Volvo Ocean Race 2011-2012
On Board Media Equipment - HD Media Desk

The Media Desk integrates a range of hardware (cameras, microphones, satellite terminals, microwave) and combines them with a set of software applications that the Media Crew Member uses to deliver media to Race Office, their sponsor and the general public.

The design of the 2011-2012 Media Desk draws on the notion of having an ‘App’ for the specific job, mirroring the latest smartphone and tablet approach. The 2011-2012 designs also see a move from the traditional concept of a hardware console with dedicated switches and buttons towards the concept of the ‘soft console’ that can be used on both a Mac and an iPad.

With so many possible inputs and outputs the management of a complex A/V system like the Media Desk requires some high level structure to be employed. By selecting a ‘workflow’ the Media Crew Member effectively configures a collection of underlying equipment and A/V routing allowing MCMs to focus on the media objective and not the underlying technology.