Multiple SSL C10 HD Consoles Drive HD Audio Upgrade for TVA

posted:

26/09/2012

Ross Overdrive compatibility a key factor in choosing C10

TVA, a subsidiary of Quebecor Media Inc., is in the process of installing three Solid State Logic C10 HD Compact Broadcast Consoles, one each in Control C, Control LCN and Control TVA Novelle. The consoles will be used to help TVA provide broadcast, production and package re-distribution services for Quebec province and national cable distribution throughout Canada. As part of a facility-wide move into HD/5.1 surround production, TVA chose C10 HD because of its audio quality, flexibility, small footprint and compatibility with Ross Overdrive automated production control systems.

“The plan for upgrading our control room infrastructure includes using Ross Overdrive, so we needed a console that was compatible,” says Anthony DuBoyce, Director of Planning for TVA. “The station has had a very successful history with SSL consoles – the five existing control rooms are equipped with SSL – so it made great sense to continue that relationship. The three control rooms receiving the C10 are new multi-function rooms that will be run by either the Overdrive system or an engineer – or both – giving us maximum flexibility.”

The C10 in Control C, is up and running and working well with the Overdrive system. The newly launched TVA Sports Channel news production is serviced by the C10 in Control C to broadcast game coverage and news about UEFA Champions League soccer, Ottawa Senators hockey, Toronto Blue Jays baseball and Ultimate Fighting Championship (UFC) events. TVA Sports has also acquired national French-language rights to Canadian Hockey League and will serve as the official broadcaster of the Montreal Impact when it moves to Major League Soccer in 2012. It also is the official French-language broadcaster for the Toronto Raptors basketball games.

The Dialogue Automix enhancement for the C10 is employed for panel-type pre- and post-game shows and programs like Esprit d’Equipe de Sport, a sports news program, and Salut Bonjour, a morning variety program.

“The Dialogue Automix function is critical for the way we produce a panel-based program,” states Bernard Rouette, System Designer for the projects. “Because we use engineers that multitask, having the console provide individual level control, while maintaining a steady ambient sound, saves us time and yields a more consistent sound.”

Control LCN is the latest control room completed and is purpose-built for the LCN Cable News Channel, Le Canal Nouvelles, a 24/7 news operation integrated with a Ross Overdrive system. When complete in September of 2012, Control TVA Nouvelle will handle the 24-hour news channel TVA Nouvelle. Control TVA Nouvelle is also run by an Overdrive system.

“We are installing an SSL MORSE Router in Control LCN to handle all the incoming external, satellite, stage/regional station and video server feeds to give us the power to share all of that audio facility-wide from one location,” concludes DuBoyce. “This capability is very important to us and further justifies our choice of the C10 HD console.”