News

In 2007, Mariinsky Theater, in conjunction with SONY and I.S.P.A. Engineering, launched an HD OB Van development project – an unprecedented solution in terms of scope and technical characteristics.

With OB Van of this class, video and sound production can be carried out using not only custom-built stills but also live decorations, with a quality required for live broadcasts and subsequent creation of end product in compliance with world standards.

Selecting a contractor, Valery Gergiev, the famous Russian conductor and both Art Producer and Director of world-known Mariinsky Theater, estimated professional skills and project portfolio of potential contractors. Based on such criteria, SONY, the world leading high-tech professional video manufacturer and I.S.P.A. Engineering, system integrator of TV broadcast and IPTV systems, were finally chosen.

Considering Gergiev’s extensive plans for Mariinsky’s three stages and his own numerous open-air performances, as well as broad public interest in his work in Russia and abroad, I.S.P.A. Engineering and SONY offered the optimal solution – an HD OB Van with unprecedented technical characteristics including 16 to 18 HD video cameras (extendable to 22-26 cameras), plus an auxiliary vehicle.

I.S.P.A. Engineering, in cooperation with with Mariinsky experts, has done all pre-project work and developed the technical requirements to OB Van, sound path structure, and co-ordinated the body design and interior of the main HD OB Van and the auxiliary vehicle with SONY. SONY’s part was detailed design and body manufacturing. The OB Van and the auxiliary vehicle are being assembled under I.S.P.A. Engineering supervision. The system is to be handed over to Mariinsky in late November 2007.