fullpage or a lower third...
– There are a wide range of Digital on-screen graphicDigital on-screen graphicA digital on-screen graphic is a watermark-like station logo that many television broadcasters overlay over a portion of the screen-area of their programs to identify the channel...
elements used in television production, but the main devices are manufactured by Chyron CorporationChyron CorporationThe Chyron Corporation is a Melville, N.Y.-based company that develops products and services for digital broadcast graphics creation. The company’s solutions, which include the AXIS Graphics online content creation software and order management system and a range of on-air graphics systems, clip...
and Bug Box (Fox Box). The Chryon Character generatorCharacter generatorA character generator, often abbreviated as CG, is a device or software that produces static or animated text for keying into a video stream. Modern character generators are computer-based, and can generate graphics as well as text...
“keys” graphics over a specified video the TD chooses, but is generally used for Images, and lower third Messages, as well as occasionally smaller videos. The Bug Box Character generator OperatorOperator (profession)An operator is a professional designation used in various industries, including broadcasting , computing, customer service, physics, and construction. Operators are day-to-day end users of systems, that may or may not be mission-critical, but are typically managed and maintained by technicians or...
works the same way but is only for sporting events as it is the Operator that keeps time, score, and statistics on the telecast but shouldn’t be used to show images or messages.
- Stage Manager – The Stage Manager is involved in coordinating talent and the direction of the producer and production crew in a booth, stage or area the telecast will be produced. They are in charge of building the stages props and cues, as well as the banners and scenery, but usually outsource to Production assistantProduction assistantA production assistant, also known as a PA, is a job title used in filmmaking and television for a person responsible for various aspects of a production...
s.
- Utilities or Cable Pullers – These are the people who pull the equipment and cable in and out of the venue. They also are skilled in routing the cables so that they are not seen or in people’s ways. Usually these are people a little less experienced or looking to gain experience in the television industry.
- Engineer In Charge (EIC) – The EIC is the Broadcast engineer who knows more about production of the truck than anyone else on the production. They are involved in installing all required equipment, having the correct skills needed to fix and maintain the equipment. EIC’s usually stay on one truck for years learning all the intricacies about each machine and how to fix them in difficult situations. All crew persons
Transmission of Video
There are many ways of transmitting the video to different places in the world.Satellites Used for transmission of Television
After the 1970s there were enough satelliteSatellite
In the context of spaceflight, a satellite is an object which has been placed into orbit by human endeavour. Such objects are sometimes called artificial satellites to distinguish them from natural satellites such as the Moon....
s in orbit that satellite communication start a consumer market for satellite use in television.[1] This open market for satellite space spawned a flurry in mobile satellite uplink truck's for hire in the United States. Using these trucks in accordance with a television production truck allowed for live viewing of television all across the world. (See also Satellite television
Satellite television
Satellite television is television programming delivered by the means of communications satellite and received by an outdoor antenna, usually a parabolic mirror generally referred to as a satellite dish, and as far as household usage is concerned, a satellite receiver either in the form of an...
). There are trucks being built with the capability for both television production and satellite uplink they are frequently called hybrids. (See also SDTV)
Fiber Optic Lines
Vyvx fiberlines are very long fiber optic lines that are installed all around the world. These lines transmit video at the speed of light to managing companies like Level 3 CommunicationsLevel 3 Communications
Level 3 Communications is a telecommunications and Internet service provider headquartered in Broomfield, Colorado.It operates a Tier 1 network. The company provides core transport, IP, voice, video and content delivery for most of the medium to large Internet carriers in North America and Europe...
. The video is then distributed to the broadcast companies for distribution. The production truck will use these with an Asynchronous serial interface
Asynchronous serial interface
Asynchronous Serial Interface, or ASI, is a streaming data format which often carries an MPEG Transport Stream .An ASI signal can carry one or multiple SD, HD or audio programs that are already compressed, not like an uncompressed SD-SDI or HD-SDI . An ASI signal can be at varying transmission...
(ASI) digital stream from the video encoder. This is a very high quality, low loss way of sending video quickly and securely around the world.