4K Upgrade and Audio Expansion for TNDV's 40-foot Semi-trailer
The TNDV Aspiration truck, first introduced in 2011, has undergone a significant refresh of its video, audio, and IT infrastructure, making it a competitive choice for clients seeking high-quality 1080p and 4K productions.
The updated Aspiration truck is now capable of 4K production, thanks to the integration of Sony HDC-4300L 4K cameras. This upgrade allows the truck to accommodate eight or more cameras, meeting the growing demand for multi-camera shoots.
The video infrastructure of the Aspiration truck includes high-performance video switchers, such as the Grass Valley Karrera or the Sony XVS-9000, and advanced video routers with IP capabilities, like those from Evertz or Grass Valley. These components ensure efficient management and distribution of signals.
In the audio department, the truck is equipped with a high-end audio console, the Studer Vista 5, which doubles the previous audio input capacity. The Studer console in the Aspiration truck connects to ProTools and Sound Devices Pix multitracking systems, providing support for more discrete audio feeds to the truck than the original Aspiration supported.
Clear-Com or Riedel intercom systems ensure reliable communication among crew members, while the integration of IP-based systems for video and audio transport, such as those using the SMPTE ST 2110 standard, further enhances the truck's capabilities.
The Aspiration truck's refresh also includes a streamlined IT infrastructure, featuring high-speed Ethernet networks with advanced switches and routers (e.g., Cisco or Juniper) to support data transfer and remote connectivity. High-capacity storage solutions with redundant backup systems ensure data integrity and availability.
The Aspiration truck's ecosystem includes HDR processing capabilities and modern systems from Evertz, Studer, and Sony, among other vendors. Notably, TNDV has added DirectOut's Prodigy units across its fleet, including the Aspiration truck, to support varied audio workflow needs.
The first post-refresh event for the Aspiration truck was the March Madness Music Fest in April, followed by the main production truck for a 12-camera Tennis Championship match broadcast on the SEC Network. TNDV founder Nic Dugger served as the director for the Aspiration's first event after its refresh.
Despite the upgrades, the Aspiration truck remains affordable, balancing the costs of premium core systems with a streamlined infrastructure that can be operated by a small crew. This affordability, combined with its ability to navigate tight streets and fit into small spaces, keeps the Aspiration truck relevant in the industry even after more than a decade in service.
For the most accurate and up-to-date information, it would be best to consult directly with TNDV or review their official announcements regarding the Aspiration truck's upgrades.
- The upgraded Aspiration truck's data-and-cloud-computing infrastructure, featuring high-speed Ethernet networks and advanced storage solutions, empowers it to handle large amounts of data necessary for high-quality events like basketball games or sports tournaments.
- The integration of features such as HDR processing capabilities, IP-based systems for video and audio transport, and advanced intercom systems like Clear-Com or Riedel, have significantly improved the technology of the Aspiration truck, making it well-suited for various events, including sports events like NCAA basketball.
- Following its refresh, the Aspiration truck was equipped to handle multiple-camera shoots, offering features such as 4K production capabilities with Sony HDC-4300L cameras, making it a competitive choice for sports events like NCAA basketball.
