Broadcasting live events used to mean bringing out an Outside Broadcast (OB) van, a dedicated technical crew, and hours of setup time. But as modern broadcast technology has evolved, many organizations are opting for LiveU-based solutions as a more flexible and cost-effective alternative.

In this comparison, we’ll break down how LiveU solutions stack up against traditional OB vans across key factors: cost, flexibility, and reliability — so you can decide what works best for your broadcast needs in Kenya.

What Are OB Vans and LiveU Systems?

OB Vans
OB vans are mobile broadcast vehicles that contain cameras, switchers, audio mixers, transmission equipment, and crew stations. They are purpose-built for live production and have been a broadcasting standard for decades.

LiveU Systems
LiveU solutions use portable hardware that bonds multiple network connections (cellular, Wi-Fi, Ethernet) to transmit live video feeds to a central production environment. They are smaller, quicker to deploy, and designed for field use.

Sourcenet supplies and integrates both LiveU solutions and broadcast workflows that can replace or complement OB van operations depending on your needs.

Cost Comparison

OB Vans — Higher Upfront and Operational Costs

Using an OB van typically involves:

• Rental or ownership cost of the van and equipment

• Crew and technical staff deployment

• Fuel and transport for large vehicles

• On-site setup and teardown costs

• Facility charges if stationed for long durations

These costs add up quickly, especially for events that run over multiple days or require travel outside major cities.

LiveU — Lower Logistics and Deployment Costs

LiveU solutions require:

• Purchase or rental of portable LiveU units

• Minimal on-site crew

• Standard mobile data/network charges

There are significantly fewer logistics costs because:

• No large vehicles to mobilize

• No specialized drivers needed

• Setup is faster and requires fewer personnel

Overall, LiveU solutions typically offer lower total cost of ownership for frequent field broadcasts and recurring events — especially when compared to full OB van deployments.

Flexibility Comparison

OB Vans — Strong but Constrained by Size

OB vans are robust, but their size and infrastructure requirements limit flexibility:

• Require road access and parking space

• Longer setup times

• Large crew and equipment footprint

• Heavy gear movement

In constrained environments (small venues, remote locations, outdoor events), this can be impractical.

LiveU — Lightweight, Fast, and Mobile

LiveU excels in scenarios where flexibility matters:

• Compact, portable units can go anywhere

• Quick setup and teardown

• Easily integrated with remote production workflows

• Ideal for multi-location broadcasts

LiveU’s flexibility makes it suitable for:

• Outdoor events with limited space

• Rapid deployment situations

• Events in rural or difficult-to-access areas

This makes LiveU an attractive choice where mobility and speed are priorities.

Reliability Comparison

OB Vans — Built-In Reliability

OB vans come with integrated infrastructure designed for live production:

• Dedicated hardware for switching, audio, and video

• On-board engineers for real-time troubleshooting

• Powerful transmission systems

For high-profile events where broadcast quality cannot be compromised, OB vans are still seen as a very reliable standard.

LiveU — Modern Reliability With Bonded Networks

LiveU reliability is rooted in network bonding:

• Multiple cellular/Wi-Fi/Ethernet connections combined

• Redundant transmission paths

• Intelligent data handling to avoid frame loss

When network coverage is good, LiveU can match or come close to the reliability of traditional OB links — and often at a lower cost.

However, in extremely remote areas with poor network coverage, dedicated OB technical links may still perform better.

Pro tip: LiveU reliability improves significantly when paired with planned network support and contingency options — something experienced integrators like Sourcenet can design into your workflow.

When to Choose LiveU Over OB Vans

LiveU solutions are particularly well-suited for:

• News and current affairs coverage

• Sports and outdoor events

• Corporate events and conferences

• Faith-based and community programs

• Multi-location production environments

• Events with tight budgets or short lead times

These scenarios benefit from lower cost, faster deployment, and flexible setups that LiveU enables.

When OB Vans Make Sense

OB vans remain a strong choice when:

• Full broadcast infrastructure is required on site

• There are multiple cameras with complex switching

• Long events with heavy audio/visual needs

• High-reliability transmission is critical (e.g., major national broadcasts)

In these cases, the dedicated infrastructure and on-site crew provided by OB vans still offer advantages.

Hybrid Approaches

Many modern productions combine both:

• LiveU units for remote cameras or field shots

• OB van or central production hub for switching and control

• Remote production workflows to centralize technical teams

This hybrid model blends mobility with broadcast depth, giving the best of both worlds.

Sourcenet can design hybrid workflows that use LiveU and studio resources in a coordinated production setup.

Conclusion

Both OB vans and LiveU systems have a place in modern broadcasting. OB vans offer depth and traditional reliability for large, complex productions, while LiveU provides cost-efficient, flexible, and scalable live contribution that suits many modern broadcast workflows.

Ultimately, the right choice depends on your production needs, budget, and environment.

If you want to explore how to implement LiveU or integrate it with your existing broadcast workflows, Sourcenet can help you design the right solution tailored to your event or broadcast goals.

Contact us to discuss your broadcasting needs, or get a quote for LiveU solutions and professional deployment support.
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