An OB van is also known as a broadcast van, or OB van for short. The OB van is a specialized vehicle used in television and radio productions. This special vehicle is fitted with equipment designed for the wireless transmission of live image and sound signals as a mobile broadcasting station from various locations. How should a modern broadcast van be equipped?
- Cameras and audio equipment: The OB van is equipped with TV-compatible cameras, microphones and recording equipment to capture live images and original sound from events or happenings.
- Broadcasting equipment: Technology must be available that can transmit the recorded material to studios or receivers in real time via satellite, wireless networks or cable transmissions.
- Editing and production equipment: Some OB vans have video and sound editing equipment to edit and produce live content on location.
- Power supply: These vehicles are often equipped with powerful generators so that they can operate independently of external power sources.
OB vans are used to cover live events such as sporting events, political rallies, concerts and news coverage. They enable media companies to broadcast high-quality live content directly from different locations, which plays an important role in the television and radio industry. Broadcast vans are typically built in the form of a truck, but the box body can be extended or folded out at various points. On the one hand, this exposes the sometimes very tightly packed technology and, on the other, provides the team working on location with sufficient space.
