What is in this article?:
X-Link and VIP-X technology from Evertz is used for multiviewer-based monitoring in the control room of ABC’s new syndicated show, “The Katie Show.”
Production control room
A Sony MVS-7000X production switcher, fitted with 80 inputs and 48 outputs, was selected.
The original CRT-based monitor wall was replaced by an LCD-based monitor wall driven by the Evertz VIP-X system. Individual Ikegami 17in camera monitors and 32in line/preview monitors by Penta complete the monitor wall.
Live graphics/lower thirds are generated by a dual-channel Chyron HyperX. Moving backgrounds and clips are managed by a four-channel Ross SMS server and a 12-channel Abekas Mira server.
Content for the Chyron and servers can be produced at the graphics workstations in the Columbus Avenue facility and transferred to these devices, as files, via the network linking the two spaces.
Audio
A 60-fader Studer Vista 9 audio console was selected as the centerpiece of the audio production facility. It is supported by a Soundcraft Si Compact 32 music/backup mixer and a Soundcraft Vi4 mixer for front of house.
The main console is equipped with 64 AES I/O, 56 analog line inputs, 64 analog line outputs and 24 mic inputs. Using MADI technology and the Evertz audio routing system described earlier, the setup provides an additional 128 MADI-based I/O.
An ENCO DAD TV central audio storage and playout system provides redundant storage of audio-only elements. The system is fully redundant, with a storage capacity of 2TB.
It is also networked to the Columbus Avenue post facilities, allowing audio clips to be prepared/edited and then transferred to the ENCO system for air.
The main EQX router is integrated with an Evertz EMR audio routing system. The EQX router I/O cards include de-embedding and re-embedding of audio, which is linked to the EMR router via TDM links. The EMR router provides I/O to the Vista 9 via redundant MADI paths.
This implementation allows flexible allocation of audio tracks to video sources. By using the virtual routing capability of the Evertz system, multiple audio tracks can be assigned to video sources, greatly simplifying the creation of camera ISOs with different audio track assignments.
A Riedel RockNet networked audio system provides connectivity from studio mics and return line channels for IFB, etc. One of the unique features of this redundant system is that it allows the FOH mixer and main Vista 9 mixer to independently control mic preamp gains via RockNet interfaces integrated into the mixers.
The show includes appearances by a variety of live musical acts. Most live performances are mixed on rental equipment that is brought in as required. Recent live music acts have used rental equipment that includes RockNet interfaces, reducing setup time significantly.
The audio production suite includes a space that houses the equipment and operating station for the communications system that links all of the spaces that comprise the production facility. The two existing RTS/Telex ADAM frames were upgraded and now include RVON capability.
