Paris, 9 September 2024: PhotoCineLive, the leading provider of live footage for concerts, theatre and fashion shows, is investing in a new top-of-the-range OB van, custom-designed by Danish integrator OBtechTV. The 12-metre-long, 4-metre-high and 2.6-metre-wide vehicle is equipped with a selection of the latest Sony technologies, including the XVS-G1 mixer, VENICE 2 cameras and PVM-X2400 and X3200 reference monitors.

The vehicle is capable of handling up to 20 cameras, is technically modular to adapt to any type of service and offers 12 work spaces dedicated to technicians and creative staff.

Top-of-the-range audiovisual production and mobile comfort

PhotoCineLive, which specialises in top-of-the-range large-sensor filming, including cameras, lenses and accessories, has always operated mobile OB units, but there is an increasing demand for specific OB vans for certain services. In order to adapt to urban constraints, a compact OB van has been designed, while maintaining a high level of comfort and quality.

"Compared with other OB vans, this one is not expandable. This was a deliberate choice, as we wanted the truck to be as compact as possible, while still being spacious inside," explains Albrecht Gerlach, founder of PhotoCineLive.

"For this OB van, we had the same requirements as for our fly control rooms. In other words, a comfortable space (where the venue allows), premium equipment and dedicated furniture to create the atmosphere of a fixed control room. As far as possible, nobody sits on a flight case," adds Lucien Peron, PhotoCineLive equipment manager. "This can mean a slightly longer set-up time than with workstations integrated into flys, but these control rooms with a premium feel are our trademark."

The Sony choice for demanding performance

"The VENICE 1 and 2 cameras are our preferred working tools. Our mobile control rooms were already equipped with RCP-3500s and PVM-X1800, X2400 and X3200 monitors. So it was natural for us to choose the same equipment for our new OB van," explains Lucien Peron, PhotoCineLive equipment manager. "We added an XVS-G1 switcher, which perfectly met our requirements in terms of technical specifications and space requirements. It is accompanied by two ICP-X1116 and 1224 panels so that we can have two production workstations." ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​ ​

Compact and powerful, the XVS-G1 is ideal for mobile productions, including OB vans. Highly reliable, it offers production comfort without any technical compromises, with a wide range of creative functions capable of responding quickly and easily to the very specific needs set out by PhotoCineLive (such as, for example, the transition to a 9/16th image format).

The Sony VENICE cameras offer very high image quality, while adapting to the high light levels inherent in the locations where PhotoCineLive shoots. This 'cinematic' image quality, rarely seen on live productions and a major asset of PhotoCineLive, is perfectly reproduced by the monitors (PVM-X and BVM-HX series), whose rendering quality is indisputable.

"We are delighted with the confidence that PhotoCineLive has shown in Sony and its products over the years. When Albrecht Gerlach spoke to us about the design of this truck, we were able to offer him products adapted to his specific technical needs and meeting the requirements of high-end and cinematographic production. We're delighted that the expertise of the local Sony teams can help us meet this type of challenge and that we've been able to support PhotoCineLive in this great adventure," says Pascal Kerloch, Sony Key Account Manager. ​

The PhotoCineLive OB Van will be on show at IBC 2024 in Amsterdam from 13 to 16 September 2024.

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About Sony

Sony Corporation is a wholly owned subsidiary of Sony Group Corporation and is responsible for the Entertainment, Technology & Services (ET&S) business. With a mission to "create the future of entertainment through the power of technology in collaboration with creators", we aim to continue bringing Kando* to people around the world.

For more information: http://www.sony.net/

*Kando is a Japanese word that roughly translates as the sense of wonder and emotion you feel when you discover something beautiful and amazing for the first time.

About PhotoCineLive

PhotoCineLive adds a new dimension to live filming, making it possible to film concerts, plays and fashion shows in multi-camera mode using large-sensor 4K cinema equipment. A sublime image that is winning over a growing number of producers. PhotoCineLive's technical resources deliver exceptional image quality.
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​PhotoCineLive is a new branch of Alta Media Group, which also includes PhotoCineRent and PhotoCineShop. The former specialises in rental, the latter in the sale of filming equipment. PhotoCineRent was one of the first companies to democratise the use of digital cameras.