Swedish public broadcaster Sveriges Radio has developed a touchscreen-based production platform in collaboration with Lawo.
Part of the Next Generation Radio Production (NXG) project, the technology allows journalists to manage a complete broadcast with music, recorded segments and phone calls from anywhere a sufficient mobile network is available via a single touchscreen interface.
SR says its reporters like the fact they can now do without an OB vehicle — everything is contained in a backpack, and the system is designed so they can go live at the touch of a button. In addition, the user interface has a minimalistic design, which allows reporters to focus on their core activities.
When SR began NXG project development in 2013, the broadcaster invited several manufacturers to present their technical solutions for a joint development process. It selected Lawo as technical partner.
According to SR, the project is now being piloted with technical equipment at local channel P4 Väst in Uddevalla and will soon begin one at P4 Sjuhärad. The broadcaster aims to be able to implement the technology at its various facilities by the end of the year.
Last June, the European Broadcasting Union awarded the EBU Technology and Innovation award to the NXG project.