WBAL-TV, the Hearst-Argyle-owned NBC affiliate in Baltimore, went live Jan. 3 with HD news broadcasts.
To make the transition to HD news, the station is using a new HD digital production system that was designed, integrated and built by Communications Engineering of Newington, VA. WBAL, which reaches about 1 million households, plans to televise five news shows in HD daily.
The station’s modernization and upgrade to local HD news required CEI to design and construct a new HD video control room, audio control room, HD news production studio, a core equipment room and a video control area.
CEI’s project team worked with WBAL to develop and refine conceptual and detailed designs, specifications and documentation to ensure the proper design of the technical space, including electrical and mechanical systems. The company also handled console and monitor wall design, equipment procurement and integration, installed and tested the systems and trained WBAL personnel on systems operation.
The new WBAL system features a multiformat production switching system, video monitoring system, audio mixing and distribution system, HD studio cameras and a video monitoring and testing station.
The HD upgrade required a variety of new equipment, including Sony HD cameras and Canon HD lenses; Sony MVS8000G production switcher; Wheatstone D-10 audio mixer; Barco OverView video wall; Evertz routing system, MVP video controller system and monitoring equipment; Harris timing equipment; Vizrt image effects; Dolby encoders and decoders; DNF universal switch panels; Image Video tally system; Wohler audio and video monitors; and Sony and Tektronix video monitors.
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