Dome Productions, a North American leader in mobile production and transmission services, is celebrating its 20th anniversary in 2009. Marking that occasion is the launch this month of its sixth High Definition mobile, the aptly-named Thunder.

Consisting of a 53-foot trailer with 41-foot expando, Thunder is a powerful truck that can handle big shows without the need for a B unit. It carries 10 Sony HDC-1500 cameras and is wired for 16; it rolls with two six-channel EVS machines, one four-channel EVS and one four-channel Spot Box, and is wired for 7 EVS machines and 10 VTRs.

The most significant difference between Thunder and the rest of the Dome fleet was the decision to go with Evertz, a Canadian company, to supply a router solution that supports video/audio routing and integrated multiviewer. The Evertz EQX/VIPX means that information on the router is instantly available on the monitors at all stations. Combining MADI and embedded audio within the router is a big plus in Thunder’s design and represents an advance in router technology.

The audio console is the same as Spirit’s, a Calrec Sigma with Bluefin, but the audio room contains new high-density jack fields from ADC that increase the audio capabilities while at the same time using less space. Thunder’s MADI interface allows for 64 channels of audio over a single cable and allows the mobile to connect to other mobiles’ audio with one fibre connection.

User-friendliness was the operative phrase in designing Thunder. Dome’s Engineering department consulted with industry operators to create improvements in their work stations, and designed the interior to give back as much space to production as possible.

Thunder’s inaugural event was a Yankees at Jays home stand for Rogers Sportsnet. Later this month it will travel with the Jays to Atlanta and Baltimore; future planned events include NHL playoff games and CFL games in Montreal and Hamilton.

As one of North America’s leading production facilities providers, Dome Productions offers mobile production trucks and fly packs (high definition and digital), telecommunications services (transmission via fibre and satellite, satellite media tours and playouts), and full turnkey host broadcast services (complete management of design, production, engineering, and operations). For 20 years, Dome’s team of experienced, highly skilled and professional staff has earned an international reputation for dedication and excellence in client service. Dome Productions is owned by CTV Specialty Television Inc. and Rogers Broadcasting Ltd.