Article Overview

Sharper than Reality

New ProSiebenSat.1 HD control room equipped with Lawo technology

With surgeon-like precision, he dribbles the ball across the field. He caresses it once, twice, three times; suddenly, his opponent’s sliding tackle clears the ball into touch. As if on the field, viewers at home can see every single blade of grass flying through the air. Champions League matches broadcast via SES Astra’s HD+ platform are just like this; they provide the content for broadcasters such as SAT.1, ProSieben, and kabel eins.

These programs are produced in the broadcaster’s new HD control room, which replaced the original SD control room 6. Equipped with cutting edge technology, it provides facilities for complete HD productions — from the studio right up to the final output. The Champions League broadcasts are set up here in HD and transmitted in HD.

To ensure that the HD picture is accompanied with perfect sound, the control room is equipped with a Lawo mc²66 console.Initially, the new control room was built in what is currently the central equipment room. At the same time, control room 6 operated in SD until the new HD control room was set up, at which point it was dismantled. Throughout the entire process, space was quite scarce, and the compact footprint of the mc²66 was therefore highly advantageous. In addition, Joachim Hentschel, Solutions Architect at Munich-based ProSiebenSat.1 Produktion GmbH, points to terrific ease-of-use, transparent design, and features that support a smooth workflow, as definitive advantages of the Lawo system. “As with previous projects, working with the main contractor, Elvia-Pro Deutschland GmbH, and Lawo, ran extremely smoothly and without any complications at all. As customers, our requests became reality quickly and efficiently. Even unforeseen challenges were overcome on the spot with practical solutions.”

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Audio via video router

The mc²66 in the new control room features 40 faders (16+8+16), 192 full DSP channels and a routing capacity of 8000 x 8000 crosspoints. The distribution of audio signals is performed completely via an embedded audio infrastructure, so no dedicated audio routers are required. The video router distributes audio signals throughout the entire production complex. This procedure has already proven its worth in post-production, for which ProSiebenSat.1 used embedded audio in the past.

“As a live-ready console, stability and reliability were naturally extremely important to us. Beyond that, we were looking for intuitive controls and the best possible audio quality, as the main criteria during our search. So far, the console has proven its worth during daily productions, and matches all our requirements,” explains Karl Steinbauer, Director of Video and Sound Engineering at ProSiebenSat.1 Produktion, on the decision to go for Lawo.

About Lawo AG

Lawo, headquartered in Rastatt/Germany, specialises in developing, designing and manufacturing mixing consoles and matrix systems for radio and TV broadcasters, as well as for use in live events. Standards of high quality and innovative technology are supported by decades of experience in the field of professional audio technology. The company recently celebrated its 40th anniversary.
Lawo’s product range covers digital audio mixing consoles for use in radio, broadcast, production and live applications, including the required software. In addition to the provision of matrix systems and audio networks, Lawo also carries out project engineering tasks and acts as a main contractor for radio OB trucks; these services include user training and maintenance. This high level of expertise results in a comprehensive support service for Lawo customers.

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