What Is an OB Van? Outside Broadcast Truck Components & Workflow

OB Van (Outside Broadcast Van / Truck) = mobile television production control room. Enables live multi-camera broadcasts from any location—stadiums, parades, breaking news, concerts, elections.

Core Systems Inside

1. Production Control Room (PCR): Director, TD, PA, graphics op, EVS/slow-mo ops. Multi-viewer wall, intercom, tally.
2. Audio Control: Calrec/Lawo/DiGiCo desk; 64–256+ channels; comms (IFB, PL, party lines).
3. Video Engineering (Rack Room): CCU/RCU for cameras, frame syncs, legalizers, router (Grass Valley, Imagine), multiviewers, recorders (EVS, HyperDeck), streaming encoders.
4. Cameras: 6–20+ (box, handheld, robotic, wireless, RF, crane, drone). UHD/HDR/HFR capable.
5. Transmission: Satellite uplink (C/Ku/Ka), bonded cellular (LiveU, TVU, Dejero), fiber (SMPTE ST 2110/2022-6), microwave (COFDM). Redundant paths mandatory.
6. Power: 3-phase generator (100–300 kVA) + UPS + shore power inlet. Silent exhaust.
7. HVAC: Redundant A/C (10–15 ton) for rack heat load.
8. Expandable Sides/Roof: Hydraulic slide-outs double floor space when parked.

Workflow

Arrive → Level & stabilize → Connect power/fiber/sat → Deploy cameras/cables → Line up signals → Comms check → Rehearsal → On air → Record/stream → De-rig.

Sizes

• Large (40–53 ft): 12–20 cams, full PCR, audio, EVS, sat, fiber (sports finals, Olympics).
• Mid (26–35 ft): 6–10 cams, compact PCR (news, regional sports).
• Fly-pack / Sprinter: Portable racks in cases/van (fast deploy, lower capacity).

OB vans are the backbone of live remote production—turning any venue into a broadcast studio.