- OSA International's new video system set forth on its maiden voyage in January at the Palazzo grand opening concert in Las Vegas. With less than ten days' notice, OSA became the technical producer for the event, converting a concrete convention hall into a proscenium theatre by coordinating audio, lighting, video, staging, scenic and drape elements, and audience risers. The video fly pack made its debut mission, and the production was a smash hit. With multiple acts, the new video system provided both record and IMAG functions on four screens, two 15 x 20 foot at the stage and two 7.5 x 10 foot mid-way back, providing a clear viewing experience for an audience of 3500. The star studded acts looked and sounded amazing.
OSA International's new video system set forth on its maiden voyage in January at the Palazzo grand opening concert in Las Vegas.Mike Patton of OSA explains, "The greatest test of a system's capabilities is its ability to deal with onsite changes un-noticed." The system's support gear gives it personality and sets it apart, providing ease of set-up and the flexibility to adapt to the needs of these acts. The main component of the system is a Ross Synergy 2 multi-definition SDI switcher with 16 inputs and two mixer effects. "This [switcher] gives us the capability of mixing two separate destinations simultaneously, such as in this multi-screen event where we may need to mix each screen independently," says Patton. Another key piece of the fly pack is the Evertz Xenon 64x64 MD router. The router allows signal to flow internally through and externally from the system. OSA used this piece to externally route the inputs, which included three Sony DXC-D55 cameras, for record and to internally route them to the multi-viewer.
The amount of entertainment and time allotted for changing out the acts was challenging, OSA ended up ordering rolling risers to pre-set the acts. For audio, the equipment list included two Yamaha PM5D digital consoles, a PM1D digital console, and a Midas Heritage console. The primary consideration was to provide concert level performance without being intrusive.
For lighting, two Martin Maxxyz consoles were used. OSA chose to utilize their new video system for the first time. The system was built to deal with on-site changes, it's components allowed the video system flexibility. The switcher needed to mix two separate destinations simultaneously.
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With multiple acts, the new video system provided both record and IMAG functions on four screens, two 15 x 20 foot at the stage and two 7.5 x 10 foot mid-way back, providing a clear viewing experience for an audience of 3500.
With a quick first success, the fly pack made its second appearance in New Orleans this February at two events associated with the National Basketball Association's All-Star 2008. The 2008 NBA All-Star Technology Summit, a forum about the impact sports, media and technology has on today's society. OSA's three Sony DXC-D55 camera packages brought the image magnification of the event through the system. Each camera had an ISO record along with a program overlap on five Sony MSW-M2000 record decks. During a jam-packed week of All-Star events, the system's ease of set-up and pre-wiring contributed to a quick and smooth load-in.
The system reappeared at the Legends Brunch at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, an event honoring basketball legends of the past and present. Technical director, Ken O'Connell of OSA shares, "For the first time in the history of the Legends Brunch, the NBA did not have to bring a broadcast production truck. We [OSA] were able to fulfill their video needs with our new fly pack." With the three Sony DXC D55 cameras shooting the event, the system provided a direct broadcast feed to NBATV. OSA utilized the Sony MSW-2000s for recording the camera ISOs and program overlaps. A clip was prepared for each Legend honored at the brunch to highlight their time with the National Basketball Association. These clips were loaded on Grass Valley Turbo iDDRs from Digital Betacam and DVDs. Using the Turbo's allowed OSA to generate one play list from several media sources. OSA's new video system allowed the client to remain in the room as the event was rehearsed, saving valuable production time.
OSA has plans to continue building new systems to keep up with a heavy spring and summer calendar. For more information visit www.osacorp.com.
