Production services company Sobatech is responding to the growing demand for 4K and HDR productions by upgrading one of its OB vans to UHD technology. The Crosspoint team (ES Media Group) led the project, with key contributions from Grass Valley and Canon.
Founded in 2013, Sobatech Group is based in Banyoles (Girona) and provides end-to-end services for all types of audiovisual productions. The company’s main strengths include its experienced team, who have worked for top-tier companies, and its client-focused philosophy.
In the company’s own words: “We aim to reduce costs whenever possible, eliminate misunderstandings, and optimize resources to execute projects efficiently — even complex ones that require partnerships with additional stakeholders.”
Through ongoing dialogue with the industry, Sobatech has learned that adapting to new client needs is essential. One requirement stands above the rest, as CEO Xavier Soler Urra acknowledges, and is part of every conversation: Ultra High Definition.
UHD and HDR at the heart of the conversation
When planning new productions, Sobatech’s clients started to request UHD and HDR as standard rather than as an exception. Although the company already had compatible equipment in its portfolio, none of its OB units were designed to natively operate in these formats.
“This started to limit our ability to respond quickly and competitively,” admits Soler. The time for delay was over: a production vehicle was needed that could meet new market demands.
Crosspoint: a strategic partner in Sobatech’s transition
Instead of building a new vehicle from scratch, Sobatech made the key decision to transform one of its OB units into a solution capable of handling UHD, HDR and simultaneous broadcast workflows. For the camera systems, Sobatech chose to rely on Crosspoint’s expertise.
The integrator, which is part of the ES Media Group, proposed eight Grass Valley LDX 110 camera systems — a platform that is compatible with UHD environments at a cost similar to HD. It also has a flexible licensing model that allows Sobatech to activate these formats only when needed.
These camera systems were complemented by a selection of Canon lenses, including four CJ24ex7.5 IASE+SS4 units — a compact, lightweight 2/3″ 4K lens — and two CJ14ex4.3 IASE 14x wide-angle zoom lenses offering a focal length range of 4.3–60 mm. Two SS41 IASD servo kits were also included to create a versatile setup for different production scenarios.
In addition to supplying the systems, Crosspoint provided consultancy, implementation, training and support throughout the entire process. “Their solution has fully met our needs and challenges,” Soler explains, highlighting the system’s versatility and its renewed ability to deliver high-quality productions within tighter budgets.
A proven workflow for major events: Unics, Zénit, and La Velada del Año
Since introducing its new UHD production unit, Sobatech has enhanced its capacity to handle all types of projects. A notable example is the Unics format on 3Cat, where major local events such as La Patum de Berga, the Vilanova Carnival, and Las Santas de Mataró were captured using a compact UHD unit. This created content that helps to preserve the history and traditions of these locations.
The same camera chains have also been used for other projects, including the 3Cat music programme Zénit — one of the broadcaster’s most ambitious productions — and large-scale live events with millions of viewers, such as La Velada del Año hosted by Ibai Llanos. “In these environments, image quality is crucial, but so is operational consistency. We’ve seen a clear improvement in sensitivity and dynamic range, which has a direct impact on the final result, especially under complex lighting conditions,” says Soler.
The new Grass Valley and Canon camera system from Crosspoint has also proven effective in Sobatech’s remote productions. The OB unit has been used at events such as the FIM Ice Speedway World Championship and the Spanish Formula 4 Championship: “Operating the LDX without a traditional CCU reduces setup complexity and simplifies integration with transmission systems.”
New opportunities in the Sobatech UHD ecosystem
Integrating Grass Valley LDX 110 camera systems has transformed Sobatech’s operations. It has enabled faster and more flexible responses to client requirements and allowed the company to rethink its productions by leveraging the unique features of this ecosystem.
Tools such as Grass Valley Creative Grading (CCS1) have streamlined workflows, providing engineers and shader operators with intuitive control. Other features, such as intercom over SDI, return video directly in the camera and remote parameter control, have contributed to a more efficient setup.
Throughout the entire process, the Crosspoint team supported Sobatech, helping to define the final details of productions that have marked a turning point for the company. “It has changed the way we look at our camera fleet. The same platform can be used for different types of production, improving utilisation and profitability,” concludes Soler.