For AzTV, the outside broadcast (OB) truck is the main production hub on the road — used for concerts, sports, live shows and special event coverage. Over the years, the Kahuna switcher installed in the OB unit no longer fully matched the channel’s requirements in terms of M/E capacity, graphics flexibility, support for modern formats, and overall operator comfort. The goal was not just to swap one piece of hardware for another, but to modernise the production core of the OB truck while keeping the workflow familiar for the team.
As the new platform, AzTV chose the Sony XVS‑G1 live production switcher together with the Sony ICP‑X1224 control panel. The XVS‑G1 is a compact yet powerful multi‑format switcher designed for live production in studios and OB environments, offering multiple M/E configurations, an extended number of full‑function keyers, HD and 4K capability, and flexible routing of video signals. This immediately gives the OB truck more headroom for complex multi‑camera shows, rich graphics and multiple programme outputs.
The ICP‑X1224 panel is the operator’s main interface to this power. It is a 2 M/E, 24‑button compact panel built for the XVS series, but it inherits the familiar look and feel of Sony’s high‑end studio panels. Clear backlit buttons, precise on‑air indication and fast access to sources and transitions help directors adapt quickly, without having to relearn their craft — they simply gain more tools within a familiar Sony control philosophy.
During the upgrade, the legacy Kahuna system was completely removed, and the OB truck’s video bay was rebuilt around the Sony XVS‑G1 system. The configuration was tailored to AzTV’s real‑world production needs: additional M/E banks and more keyer capacity were configured, along with auxiliary outputs, so that the truck is now ready not only for current broadcast formats but also for more demanding projects in the future. In practice, the OB unit has gained extra headroom in terms of graphics, layered compositions and signal management within a single production environment.
A key aspect of the project was how the system was introduced.
Installation, configuration and commissioning were carried out under the supervision of a Sony engineer, who oversaw all critical stages: from initial frame setup and signal checks to test runs under realistic operating conditions. Once the system was accepted into service, the same Sony engineer delivered hands‑on training for AzTV’s team — directors, engineers and OB operators — working through real live production scenarios and day‑to‑day tasks.
As a result of the modernisation, AzTV gained:
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a new OB production core based on the Sony XVS‑G1, ready for modern HD/4K workflows;
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an ergonomic ICP‑X1224 control panel with 2 M/E and 24 buttons on the main row, following Sony’s familiar control logic;
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additional M/E and keyer resources, enabling more ambitious and creative live productions;
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a rebuilt video bay with carefully planned signal routing and room for future growth;
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installation and training carried out with direct involvement from a Sony engineer, ensuring a smooth and confident transition for the team.
In short, AzTV’s OB truck now runs on a Sony Professional platform that feels natural to the operators, but offers a significantly higher level of flexibility and reliability — a solid foundation for the channel’s future live productions.
