Ross Production Services (RPS) Unveils OB Truck for Larger-Scale Sports Productions

RPS9 is the eighth and largest in the company’s fleet

In an effort to meet the ever-increasing demand for more-extensive and -sophisticated production capabilities, Ross Production Services (RPS) has spent two years designing and building its largest, most powerful outside-broadcast (OB) truck, fully equipped with the latest Ross Video technology. CLICK HERE for a full video walkthrough of the new mobile unit.

The new truck, the eighth and largest in the RPS fleet, is a 40-ft. box truck with dual expanding sides. Designed and integrated in partnership with BeckTV, it rolled out for its first event at Baylor University to broadcast men’s basketball on ESPN+ on Jan. 2.

A full-service production company delivering video and audio content of sports and other events for the likes of ESPN, CBS, and NBC, RPS needed to expand its capacity as its event coverage and client demands grew in scale and complexity. Its previous production Sprinter vans were practical but had reached their limits as RPS tackled bigger events requiring more cameras, routing needs, additional feeds, sources, and distribution requirements.

“Our commitment at RPS is to showcase what can be done with the very best of what Ross has to offer,” says Stephen Repass, VP, Ross Production Services. “As the Ross Video unit ‘in the field,’ we experience firsthand how Ross solutions facilitate high-impact, efficient productions. This new truck is a testament to our team’s capability and Ross’s commitment to enhancing live sports broadcasting.”

With the new truck, formally named RPS9, Ross Production Services can leverage the full range of Ross Video’s latest video-production equipment.

The dual expanding side panels triple the truck’s internal size. Inside is the first-ever installation of an Ultrix FR12 router in an OB truck, alongside two of the latest TouchDrive 4 control panels.

The truck showcases the newest and best Ross Video gear, including Ultrix Acuity, a single solution that pairs the flagship Acuity production switcher with Ultrix flexible hybrid routing platform. Major systems are three Mira+ replay systems; two Piero sports graphics and analysis tool; Voyager Unreal Engine–based render platform for broadcast and live events; Xpression motion-graphics engine; and the 288×288 Ultrix FR12, Ross’s largest router.

The truck has been built to be 4K-capable, with more camera-control units than any other RPS truck — enough to cover the largest sports, esports, and entertainment events.

Other key Ross Video gear includes Gator UHD converters, TSI tally-control systems, 12G fiber, and Streaming Gateways.

The introduction of RPS9 significantly enhances the company’s production capabilities, allowing it to cover larger-scale events with the same level of technical sophistication and reliability that Ross Video has provided on smaller shows.

“This truck will represent Ross Video’s best, especially Ross’s innovative Hyperconverged platform,” says Repass. “It will give us flexibility to deliver more and better productions for our clients. In the past, we’ve built every truck in our fleet from top to bottom. This is the first time that we are outsourcing any of our builds, so we need somebody we can trust.”

According to Repass, the truck is testament to Ross Video’s commitment to providing state-of-the-art technology for live- production needs and a milestone for Ross Production Services, reflecting a years-long innovation journey.