OWL SYSTEMS GO: TCP’S BOLT 32 EARNS EMMY NOMINATION AT FLORIDA ATLANTIC UNIVERSITY
When Florida Atlantic University needed a cutting-edge mobile production unit to elevate both its live sports coverage and production education programs, they called in the pros. In partnership with Digital Wave, Thunder City Pro delivered a top-of-the-line 32-foot BOLT Series production trailer—custom-built from the chassis up and engineered to meet the highest standards of collegiate broadcast.
Designed for versatility, performance, and elegance, FAU’s BOLT 32 is as clean as it is capable. From the moment you step inside, it's clear: this isn’t your average broadcast trailer. The interior features precision-crafted carpentry, custom-engraved switches, and programmable RGB pixel lighting trim. Every connection is meticulously labeled, routed, and terminated, creating a visually pristine system that’s easy to manage and troubleshoot. Beneath each rack, raised computer floors keep the space clear, safe, and streamlined—eliminating clutter and allowing efficient access for maintenance.
Purpose-built workstations and a thoughtfully optimized layout make the most of the compact 32-foot footprint. Each operator has ample space to work efficiently, with clear sightlines and intuitive positioning for fast-paced productions. Engineering is positioned in the rear to minimize noise, while audio is housed in its own enclosed booth for quiet, focused mixing. With a redundant HVAC system and battery backups for critical gear, the trailer stays cool under pressure—keeping both crew and equipment steady, sharp, and ready to perform when the heat is on. The result is a clean, collaborative environment built for both comfort and high performance. Whether you're a seasoned engineer or a student intern learning the ropes, this level of thoughtful integration makes every operation smooth and intuitive.
TCP consistently chooses the most effective gear for the job and brings the engineering expertise to make top-tier technologies function together seamlessly. At the core of the system are (5) Sony HDC-3100 camera chains with Fuji 20x lenses and 2x extenders, delivering crisp 1080p imagery via HDCU-3100 CCUs and RCP-3500 panels. Routing is powered by an Evertz NEXX video router, expandable to 384x384, with MADI I/O and full embed/de-embed support for seamless AV integration.
The control room features a Ross Carbonite Ultra switcher with TD2S panel and four multiviewers for dynamic monitoring. Ross Xpression Studio (3 channels) handles graphics, while Evertz DC-ONE-LX with AI SuperMotion delivers high frame rate replay, backed by dual DC-RCPs.
An Evertz 5700MSC-IP Master Clock with GPS sync and TSG ensures precise signal generation. Audio runs through a Calrec Type R40 console with 40 DSP channels (scalable to 120), supported by Dante-based Studio Technologies announcer boxes and Sennheiser HMD-27 headsets for clear, comfortable commentary.
Comms are anchored by an RTS ODIN 32-port intercom, expandable to 128 ports, with analog, OMNEO (Dante), and RVON capability. RTS KP panels at every seat provide clean, reliable control.
To complete the workflow, Kiloview encoders/decoders support SRT and NDI|HX, while Sony TriMaster 4K monitors offer accurate video reference at key positions.
Articles:
https://evertz.com/solutions/dreamcatcher/case-studies/thunder-city-pro/
https://www.sportsvideo.org/2024/10/08/thunder-city-pro-chooses-evertz-technology-for-its-first-small-format-mobile-production-unit/
Tech Specs:
(5) Sony HDC-3100 Camera Chains
(5) 1080P Permanent Licenses
(5) HDCU-3100 CCUs
(5) RCP-3500s
(5) 20x Fuji Lenses w/ 2x
Evertz NEXX Video Router
Fully Embedding/De-embedding
64x64 (32x32 cards, expandable up to 384x384)
(4) Virtual Multiviews per card with 16 unique VIPs per MV. Full audio meters, tally, UMDs, etc
(2) MADI SFPs per card for Embedding/De-embedding to Calrec Audio Console
Ross Carbonite Ultra w/ TD2S Panel and 4 Multiviewers licensed
Ross Xpression Studio 3 Channel
Evertz DC-ONE-LX w/ 2 Operator License, AI SuperMotion (AI HFR), (2) DC-RCP Controllers
Evertz 5700MSC-IP Master Clock w/ 4 Test Signal Generator (TSG) License and GPS Clock Module
Calrec Type R40 Audio Console w/ 40 DSP Channels, (4) Fader Panels, (4) Large Soft Panels (LSPs)
Licensable up to R120, 120 DSP channels
(3) Studio Technologies Dante announcer boxes with Sennheiser HMD-27 headsets
(1) Full Fiber Booth Kit with PoE switching, video decoding, and 16x8 Analog Dante I/O
(1) Full Sideline Booth Kit with PoE switching, video decoding, and 16x8 Analog Dante I/O
RTS ODIN 32 port digital intercom system. Full Analog, OMNEO (Dante), RVON capabilities.
Licensable up to 128 ports, user selectable Analog, OMNEO, RVON
RTS KP-5032, KP-4016, and/or KP-3016 intercom panels for each seat.
Kiloview Cradle RU01 with (3) RE-3 Encoding Cards and (1) RD-260 Decoding Cards.
SRT and NDI|HX Capable.
Sony TriMaster 4K Professional Monitors for Video (V1) and Production
