News

Ely, UK (March 24, 2008)--UK systems integrator Megahertz is used to building newsgathering vehicles suitable for use in arid or semi-tropical climes, but a recent order from Sweden's largest commercial broadcaster, TV4, will be operating at the opposite end of the temperature scale.

TV4 finalized an order at IBC 2007 for two fast-response DSNG (digital satellite newsgathering) vehicles, which, in addition to being suitable for use in urban and lowland areas, could deal with operation in the harsh extremes in northern Sweden, within the Arctic Circle. Both vans are equipped with 1.5-metre Advent NewSwift satellite dishes and Advent encoders, and are to be fitted with Link Research wireless camera systems, with parallel Sennheiser wireless in-ear audio monitoring systems for use by presenters in the vicinity of the truck.

The twin vehicles, in their TV4 corporate red livery, are based around long-wheelbase VW 2.5 TDI Transporters and feature extra driving lights and heating (including engine heating), plus four-wheel drive and studded winter tires for use on the unsealed roads and rough terrain found in northern Sweden.
The vehicles were completed at Megahertz's Cambridgeshire workshops and inspected by TV4's engineers in late February, ready to be taken into service in Sweden in the spring.

"It's the first time we've used Megahertz for a project like this," comments Pontus Wahlstedt, system engineer at TV4. "Their quote at the tender wasn't the very lowest of those we received, but they gave us the best value for money overall. The four-wheel drive, for example, is essential, as our crews often have to drive up snowy hillsides in the north of Sweden when covering the ski competitions there. And now the vans are complete, I can say it's all gone very well. There are always small changes to make at the commissioning stage, but Megahertz have been responsive and everything is working as it should."

Megahertz Broadcast Systems
www.megahertz.co.uk