NEP Commits to Grass Valley K-Frame

NEP will upgrade more than 30 of its remote-production trucks during the next three years with the help of 26 Grass Valley K-Frame modular video-processing engines that the company purchased and the upgrade of four additional units. The new processors will be coupled with Kayenne and Karrera video-production switchers.

As part of the upgrades, NEP will also allocate five Kayenne Classic frames to its fleet in the United Kingdom, adding Karrera panels for use on locations, including Wimbledon in June 2014.

“Our clients look to us to provide premiere facilities in both the fixed and mobile arenas so they can deliver the most sophisticated, high-end broadcasts possible,” says George Hoover, chief technology officer at NEP. “To make this possible, it’s imperative that we have the requisite architecture in place, especially in our OB trucks.”

Based on a modular approach, K-Frame is suited for mobile-production environments. It measures only 7RU high with up to 5M/E (the optional 9M/E frame is only 14RU high), making it the perfect choice where space is of paramount concern. With easy configuration and setup, K-Frame drives a more unified workflow inside NEP’s OB trucks so operators can focus on creativity and more-compelling shots. K-Frame is compatible with both SD and HD formats, with full 3G 1080p50/60 HD support, to help NEP broaden its customer base.

Andy Jackson, SVP, North America Region, Grass Valley, adds that Grass Valley is looking to make sure the K-Frame and other Grass Valley products are ready for future industry needs.

“We’re making enormous investments to accommodate today’s production needs and some of the anticipated needs,” he says.

Hoover says NEP has continually relied on Grass Valley’s deep knowledge of mobile broadcast and live sports production.

“This purchase was the most logical decision based on their expertise in these areas and the strength, proven performance, and stability of the K-Frame,” he says.

At IBC2013, Grass Valley demonstrated the latest version of K-Frame, which includes internal video-clip storage and playback, greater macro flexibility, and an M/E multi-previewer function. Since its release in June, K-Frame has been installed in more than 75 production facilities worldwide.

“With an upgraded feature set and full 3G 1080p50/60 HD support,” says Jackson, “K-Frame truly sets a new benchmark in live production, whether in a fixed or mobile environment.”