EMG UK flexes with Calrec for its Stratford Remote Operations Centre

The Stratford ROC project was born as a fully remote extension to the four current EMG UK ROCs that are located in High Wycombe. The Stratford ROC offers full UHD, HDR and Dolby Atmos remote production for BT Sports’ Premier League football matches.

Simon Foster, Head of Audio Technology, EMG, said: “EMG strives to innovate and push the boundaries with technology. Working with Calrec in the audio domain has allowed us to become true technology partners, rather than a supplier and a partner. This innovative workflow is a testament to that close partnership.”
 

The Stratford ROC is designed with 8K in mind, so EMG opted for 12G for the video infrastructure. For the audio, it installed a 56-fader Artemis alongside an IP-native Type R. The Type R offers a small format console for music playback operations. Calrec’s Hydra 2 networking technology has also been installed alongside a Calrec AoIP Gateway. This ensures SMPTE 2110 is in place for the Type R sub mix console, but also has an eye on future connectivity. EMG UK is also using a Calrec RP1, the company’s compact remote production unit.
 

The audio workflow allows the ROC remote control of all presentation audio signals via the RP1. This allows the sound team to control parameters like EQ and dynamics remotely, and to provide IFB mixes in real time. Other signals are derived from the OB match truck and passed through the RP1 via MADI. Intercom signals are connected on the remote Dante network, to which the RP1 also is connected. Over 200 audio signals are processed and embedded at the OB, with all signals arriving at the ROC through diverse connectivity.

Foster added, “We have worked with Calrec for many, many years. A key aim with this project, alongside the easy combination of the traditional and AoIP, crucial in today’s environment, was to maintain a familiar workflow and operational surfaces for our Sound Engineers. Calrec has a leading market position and its technology absolutely suits our complex needs, both now and looking ahead.”
 

Anthony Harrison, Sales Manager for Calrec, said, “As companies continue their move to IP, it’s vital that the familiar isn’t lost and that a clear migration path is also available. This allows people to move at the speed they want to. We’re very pleased that EMG continues to recognise the power and flexibility of our consoles and network solutions, providing the quality experience so vital to viewers.”
 

About Calrec Audio Ltd.
For more than 50 years the world's most successful broadcasters have relied on Calrec. They still do. As our industry adapts to new viewing habits and evolving commercial environments, Calrec is helping broadcasters to stay ahead as they switch to IP infrastructures; to achieve efficiency with remote broadcasting; to save money with virtualised production. Calrec’s flexible Type R can adapt to a variety of requirements including virtualized workflows, and Calrec has expanded its range of consoles, from the cost-effective Brio consoles, to the IP-enabled ImPulse core. For flexible working, integrated networks and reliable audio, Calrec has it covered.

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About EMG
EMG is a leading provider of broadcasting and audio‐visual services within the European market. The Group combines unique know‐how and world‐renowned expertise to master the entire value chain from image creation to distribution. New‐media driven, EMG is a valued partner for major international events, including sporting (The European Tour, Tour de France, Ryder Cup, FIFA World Cup, UEFA European Championships and Formula One), live shows (Eurovision, MTV Awards, BRIT Awards and Royal Events), and entertainment‐based shows (The Voice, Masterchef, The X‐Factor). EMG has a diverse range of studios and one of the largest fleets of mobile trucks in Europe.