Remote production package from Calrec succeeds in achieving NEP UK's objectives for English Football League broadcasts
The Calrec NEO hybrid remote unit, a lightweight mobile audio production system, is revolutionising the broadcasting landscape. Designed in collaboration with NEP UK, this innovative system is at the heart of Sky Sports' English Football League (EFL) coverage.
The NEO unit is a hybrid trailer that delivers reliable remote IP connectivity and routing for up to three EFL matches every week. It is built around two headless Calrec ImPulse1 cores, an RP1 mixing panel, and a compact Type R mixing panel dedicated for disaster recovery.
In the EFL coverage, the NEO unit processes and routes incoming field audio, gain-matches it for distribution, manages outputs locally, and interconnects with Sky’s Production Hub in Osterley. The hybrid design reduces the number of vehicles needed on-site, lowers power draw via POE-powered Type R surface, and ensures continuous production through an embedded disaster recovery mix in case of circuit issues or problems at Sky.
The Type R panel, being POE-powered, consumes much less power than a conventional console, making it an efficient choice for remote production. A lightweight Type R panel allows for the creation of a disaster recovery mix in the event of circuit problems or issues at Sky.
Calrec's NEO installation is an example of the company's hybrid workflow delivering huge processing power in a compact footprint. It is a testament to Calrec's commitment to adapting to different scenarios, as stated by Anthony Harrison, the company's regional sales manager.
NEP UK's choice of the NEO unit was influenced by familiarity with the Calrec solution, strong support, known integration with NEP's proprietary TFC Broadcast Control System, and competitive pricing. The NEO installation has enabled NEP UK to reduce the cost, weight, and power consumption of its traditional remote unit builds.
As broadcast workflows continue to adapt to more versatile production requirements, it's important for companies like Calrec to continue working closely with partners to achieve new goals. Neville Hooper, deputy head of sound/technology at NEP UK, states that the NEO unit is a hybrid trailer designed to reduce the number of vehicles sent to a site, making it a significant step towards more sustainable production methods.
Calrec has worked closely with NEP UK for many years to engineer more sustainable production methods. The partnership has resulted in a streamlined, scalable, and robust remote production solution that enhances operational reliability for multiple weekly EFL matches while minimising logistical burdens.
References: 1. Calrec Press Release 2. NEP UK Press Release 3. Sky Sports Press Release 4. Impulse1 Product Page 5. NEO Product Page
- The Calrec NEO hybrid remote unit, a compact yet powerful audio production system, is revolutionizing the broadcasting landscape, particularly in Sky Sports' English Football League (EFL) coverage.
- Designed in collaboration with NEP UK, the NEO unit processes and routes incoming field audio, reduces the number of vehicles on-site, lowers power draw, and ensures continuous production with an embedded disaster recovery mix.
- Calrec's NEO installation, a testament to the company's adaptability, is a result of their partnership with NEP UK, which has led to a streamlined, scalable, and robust remote production solution.
- NEP UK's choice of the NEO unit was driven by factors such as familiarity with the Calrec solution, strong support, integration with NEP's proprietary TFC Broadcast Control System, and competitive pricing.
- As broadcast workflows evolve to meet more versatile production requirements, companies like Calrec need to continue collaborating with partners to achieve new goals in sustainability and technological innovation, such as the European Premier League.
