Independent Television News (ITN) in the UK has tapped systems integrator Megahertz to build a new ENG van to provide additional resources to its existing fleet.
The new vehicle, which will replace an aging newsgathering unit, is expected to be delivered to ITN in November, the company said.
While it is designed with a fully integrated, HD-compliant infrastructure, the new vehicle initially will be used for SD newsgathering. It is based on a 10,000lb Mercedes Sprinter van and includes an onboard 8kVA Fischer Panda diesel generator as well as batteries and inverter for emergency power.
The new vehicle will be equipped with two pneumatic masts. One will support a terrestrial microwave link, and the other will be mounted with a panoramic camera. Feeds into the truck will originate from radio link cameras and fiber cameras. Other inputs can be directed via onboard VTRs routed through a FOR-A video switcher and an Allen & Heath audio mixer.
The core mission of the vehicle its to deliver live news content from story locations via microwave link, and the vehicle also will provide the additional facilities needed to allow ITN to anchor news bulletins from major story locations around the UK.
