BBC Outside Broadcasts pioneers new ways of working with Final Cut Pro

In response to the increasing demand from programme makers for totally tapeless working environments, BBC Outside Broadcasts has developed the X-Trailer, an HD capable, reliable, cost effective and fully integrated mobile post production and transmission solution. It is based on Apple’s Final Cut Studio and XSan technologies, combined with EVS’s XT2 disc based production server system.

The X-Trailer is yet another addition to BBC Outside Broadcasts’ continued development of new and innovative technology specifically targeted at outside broadcast operations. Building on experience gleaned from working with Final Cut Pro systems over a number of years, the X-Trailer is significantly larger, with a 47 Terra Byte Xraid and has been designed to service programme makers who require greater storage, bandwidth and mobile post production facilities. 47 Terra Bytes in SD can support 11 weeks of continuous recording! The X-Trailer supports 9 edit stations. In addition, it has two dedicated ‘Live Stream’ ingest stations which provide SD/HD recording onto the Raid with AES/analogue or embedded audio.

The X-Trailer was first used to support TWI’s coverage of the Snooker Grand Prix at Aberdeen’s International Conference Centre in October 2007. Running in SD with 6 edit clients and 2 ingest streams, the system contributed to some 40 hours of BBC transmission time.

Graham Fry, Managing Director of TWI Production says “For us this was a completely new way of providing on site editing and transmission facilities. We needed a partner who understood our requirements and who could help us through the transition. I have to say it worked brilliantly.”

BBC Outside Broadcasts VT Editor David Packham who developed the system in conjunction with John Morley, VT Engineer, says: “The new X-Trailer system provides tape-free, high quality, robust and cost effective edit solutions for our customers. It also offers productions long term logistical benefits, on top of potential cost savings – the tapes have gone and the kit itself is more compact than previous solutions and can be set up and configured fast.”

BBC Outside Broadcasts’ fleet of new generation OB vehicles are all equipped with Final Cut Pro and EVS disc based systems, which means they are able to fully integrate with the X-Trailer. If customers need to deliver in multiple formats, there are also HD displays and full audio monitoring available, plus stations for high end graphics and 3D effects on Adobe CS3.

The X-Trailer is currently being used at the UK Championship Snooker at Telford which goes on until Sunday 16 December.

-ENDS-


About BBC Outside Broadcasts
BBC Outside Broadcasts, a division of BBC Resources Ltd, is the leading outside broadcast facilities provider in Europe, offering a complete range of solutions from scanners and VT units to the design of bespoke OB production units and special cameras. 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 - from the FIFA World Cup, Wimbledon and the Golf Open, to Glastonbury, the Proms and the royal wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Cornwall. Key clients include BBC Sport and independents such as North One, TWI and Sunset & Vine, as well as  international Broadcasters such as Canal +, RAI ( Italy) and CTV (Canadian Television).

Further information can be found at: www.bbcresources.com/ob

For further information, please contact:
Georgie Hollett , PR and Communications Manager, BBC Resources
Tel: +44 (0)20 8576 2250
Mobile : +44 (0) 783484 5612
Email : georgie.hollett@bbc.co.uk