RTBF Builds Visual Radio Station with Blackmagic Design

Built around production automation with software developed inhouse by RTBF, the studio allows the simultaneous broadcast of content via any of RTBF’s five radio stations and three television channels using a production team of just three; a radio technician, a vision mixer and an editorial director.

Head of technical development at RTBF, Olivier Waty explains: “Events taking place in the audio environment are fed into the software and used to trigger video elements that complement the broadcast. For example, a radio interview taking place can trigger a video signal, so that those watching online can immediately see the interview as it happens. Given our limited resources, automating as much of the production process, in line with our existing workflows, was critical to the projects success.”

Using an innovative web interface, video technicians are able to use the ATEM API to provide CCU like camera control as well as the switcher’s built in DVE and SuperSource features for picture in picture, to add a more professional feel, without need for a large production crew.

Routing for the studio is handled through the Smart Videohub 20x20, with signal preview relying on the Blackmagic Audio Monitor, SmartScope Duo 4K and SmartView 4K monitors. Blackmagic’s Teranex Express standards and frame rate converter also allows production staff to incorporate a wide range of external signals into live programming, which Olivier explains is crucial.

“We needed the studio to be both informative and inclusive, especially when it came to using external sources. Blackmagic’s Teranex box means we don’t have to worry about what format or standard we are supplied; we simply run them through the Teranex and everything is instantly converted to match our inhouse standard. It makes content production much easier, and ensures that material is of broadcast quality.”

”We firmly believe that the studio’s ‘double destination’ simultaneous radio and television broadcasting is truly innovative. Our workflow supports a flexible production environment, and means we have the ability to create full scale programming across both radio and television,” concludes Olivier. “The ease of use and speed to air with which our editorial team can now deliver content is a big plus. It’s clear that this type of multipurpose automation will play a major part in RTBF’s  future.”

About Blackmagic Design
Blackmagic Design creates the world’s highest quality video editing products, digital film cameras, color correctors, video converters, video monitoring, routers, live production switchers, disk recorders, waveform monitors and real time film scanners for the feature film, post production and television broadcast industries. Blackmagic Design’s DeckLink capture cards launched a revolution in quality and affordability in post production, while the company’s Emmy™ award winning DaVinci color correction products have dominated the television and film industry since 1984. Blackmagic Design continues ground breaking innovations including 6G-SDI and 12G-SDI products and stereoscopic 3D and Ultra HD workflows. Founded by world leading post production editors and engineers, Blackmagic Design has offices in the USA, UK, Japan, Singapore and Australia.