News
BBC OUTSIDE
BROADCASTS SHOOTS LAST NIGHT OF THE PROMS IN HD
BBC Outside Broadcasts is recording The Last Night of The Proms
2004 in High-Definition (HD). This is the first major music and
arts event to be captured in the 1080-line format by BBC Outside
Broadcasts new multi-format truck – a refurbishment of its
Unit 2.
Refurbishment of the truck began in April 2004. The process was
completed this month when an HD vision mixer was installed. The
truck is equipped with Sony HD cameras and has full communication,
and production facilities as well as full HD monitoring throughout
the broadcast chain. Its dual HD/SD systems can be used for HD or
SD productions or for simultaneous production in both standards.
It is based on the successful type 8 chassis and can easily be parked
at central London venues where space has proved limited for expanding
vehicles.
BBC Outside Broadcasts staff have extensive experience of working
in HD and have managed previous OBs in HD format, for example, The
Magic Flute at the Royal Opera House and the St Petersburgh 300th
Anniversary Gala Concert in 2003.
The production quality achieved by the unit will be further enhanced
as The Last Night of the Proms will also be mixed in stereo for
live transmission by BBC Outside Broadcasts’ Master Sound
unit. This unit provides an isolated listening environment and powerful
high-end tools for superior sound production. Master Sound, together
with the new Calrec Sigma audio console in Unit 2 completes the
digital audio chain from stage box to the viewer’s digital
receiver.
BBC Outside Broadcasts Unit 2 truck compliments the recent investment
in HD kit made by BBC Post Production, which means that the business
can support HD programmes every step of the way – from acquisition
through to finishing. BBC Post Production’s HD kit includes
Quantel eQ, Spirit Telecine, HD Pogle, HD Fire and Alchemist Platinum
HD up-converter. A direct digital pathway between the Spirit Telecine,
HD Pogle and the Quantel eQ, provides potential for future tape-less
production.
BBC Resources’ HD investment is in response to the worldwide
sales potential for HD output and follows on from recent successes
such as BBC Post Production’s first HD drama ‘Every
Time You Look at Me’, which aired in the UK in April 2004.
The organisation has also been behind the upconversion of material
for US Company Cinemuse ranging from the award-winning natural history
documentary series’ Blue Planet and Walking with Dinosaurs
to The Inspector Lindley Mysteries and Judge John Deed.
Andy King, Head of Capital Development, BBC Resources comments:
“The potential HD and SD market in Europe and worldwide has
been the major driver behind building a fully equipped multi format
Outside Broadcast vehicle. Broadcasters and programme makers around
the world are increasingly looking at the international marketplace
for both finished programmes and co-productions and they expect
us to deliver to high standards.”
Specification of BBC Outside Broadcast’s High Definition Unit
• Sony MVS 8000A HD/SD vision mixer with 34 HD/SD inputs
• Facilities for up to 5 HD or SD VT machines
• Calrec “Sigma” digital audio console with 4
stereo/surround main outputs, 8 stereo groups, 12 auxiliary sends,
and 24 multi-track sends. It is capable of handling 30 mono and
32 stereo channels on a 48 fader surface.
• 38 x colour production monitors including 2 HD monitors
• Power requirements: 3 x 63A, load 30KVA
• Dimensions: L12.0m x H3.73m x W4.7m
-ENDS-
About BBC Outside Broadcasts
BBC Outside Broadcasts, a division of BBC Resources, is the leading
outside broadcast facilities provider in Europe, offering a complete
range of solutions from scanners and VT units to design of bespoke
OB production units. Combining creativity and flair with technical
expertise, project management and customer service skills, BBC Outside
Broadcasts caters for both small and large scale events across all
genres. Key clients include BBC Sport and independents such as North
One, TWI and MTV. Further information can be found at:
www.bbcresources.com/ob
For further information, please contact:
Georgie Hollett, PR and Communications Executive, BBC Resources
Tel: +44 (0)20 8576 2350
Mobile : +44 (0) 783484 5612
Email : georgie.hollett@bbc.co.uk
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