CBC / Radio-Canada Chooses Lawo VSM IP Broadcast Control

The contract was finalized at IBC in Amsterdam, capped with a handshake between Francois Vaillant, Executive Director, Engineering Solutions at CBC / Radio-Canada, and Lawo CEO Philipp Lawo.
The planned 39,000 m² (418,000 sq. ft.) Montreal broadcast facility will host several production areas dedicated to News, TV and Post Production activities, fed by dozens of studios, control rooms, editing and infographic workstations and audio mixing suites. Its massive Master Control and Playout Room is designed to host 40 TV channels, 40 Web channels and 160 Radio channels. The control and management of this broadcast infrastructure, and accompanying integrated technical resources, is based on Lawo VSM.

“VSM Studio from Lawo is a field-proven broadcast controller than can directly interface with true COTS networking equipment and deliver the advanced functionalities our creative people need,” says François Legrand, Senior Director, Core Systems Engineering, CBC / Radio-Canada. “VSM is a true IP solution. It provides feature-rich user interfaces that require no middleware, which simplifies the software stack and allows maintenance of the audio / video signal routing system over IP.”

“This move documents the innovative character of the Canadian broadcast industry in applying ST2110 standards to ensure ultra-reliable IP workflows”, says Lawo CEO Philipp Lawo. “We are honored and proud that our VSM system has been chosen by CBC / Radio-Canada to be the overall control system for the technical IP infrastructure of a complete new broadcast facility of this size and sophistication.”

CBC / Radio-Canada’s broadcast channels reach an estimated monthly audience of 14 million consumers. The new Maison de Radio-Canada (MRC) will be a showcase for Canada’s public broadcaster, with open, welcoming and inviting public spaces for both visitors, and the employees who work there every day. The creators and programmers it houses will enjoy a dynamic, stimulating environment designed to foster collaboration and innovation.

About VSM
Lawo VSM is the powerful, flexible IP-based broadcast control system that integrates easily with the largest variety of popular broadcast equipment, including video routers and switchers, audio routers and consoles, multiviewers, intercoms, and other third-party devices. Through its ingenious use of native protocols, VSM provides the “glue” that gives producers fast, accurate control of plant-wide resources — all in an intuitive, customizable, touch-enabled interface.
User panels and interfaces can be configured without limitation to meet the requirements of different workflows and applications, while the whole system is under redundant control. The IP infrastructure of a VSM network, including all control panels, interfaces and external devices, guarantees easy installation. All the advantages of IP connectivity, such as its high data performance and standard management components, increase the power of a complete broadcast system. As a unique feature, real time feedback from every single crosspoint and parameter is available, as well as special applications such as audio metering via the protocol. All VSM user interfaces display the confirmed action from an attached device, for example, a router. This guarantees maximum transparency for every operator and every control unit. Additionally, a global naming facility for mixers, UMDs, user panels and many other devices provides status information at a glance.

About CBC/Radio-Canada
CBC/Radio-Canada is Canada’s national public broadcaster. Through our mandate to inform, enlighten and entertain, we play a central role in strengthening Canadian culture. As Canada’s trusted news source, we offer a uniquely Canadian perspective on news, current affairs and world affairs. Our distinctively homegrown entertainment programming draws audiences from across the country. Deeply rooted in communities, CBC/Radio-Canada offers diverse content in English, French and eight Indigenous languages. We are leading the transformation to meet the needs of Canadians in a digital world.

About Lawo
Lawo designs and manufactures pioneering network, control, audio and video technology for broadcast and post production, as well as live performance and theatrical applications. Products include control and monitoring systems, digital audio mixing consoles, routers, video processing tools as well as solutions for IP-based A/V infrastructures and routing systems. All products are developed in Germany and manufactured according to highest quality standards at the company’s headquarters in the Rhine valley town of Rastatt, Germany.