 |
News
RTL France’s long-awaited renovation
Jan 30, 2006 11:46 PM, Audio Technology Update e-newsletter
The RTL Group is a European institution, an acronym carrying a degree of cachet comparable to that of America's NBC, ABC and CBS networks. Founded in 1924 when the Anen brothers, Francois and Marcel, installed their first transmitter in the attic of their Luxembourg house, the original Radio Luxembourg has grown into a powerhouse of 31 radio stations and 32 television channels in 11 countries across the European continent and beyond.
In France, RTL was the country’s first radio and television group, founded in September 1933. The French network produces some 30 radio and television programs. Their Paris-based headquarters is considered the heart, soul and nerve center of the French network, and its rue Bayard studios have recently undergone a massive renovation, adding artist and technical facilities and upgrading the in-house sound system.
The studios, which regularly play host to talk shows and live on-air performances, have hosted artists ranging from Lenny Kravitz and the Scorpions to Black Eyed Peas and Marcus Miller. While replacing the 17-year-old sound system was an easy decision, designing a system flexible enough to meet the station’s broad range of needs presented a challenge not easily addressed. After a lengthy series of auditions, the station selected a sound system from Berkeley, CA-based Meyer Sound.
The main studio system, installed by French providers Best Audio, comprises a main cluster of six UPM-1P wide coverage loudspeakers, two CQ-1 main speakers, and a center fill of three UPJ-1P compact variO units. A pair of 700-HP subs cover low frequency content, with eight MM-4 miniature cabinets covering the under-balcony area. Two more UPJ-1P’s are used as monitors at FOH mix position.
Several of the facility’s smaller studios were also equipped with systems based around Meyer’s ultra-compact UPM-1P speakers. In addition to sound, the Meyer’s self-powered aspect was cited as a major factor in the studio’s choice, as was the ability to plan out the installation using the MAPP Online software.
For more information www.rtl.com and www.meyersound.com.
NBC to deliver Olympics in Dolby surround
Jan 30, 2006 11:51 PM, Audio Technology Update e-newsletter
Dolby Labs has announced that the NBC network’s coverage of the upcoming winter Olympics from Torino, Italy, will be broadcast in HDTV and Dolby Digital 5.1 surround.
The Olympics’ opening and closing ceremonies will be broadcast in Dolby surround, as well as most of the major competitions including speed skating, figure skating, ice hockey, ski jumping, freestyle skiing and more.
The events’ production broadcasts will be recorded live in 5.1 surround. The signal will then be encoded using Dolby E and pro logic technology, and the Torino audio signal will be transported to the NBC network’s broadcast facilities in Los Angeles and New York. There the signal will be re-encoded and transmitted to NBC network affiliates everywhere in Dolby 5.1 surround and HDTV. Analog broadcasts of the event will also receive surround sound in Dolby’s Pro Logic II format.
For more information, visit www.dolby.com and www.nbc.com.
China’s Deng Xiaoping Museum
Jan 31, 2006 10:44 AM, Audio Technology Update e-newsletter
 The memorial museum in Guang'an features wide-screen visuals and unparalleled sound of the auditorium’s cinema presentation. |
The public has greeted the recent opening of the memorial museum in Guang'an bearing Deng's name with an enthusiasm rarely seen among China’s largely subdued culture. Hundreds of thousands of faithful followers attended the opening month’s ceremonies, with some 4 million visitors projected in its first year. The video documentary presentation of Deng’s life has been running some 20 screenings per day to accommodate the unprecedented demand.
This screening takes place in the museum’s newly built auditorium, which is in itself an attraction. The auditorium’s audio and video system, designed and implemented by the China Research and Institute of Film Science and Technology (CRIFST), employs cutting edge presentation technologies that include a networked QSC audio system with digital monitors, and the country’s first 4k digital cinema presentation system, courtesy of Singapore-based GDC Technologies.
The audio system is designed around QSC’s DCM-3 Digital Cinema Monitors, which provide integrated signal processing and monitoring functions in a single integrated system. The DCM system integrates monitor and crossover functions with digital signal processing, including speaker delay processing for acoustical time-alignment of loudspeaker drivers, load fault detection and a menu-driven software application for simplified setup and configuration. The DCM-3 units are configured for tri-amp operation and are compatible with all cinema processor formats including Dolby Surround-EX.
The DCM units connect via QSC’s proprietary DataPort digital interface to a tri-amped system driven by five of the company’s DCA2422 and seven DCA3422 Digital Cinema amplifiers. The DCA amps utilize QSC’s PowerWave switching technology to provide up to 1700W per channel. The DCM/DCA system provides advanced monitoring functions while simplifying system configuration and optimizing loudspeaker performance.
The auditorium’s video component comprises a unique synchronized multiple-server system created by GDC Technologies. The system integrates three of the company’s DLP Cinema projectors to create a combined native picture resolution of 3840 x 1024 pixels. The resulting image is projected onto a wide screen measuring 58ft x 15ft. The system, designed and built by CRIFST, synchronizes the multiple projectors with single-frame accuracy, using GDC’s proprietary edge-blending technology to create a single seamless image on screen.
CRIFST and GDC also worked directly with the Museum’s historians and directors of photography, taking their artistic direction in converting much of the original celluloid film footage of Deng’s life into 4k digital images. The 4k pictures were then encoded in native 4k resolution using GDC Technology’s EN1000 — DSR Digital Film Agile Encoders. The resulting images are projected on three synchronized projectors using GDC’s DSR Servers, which can genlock to various modes of video input. More than 10 of GDC’s SA1000 — DSR Digital Film Servers and SZ1000 — DSR Z-Servers can be configured as synchronized servers for multiple-screen cinema applications.
For followers of Deng’s life and legacy, the employment of this technology in the exhibition of his life is just and fitting, helping to confirm the assertion that his programs of reform and normalization have been a major facet of China’s evolution into a technological world power.
The museum and its auditorium have thus far broken attendance records every month since opening its doors. The wide-screen visuals and unparalleled sound of the auditorium’s cinema presentation have won as many accolades as the content and the museum itself, and the city of Guang’an has seen a notable and welcome surge in tourism as a result.
For more information, visit www.qscaudio.com and www.gdc-tech.com.
Creative Group Audio surrounds Legends of Jazz
Jan 30, 2006 11:57 PM, Audio Technology Update e-newsletter
The Creative Group’s sound design division has been selected by WTTW National Productions and LRSmedia to handle the 5.1 surround mix for the upcoming music and documentary series Legends of Jazz. The series will be hosted by Grammy-winning composer Ramsey Lewis, and will feature live performances and interviews with jazz contemporaries such as George Duke, Eddie Palmieri, David Sanborn, Phil Woods, Clark Terry, Al Jarreau, Dave Brubeck and Kurt Elling. Episodes will cover such topics as “Great Guitars,” “The Jazz Singers,” “The Piano Masters” and “Latin Jazz.”
Producer Larry Rosen, founder of the jazz label GRP records, created the series, which is being produced in multicamera HDTV. Writing and production is being handled by Steven Dupler, former senior editor of Billboard magazine. The live recording engineer/mixer is Don Murray, with the surround mix handled by David Jaunai, employing two separate ProTools HD systems dedicated to music mix and final mixdown.
For more information, visit www.creativegroup.com and www.pbs.org.
Business Announcements
Yamaha incorporates commercial audio division
Jan 31, 2006 12:02 AM, Audio Technology Update e-newsletter
Yamaha has announced the creation of a new company dedicated to supporting the company’s commercial audio and systems integration products. Based at Yamaha’s U.S. headquarters in Buena Park, CA, the new Yamaha Commercial Audio Systems (YCAS) division will be headed by Yamaha Corporation of America president Yoshi Doi, with Larry Italia taking the reins as vice president and general manager.
The new YCAS division will also be responsible for sales and support of Yamaha commercial audio products in Canada, with existing Yamaha Canada commercial audio staff remaining in place and reporting to the new YCAS headquarters in California. The company will provide dedicated technical and customer service departments, on-site research and development facilities, product training, and systems engineering facilities as well as testing and measurement labs. The new YCAS division will continue to distribute and support NEXO products in the U.S., as well as taking up NEXO distribution in Canada.
For more information, visit www.yamaha.com.
Sennheiser makes several key appointments
Jan 31, 2006 12:10 AM, Audio Technology Update e-newsletter
Mike Pappas has been appointed senior applications engineer. In his new position, Pappas will conduct technical seminars, providing application advice, technical training and consultation on Sennheiser, Neumann and other distributed brands. He will work directly with recording and broadcast studios and production companies, and provide customer-driven feedback on industry trends and new product needs.
Pappas comes to Sennheiser from his current position as engineer and technical director for National Public Radio, at PBS affiliate KUVO in Denver, CO. He will continue to work with PBS and KUVO, in addition to assuming the position at Sennheiser.
The company has also announced the appointment of JoAnn Anderson to the position of marketing communications manager. Anderson joins Sennheiser from her previous position as global marketing communications director for Boston University Corporate Educational Center. Her new duties at Sennheiser will involve directing all marcom-related planning and activities, media and public relations.
For more information, visit www.sennheiserusa.com.
AES issues early call for program proposals
Jan 31, 2006 10:10 AM, Audio Technology Update e-newsletter
David Bialik, broadcast events chairman of AES, has issued a call to the broadcast and audio communities for program, white paper and special events proposals for the upcoming 121st AES convention. The convention takes place at the Moscone Center, Oct. 6-9 in San Francisco.
Bialik emphasized his desire to get an early head start on preparing the convention’s events and programming, particularly focusing on new and emerging technologies. Industry professionals with topics they wish to address at the 121st AES convention are invited to contact AES at 121st_broadcastevents@aes.org.
For more information, visit www.aes.org.
Lemcke takes over Lawo North America
Jan 31, 2006 10:39 AM, Audio Technology Update e-newsletter
Lawo has appointed Herbert Lemcke to the office of president at Lawo North America. The former sales director at the company’s German headquarters, Lemcke takes over the position from Prodromos Constantinous, who left the company late last year.
In his new position, Lemcke will oversee the operations of Lawo’s North American subsidiary, providing sales and marketing direction for the company’s product line throughout the North America.
For more information, visit www.lawo.de.
Jim Nelson joins Biamp
Jan 31, 2006 10:41 AM, Audio Technology Update e-newsletter
Biamp has named Jim Nelson to the post of Outsourcing and OEM manager. In his new position, Nelson will oversee the company’s contract manufacturers, as well as the OEM manufacturers of the company’s subcomponents.
Nelson, who will report to manufacturing and facilities manager Bob Yeager, comes to Biamp from Beaverton, OR-based Cascade Microtech, where he was contracted to support that company’s transition to Demand Flow manufacturing technology.
For more information, visit www.biamp.com.
Technology/Applications
Greg Lake’s classic DVD project uses Audient
Jan 31, 2006 10:51 AM, Audio Technology Update e-newsletter
 The Classic facility houses three editing suites with DVD authoring and graphics capabilities. |
The Classic T Stage is a 2500sq ft recording studio built within the Shepperton Film Studios sound stage. It incorporates Audient’s new ACS8024 48-channel mixing desk with a Mackie control section, paired with 64-track Pro-Tools setup. Audient’s ASP510 Surround Sound Controller is used for stereo, Dolby 5.1 and DTS mixing. Classic Pictures MD Robert Garofalo specified the Audient mixer for its analog sound and ease of use.
The Classic facility also houses three editing suites with DVD authoring and graphics capabilities, as well as a full film studio featuring 32 channel stage monitoring, 20ft 16:9 large screen projection with 5.1/DTS monitoring, lighting rig and green screen/cyclorama.
For more information, visit www.audient.co.uk.
New Year surrounds Vienna
Jan 31, 2006 10:56 AM, Audio Technology Update e-newsletter
This year TVP, the Polish Public Television station, broadcast the annual New Year’s concert of the Vienna Philharmonic Orchestra for the first time in Dolby Digital 5.1 surround sound.
The concert, conducted by Mariss Janson, was available in surround for viewers equipped with satellite DVB-S and DVB-T digital terrestrial receivers with digital bitstream output and surround sound audio systems. A stereo version of the broadcast was provided for viewers without surround capability.
For more information, visit www.tvp.pl and www.dolby.co.uk.
Auralex does the extreme makeover
Jan 31, 2006 10:58 AM, Audio Technology Update e-newsletter
In a recent episode of the ABC TV series "Extreme Makeover: Home Edition," the Seattle home of the Kirkwood family was chosen for rebuilding after being overcome by a hazardous black mold. The home required specialized acoustical treatment that was addressed with the assistance of Auralex, who provided its AudioTile system and assisted the crew with its installation.
The Extreme Makeover show, which rebuilds an entire home in a one-week timeframe, installed the AudioTile in a vocal recording booth in the project studio that is a part of the home. The construction was completed last November. The episode aired January 15.
For more information, visit www.auralex.com.
Euphonix announces EuCon support
Jan 31, 2006 11:00 AM, Audio Technology Update e-newsletter
 The AX24’s mic pre controls and delay can be shown directly on the Euphonix 5-MC channel strip. |
The AX24’s mic pre controls and delay can be shown directly on the Euphonix 5-MC channel strip, as well as other parameters including phase invert, mute, low cut filters and more. The AX24 supports multiple I/O options, including AES, MADI, TDIF, SDIF3 and PTMix24 interfaces. DAD’s remote control software enables the Euphonix controllers to transmit eight audio channels over a single coaxial cable via MADI, providing direct connection with a Euphonix console or MADI-equipped PC audio workstation.
For more information, visit www.euphonix.com and www.digitalaudio.dk.
Audio Products
Sennheiser bows new products at NAMM
Jan 31, 2006 11:05 AM, Audio Technology Update e-newsletter
 The Sennheiser Evolution 912 microphone. |
Sennheiser rolled out several new products at this year’s winter NAMM show. Among featured new releases is an upgraded version of its 3000 Series wireless monitor system. The new SRSR3254-U single-channel transmitter, SR3256-U dual-channel transmitter and EK3253-U body-pack receiver are compatible with the company’s Evolution series wireless G2 monitor series, and offer higher RF output levels and extended tuning capability.
Sennheiser also introduced its new Evolution 912 microphone at the Anaheim, CA, show. Designed as a companion piece to its e 901 boundary bass drum mic, the e 912 is a boundary condenser mic designed for vocals, acoustic instruments and piano. It offers a full frequency range of 20-20,000Hz with a maximum SPL of 136dB. Features include integrated preamplifier electronics and a vibration-insulated, low-profile design.
For more information, visit www.sennheiserusa.com.
JBL launches new studio monitors
Jan 31, 2006 11:10 AM, Audio Technology Update e-newsletter
JBL Professional used the Anaheim, CA, NAMM show to roll out its new LSR4300 Series studio monitors. Both the LSR4326P-powered 6in two-way system and the LSR4328P- powered 8in two-way system are being billed as intelligent studio monitors, incorporating the company’s HiQnet network protocol, which enables central control of all networked speakers from mix position. The speakers are equipped with 24/96-capable AES/EBU and S/PDIF inputs for direct interfacing with DAW interfaces and other digital sources.
The LSR4300 Series also features an updated, automated version of JBL’s RMC Room Mode Correction system and control center software for addressing system settings and custom EQ presets, and storing and recalling system parameters via host computer. A wireless remote control is also included.
For more information, visit www.jblpro.com.
MXL announces new dual-capsule mic
Jan 31, 2006 11:15 AM, Audio Technology Update e-newsletter
 Marshall Electronics' V67i dual capsule microphone. |
The V67i employs dual 1in gold sputtered capsules, utilizing a six-micron capsule found on the company’s V67g cardioid condenser on the front, along with a newly designed rear capsule in the rear. The mic boasts a solid-state preamp with balanced transformer output, requiring no external power supply.
The V67i’s front side offers a warm tone, while its rear side offers a brighter sound comparable to 1960s-era tube microphones. A behind-the-grille red LED indicator on either side of the mic is used to indicate the currently selected capsule.
For more information, visit www.mxlmics.com.
Antelope rolls out Isochrone
Jan 31, 2006 11:21 AM, Audio Technology Update e-newsletter
Antelope Audio has introduced its Isochrone series, a line of three master clock devices targeting music and video markets. Designed by Aardvark’s Igor Levin, the Isochrone series features an easy and intuitive user interface and custom-designed crystal oscillator circuitry for professional synchronization performance.
The Isochrone Line features the Isochrone OCX master clock unit, as well as the OCX-V, a master clock optimized for video use. The OCX-V offers Antelope’s gearboxing signal and format conversion technology. Also included in the Isochrone line is the Isochone DA, a clock distribution and regeneration unit designed to reduce jitter and improve audio signal quality.
For more information, visit www.antelopeaudio.com.
Sony announces Acid Pro upgrade
Jan 31, 2006 11:31 AM, Audio Technology Update e-newsletter
Sony’s media software division has announced a significant features upgrade to its Acid Pro software. The company’s just-released Acid Pro 6 implements a new feature set that brings the MIDI and loops production program into the realm of full-featured digital audio workstation package.
In addition to the loop-based production functions introduced in the original Acid program, the new update incorporates a high-performance multi-threading audio engine, adding 24-bit/96k multitrack audio recording and full MIDI implementation, supporting multiple media files per track, MIDI editing and processing, VSTi automation and control surface support.
The new Acid upgrade offers unlimited audio and MIDI tracks, real-time tempo and pitch matching, DirectX and VST effects, 5.1 surround mixing, ReWire and device support, video scoring track, and a number of other notable features.
For more information, visit www.sony.com/mediasoftware.
