Versus builds a unique HD studio
Apr 1, 2008 12:00 PM, BY MICHAEL GROTTICELLI
Embedded audio
All audio for the Versus live NHL production passes through a new Solid State Logic C100 HD console, which is easy to operate and versatile. The studio is currently mixing and distributing stereo audio, but will convert to full surround sound later this year. The broadcast console is capable of delivering 5.1 with a few keystrokes.
Audio signals remain as embedded HD-SDI throughout most of the production workflow, and are only demuxed via Evertz 7721AD4-HD modules before entering the console. To keep a handle on potential lip-sync issues, program audio from the console is then remuxed using Evertz 7721AE4-HD modules.
While in live production mode, the audio console and switcher act as transmission routers in tandem passing the inbound feed through the facility and directly back out to air. This allows the production crew to continue cutting highlights without interfering with the live games.
The audio suite also features a 360 Systems Instant Replay for push-button audio cues. The system is tied into a large audio library server located on the fourth floor, via GigE network connectivity, with clips and sound effects recalled at will.
Wider signal traffic
Bringing the bandwidth-intensive HD signals into and out of the building was also a challenge, as the town of Stamford is not equipped to handle wideband transmission. New trenches were dug from the building at Harbor Plaza to the local fiber-optics transmission provider, Level 3 Communications, which is about a half mile away, to accommodate multiple dedicated OC-3 and OC-48 lines for unlimited HD capacity. There's also a 48-jack fiber panel installed outside the building on a telephone pole to allow Versus to bring in a satellite uplink truck if necessary. This provides bandwidth to capture live or prescheduled feeds from around the world. Signals also come in on fiber via Level 3's VenuNet service and Intelsat circuits.
To this day, Koopmann said he's still awed by what the engineering team has accomplished. It completed a project of major proportions, within an almost impossible timeframe, overcoming obstacles of every nature along the way. The network now has an HD production infrastructure to rival any in the industry — where edited video pieces, created within seconds of air, are shuffled between the four floors during the live shows with ease. The tapeless environment it designed and built gives the “Hockey Central” team more flexibility and better production values than it ever had before.
Michael Grotticelli regularly reports on professional video and broadcast technology industries.
Design team
A&D Associates
Axay Patel
Camsan Electric
Joe Hurlock
HB Communications
Jim Burke, director, new media and broadcast
Tim Visgilio, senior sales representative
Gary Peck, broadcast engineer
Tim O'Rouke, broadcast video technician
Greg Kashuba, broadcast video technician
Teresa Aresco, video technician
Jansen Design
Joe Montalbano, partner, director of architecture
Loft Development
Beau Keen, president
Charlie Pavarini, vice president
Bob Marrone, GC
Versus
Paul Koopmann, director, engineering
David Coulombe, broadcast engineer
Jasper Veldhuis, broadcast technician
Bill Kunz Director, information technologies
Steve Nikiforow, IT analyst
Technology at work
360 Systems DR-554-E Instant Replay
Avid
AirSpeed server
Interplay storage
Media Composer Adrenaline editing
Symphony Nitris editing
Unity ISIS storage
AVP AV-DZ3ZEI-AMN75 HD patchbays
Belden 1505, 1802B, 9451 and 1514C cabling
BOXX Technologies 8400 graphics workstation
Canon
XJ22 x 7.3B IE-D HD studio lenses
HJ11e × 4.7BENG lenses
Christie Digital 120in HD projection system
Evertz
7700 series multiframe
500 series high-density modules
MVP multi-image display processor
EVS
XT[2] HD server
XFile
Harris Leitch
FR-3901 1RU frame for Neo
DVR-3901 digital video recorder
X75HD-AV-2PS multiple path converter and sync
NUCLEUS-PROC network control panel
JVC DT-V20L HD LCD panels
MGE UPS Systems Comet 48 UPS
Panasonic TH-42PWD8UK LCD HD monitors
Riedel
Artist digital maxtrix
Performer digital partyline
SANKEN COS-11S lavalier
Sharp
PN-465U 46in 1080p HD LCD
LC-32GP1U 32in 16:9 HDTV LCD
SGL archive robot
Solid State Logic C100 HD audio console
Sony
HDC-1500L HD cameras
MVS-8000A HD switcher
BVMA14F5U 14in HD CRT monitor
HDW1800 HDCAM VTR
Spectra Logic T950 archive robot
TBC Consoles
Custom consoles
TRAC series consoles
Thomson Grass Valley
Encore control system
Concerto routing matrix
Vinten Osprey Elite pedestals
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