In an exciting development for the broadcast industry, Studio Berlin has officially retired its long-serving Ü6 HDTV outside broadcast truck, a vital asset since 2006, and replaced it with a state-of-the-art permanent control room at its Hamburg facility. This significant upgrade is part of the ambitious "Ü6 Renewal" project, which aims to bolster production capabilities and workflows through the integration of advanced Lawo AoIP technology and a Ravenna network.

The Ü6 OB truck was a staple of Studio Berlin's fleet, known for its role in broadcasting high-profile sports and entertainment events. However, as technology evolved, the capabilities of the OB truck fell short of contemporary standards. Recognizing the need for an upgrade, Studio Berlin phased out the aging vehicle to facilitate the establishment of a modern control room designed to meet the demanding needs of today’s media landscape.

Revolutionary Signal Distribution

At the core of the revamped control room are two Lawo mc²36 all-in-one audio mixing consoles, which come packed with integrated Lawo A__UHD Core technology. Each console offers a staggering 256 processing channels alongside 864 I/O channels, delivering exceptional performance in a compact configuration. Lawo’s pledge to native IP connectivity, combined with their IP Easy technology, allows the consoles to provide a seamless plug-and-play experience.

Additionally, the system incorporates three Lawo A__mic8 stageboxes linked through a robust Ravenna IP network. This setup guarantees flexible and lossless signal distribution, empowering technicians to access or route signals with unprecedented agility.

Transforming Production Dynamics

The upgrade brings a new spectrum of operational flexibility to Studio Berlin. "Hamburg now has two identical control rooms that can operate simultaneously, something that was previously impossible,” emphasized Matthias Hitz, technical director at Studio Berlin’s Hamburg site. He elaborated that, “Both control rooms can independently manage any production, and the Ravenna network enhances our signal routing capabilities, enabling us to swiftly adapt to varying audio requirements.”

Looking to the future, Hitz expressed excitement about the evolutionary potential of the upgraded technology. "Lawo's solutions equip us with the necessary flexibility and IP-based resources to keep pace with the ever-changing demands of media production. We are thrilled to deepen our partnership with Lawo and remain dedicated to leveraging their advanced technologies going forward."

What This Means for the Broadcast Industry

This major upgrade at Studio Berlin not only marks a significant milestone for the company but also sets a precedent in the broadcast industry, as more networks transition towards IP-based solutions for increased efficiency and adaptability. With the emergence of remote production capabilities and the push for higher-quality broadcasts, the implementation of Lawo’s innovative technology positions Studio Berlin as a leader in the evolving media landscape.

As the demand for high-quality content and flexible production solutions continues to rise, industry experts will be watching closely to see how Studio Berlin utilizes its new capabilities to take broadcasting to new heights.