Custom Consoles Furniture and Displays Chosen for New Arqiva Playout Facility

Operating in partnership with Hampshire-based systems integration specialist Broadcast Networks, Custom Consoles designed a 10 metre wide desk forming nearly two thirds of a circular configuration. This provides work positions for four playout technicians plus an engineer. In front of each playout position is a Custom Consoles video display wall holding four 52 inch JVC LCD panels in portrait mode. The panels are fed by image splitters which allow each wall to show up to 40 separate incoming or outgoing video channels. A 2.5 metre wide supervisor’s desk completes the circle, including space for staff access.

“We have teamed with Custom Consoles for the furniture element of many successful projects over the years and they were the logical choice both for the desks and the display support system of this outstandingly attractive installation,” comments Tom Haye, Managing Director of Broadcast Networks. “The client wanted a change from the traditional wood finish seen in almost every playout facility. Each desk is designed around a robust MDF frame with all external surfaces finished in a hard-wearing white laminate. LED-illuminated semi-circular storage cabinets at each end of the desks blend in with the circular shape of the suite.

“A key element of the design brief was that the display support structure should be invisible. The design Customer Consoles produced exceeded our expectations and fully matches the elegance of the desks themselves. Additional floor-level storage facilities are incorporated between the two vertical steel pillars which support each of the four display grids. These storage cabinets are located below the height of the main desk work-surface so are effectively out of sight until required.

“The entire system was tailored specifically to the available dimensions and completed within a very tight timeframe, just six weeks from order placement to delivery.”

Arqiva provides much of the infrastructure behind television, radio, satellite and wireless communications in the UK and has a significant presence in Ireland, mainland Europe and the USA. Customers include major broadcasters such as the BBC, ITV, BSkyB and the independent radio groups, major telco providers including the UK's five mobile network operators, and the emergency services.

Broadcast Networks is a UK-based systems integrator with clients the world over. From high definition studio systems to outside broadcast vehicles, on location communications to satellite uplinks, Broadcast Networks offers a totally integrated and bespoke solution.

Custom Consoles Ltd (founded in 1996) is a UK-based independent manufacturer of bespoke and modular broadcast, process-control and security furniture. The product range includes motorised, manually-adjustable and fixed-height units plus fan-cooled sound-insulated equipment housings.Custom Consoles operates from a 1,200 square metre production facility equipped with 3D computer-aided-design and computer-controlled cutting machinery. This provides the dual benefits of precise quality control and prompt delivery times, typically 21 days from receipt of order. The company's client base includes governmental and corporate organisations in Europe, the Middle East, Asia and Australasia.