Lawo modernises KBS’s HDTV-4 OB van with IP audio
The Korean Broadcasting System (KBS), South Korea’s leading public broadcaster, has upgraded its HDTV-4 Outside Broadcast (OB) van with Lawo’s IP-based audio solutions, boosting flexibility, performance and efficiency for live productions.
The HDTV-4, KBS’s largest OB van with a 16-camera setup for high-end productions, underwent a major refurbishment with the help of Dongyang Digital (DYD). This overhaul involved replacing legacy equipment with a Lawo mc²56 Audio Production Console, A__UHD Core, Power Core Gateway and A__stage64 stagebox to guarantee long-term reliability and adaptability.
KBS chose Lawo for its reliable signal processing, seamless integration with the Virtual Studio Manager (VSM) control system and compact design. As KBS transitioned to an IP-based infrastructure, Lawo’s stability and sound quality also made it an ideal choice for the broadcasting company.
Built for live productions
To meet the growing demands of live broadcasting, KBS decided to modernise its van with adaptable setups in mind. Choelho Park, responsible for management and sound mixing, explained, “The OB van can become a production stage anywhere outdoors, so every event requires a complete reconfiguration from scratch.”
Lawo’s mc²56 console is engineered to address these industry needs by offering Digital Signal Processing (DSP) power, a user-friendly interface and customisable workflows. With support for SMPTE ST 2110, AES67 and Ravenna Network, the console also integrates simply into KBS’s IP-based infrastructure for easy audio management.
Optimised audio management
Lawo’s equipment is designed to facilitate the wide range of productions that KBS covers by managing numerous audio signals from multiple sources.
“During sports broadcasts, the OB van system receives individual microphone and commentary signals to create immersive sound,” said Park. “For music programs, we collaborate with external sound production companies, managing various signals for program production.”
Complementing the mc²56 console, Lawo’s Power Core Gateway and A__stage64 stagebox enhance connectivity and signal transport, providing scalable audio networking.
Jung-Yeoul Lee, from the technical sales division at DYD, highlighted the broader impact of the installation, “KBS now has a cutting-edge, future-proof audio setup that allows them to produce top-tier content with complete creative freedom. Seeing this system come to life is truly rewarding.”
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