Newsletter from 09/06/2020
We are All in this Together
“Our industry was the first to shut down in late February and will be the last to come back … and that includes anything related to ‘culture’. With complete silence from the government departments of sport and culture, we feel strongly that the officials don’t really comprehend exactly what we do, why we do it … and especially how important our live production industry really is! We feel invisible, and this protest was to raise awareness of the role of the whole performance industry in a functioning society!”
“We all need events and sport. This is the important element of our return to the new normality. That’s why we give the opportunity to football fans to participate in the events at the stadiums, of course only after securing adequate safety measures. The specific rules will be announced soon” – Prime Minister Mateusz Morawiecki said.
Nothing can replace the buzzing atmosphere of a real event. That will always be the case. The 6 Feet Together benefit concerts are streamed live from Stage Right Lighting's own studio and are decked out using their extensive inventory of lighting gear .
On March 25 the tragic death of George Floyd occurred and, until today the world has seen large scale public gathers with little concern of social distancing, washing hands, shared food and beverages and little concern on preventing the spread of COVID-19. The world has seen over 500 different mass gatherings of crowds ranging from 5,000 to over 100,000 people, all in the most dangerous manner. Herein lies the unintended consequence that will define the future of live events in 2020.
USA-based Charles Ford and his business partner Brandon Clark from Creative Live Control share a zest for life and lighting which is their passion … and there is no way that the coronavirus pandemic is stopping them from spreading positive vibes throughout their community with imagination and creative solutions utilizing their collective resources and knowledge!
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MOBILE PRODUCTION
01SMT UHD S4
SMT (Shanghai Media Tech) 4K ultra-high-definition S4 Outside Broadcasting truck with 30 standard operators work spaces and 10 EVS dedicated operators work spaces, which can be adjusted according to the actual needs. The truck is equipped with with 16 4K video cameras, supporting more than 32 external signal access , and video format like UHD, HD, SD and etc. Its production and broadcasting process will support many HDR format as HLG/S-log3, also HDR and SDR production at the same time.
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THE PAST AND PRESENT OF SMT UHD S1 | All IP ARCHITECTURE RELOADED
SMT 4K UHD S1 OB van, is China’s first all-IP architecture broadcast system based on SMPTE-2110 standard, matching the full process of HDR technology, equipped with more than 32 channels, and reinstalled during the epidemic. Review S1's previous model meanwhile take a closer look at new S1, SMT uses its strength to play the strong voice of "new opportunity" and "new prospect" in the media technology industry. The "Growth History" of SMT UHD S1 is also an epitome of SMT’s development. Since the debut on Dragon TV’s New Year’s Eve Gala on December 31, 2015, SMT UHD S1, with its strength”, steadily built up a “cornerstone” in program production, and subverted the definition boundary of “profession” through high- quality service time after time, and stepped on the top of the industry rely on the accomplishment of challenging tasks, which consolidated the position of media technology pioneer.
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Ethiopia’s OBN Installs Lawo mc²36 Mixers And Compact I/O in New Digital Satellite News Gathering Units
Ethiopia’s public broadcaster Oromia Broadcasting Network (OBN) has chosen Lawo mixing consoles and I/O devices as the basis for new DSNG units with 4K workflow. Based in Adama, Ethiopia, OBN is Oromia State’s leading media organization, serving a regional audience of 35 million people, and viewers nationwide, via satellite. For the technical basis of their OB units, both set to 4K standard, OBN chose self-contained Lawo mc²36 mixing consoles, complemented with Compact I/O units for expanded connectivity and use as remote stagebox solutions. OBN’s first DSNG to be delivered is a versatile 12-camera unit of about 12 meters in length with a full 12G workflow, capable of handling a wide variety of ambitious live broadcast situations. This unit, with its 40-fader mc²36 console and Compact I/O, features a layout that maximizes internal space while enabling interoperability among the different production areas: Technical room, Production and Graphics rooms, and Audio room are all interconnected.
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Free up your OB van space with mDECK Densu A-2 by MOG Technologies
When working with live production, OB Vans' performance needs to be on the top of their game to ensure the highest quality to their productions and material. Reducing rack space inside of an OB Van, freeing up space for editors and saving costs and operational time, are some of the primary goals for broadcasters. It supports file-based and baseband contents simultaneously and can perform hybrid operations, making it a great choice for multiple media operations - with only 25cm/9.8in deep!
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STUDIO / REMOTRE PRODUCTION
RTV Slovenia Expands Partnership with Dalet to Transform End-to-End News Workflows for Radio and TV with Dalet Galaxy five
The new RTV Slovenia workflow features the Dalet Galaxy five enterprise media asset management and editorial platform powered by the Dalet Workflow Engine, Dalet Newsroom Computer System and News Production System, Dalet Social Media Framework, and the Dalet OneCut multimedia editor for on-premises and remote editing. “RTV had previously used Dalet for its radio operations, with social media and TV supported by other products. Providing RTV employees a unified user experience for the entire news operation with Dalet Galaxy five, be it for Radio, TV or social media will enable a connected workflow with easier and more efficient access, sharing, assembly and distribution of content,” comments Johann Zemmour, General Manager EMEA / APAC, Dalet. “This is an ambitious workflow expansion and one that is taking place during the current pandemic. I would like to personally thank RTV’s technical teams for their incredible support, and our professional services team for their dedication to working on this project during a global crisis. We look forward to the official launch.”
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Fuze Profile™ “belle machine” for French TV
Bourdon, who is also known for his work in concert and cinema productions, has numerous top television shows to his credit including the popular rock music program Taratata, for which he won two Sept d'or awards, and the celebrated TV concert series Les Enfoirés. On the sets of Tout le monde veut prendre sa place (Everyone Wants to Take His Place), a general knowledge quiz show that consistently receives over a 20% market share, and N'oubliez pas les paroles! (Don't Forget the Lyrics!), which has broadcast over 2000 episodes, he was looking to upgrade his lighting kit. “On one of my shows the set was changed and I wanted to modernize the equipment by replacing my old VL 2500 Spots for another efficient mover,” he explains. “I first saw the Fuze Profile at a demo organized by DuShow TV after asking them to show me a comparable replacement fixture and after seeing it, I was convinced.”
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Saudi Broadcasting Authority Selects Imagine Communications to Deliver Integrated Multichannel Networking and Playout Solution
To meet the requirements of SBA, Imagine Communications was able to propose a coherent end-to-end system covering network infrastructure, routing, monitoring, ingest, asset management and playout under ADC™ automation control, to replace the current system based on hardware from multiple vendors. The Imagine Communications proposal is largely based on software solutions running on commercial off-the-shelf (COTS) hardware, using industry-standard workstations from Hewlett Packard Enterprise (HPE). It includes a Platinum™ IP3 router to switch SD, HD and 3G signals, with the capability of adding real-time IP switching to support SBA’s development plans. Additionally, the IP3 router provides integrated multiviewer functionality to ensure all monitoring is handled in a space-saving frame.
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disguise xR Delivers Defining Moment in Broadcast With Katy Perry Performance On 'American Idol’ Finale
“Started on the #AmericalIdol stage, ended up in a whole new world”, as Katy Perry wrote on her Instagram, the performance has since been watched by over 9 million viewers around the globe with over 2 million Youtube hits on top of the 7.3 million strong viewers on the night. The broadcast has left many asking ‘how was the performance achieved?’ “Having disguise for delivery of this content was crucial... there's simply no other solution out there that I would trust with this.” explains JT Rooney of Silent Partner Studios, who was the Screens Producer and led all the creative content creation. “At disguise, we are building the technology platform to enable creative and technical professionals to tell stories in new and innovative ways for the world’s leading brands and artists. This show was just the beginning of disguise and xR - we can’t wait to show you what’s next.” says Ed Plowman, Chief Technology Officer at disguise.
SPORT EVENTS
The International Hockey Federation (FIH) and NAGRA sign a ten-year partnership to deliver a game changing digital experience for fans
Deployed and operated by NAGRA as a “sports-as-a-service” offering, the multi-faceted digital platform will be developed for web, mobile and smart TVs. It will include live matches, replays, highlights, videos, archives, news, articles, live scores, results, and statistics, as well as innovative social sharing functionality where fans and participants can capture and share instant moments online. The new service will be launched simultaneously with the resumption of live international matches. In addition, the platform will provide the FIH, Continental Federations, National Associations and clubs with a centralized management service for their millions of participants and fans.
Nike renews with Top 14's Stade Toulousain
The partnership means the brand's "Swoosh" logo will feature on all home and away jerseys as well as limited edition collections and fan apparel for another five years. By creating a cultural identity, the two parties will tell an authentic story of excellent collaboration built on trust and history dating back to the 1990s. Infront reignited the relationship between Nike and Stade Toulousain in 2017/18 after the two parties terminated a 23-year partnership in 2013. Jean-François Jeanne, Managing Director at Infront France: "Nike and Stade Toulousain are two of the biggest names in rugby and sport as a whole and belong together. Both are known for their excellence and innovation. We are proud of being part of this joint adventure, continuously using our expertise to add to the success of both brands."
All eyes on Austria as F1 season set to start in Spielberg
2020’s Formula One racing will start with two historic firsts – Austria will host the opening race of an F1 season for the first time, and two races will be held at the same circuit on consecutive weekends. The Formula 1 Rolex Großer Preis von Österreich is to open the season on July 5, while the Formula 1 Pirelli Großer Preis der Steiermark is to follow on July 12. The measures introduced to combat the pandemic mean another first is needed. For the first time a Formula One race will take place without any fans. Millions of motorsport fans around the world have the opportunity to follow both races at the Red Bull Ring via TV and online though. After months without any major international sport events, all eyes will be on Austria.
SHOW EVENTS
Riedel and RRN Deliver Remote Mastering Service for Live-Streamed Peter Maffay Concert
The special acoustic concert, which took place on April 13 (Easter Monday), was mixed on location by Werner Schmidl and, using RRN's Remote Mixing facility, mastered remotely by Peter Brandt from Studio Boecker in Cologne. Both locations were connected through the Riedel Remote Operations Center (ROC) in Wuppertal, which served as the communications and signal transmission hub of the operation. From there, ROC engineers monitored communications, remotely configured all signals, and transmitted all audio streams between venue and studio. This method of communication and audio transmission was jointly developed by Riedel and Remote Music Productions, a subsidiary of RRN, and is setting standards for the production of high-quality, environmentally friendly, and cost-effective audio transmissions.
Dynamic lighting system under Obsidian control continues high standards at top Russian cultural institution
Irkutsk boasts an impressive number of theatres and Irkutsk Academic Drama Theatre of N.P. Okhlopkov, the oldest theatre in Eastern Siberia and the cultural hub of the region, epitomizes that artistic vitality. Founded in 1850 and currently celebrating 170 years as a cultural institution, the theatre recently worked with Light Power Design (LPD) to upgrade its stage lighting to a state-of-the-art automated lighting system from Elation Professional with lighting control consoles from Obsidian Control Systems. Irkutsk Academic Drama Theatre has a tradition of high technical excellence and the theatre nurtures a new generation of theatregoers by constantly searching for a more modern means of communication with its audience. To that end, the possibilities inherent in visuals that are more dynamic were essential and provided the impetus for LPD to undertake a full modernization of the theatre’s lighting system.
Robe for Melodifestivalen 2020
For the first time in its 64-year history, the 2020 Eurovision Song Contest (ESC) due to be staged in May in Rotterdam, the Netherlands, was cancelled due to the coronavirus pandemic, and all 41 qualifying countries have been invited back – same time and place – in 2021 with the same artists … who will be singing different songs! No-one takes Eurovision more seriously than Sweden, one of the countries which has done consistently well since its 1958 debut, winning six times, most famously with Abba’s “Waterloo” and most recently in 2015! Since 1959, the Swedish entry each year has been chosen via an annual televised talent competition, known since 1967 as the ‘Melodifestivalen’, organised by public broadcasters Sveriges Television (SVT) and Sveriges Radio (SR).
2020 Grammy Awards Marks First Major Telecast With Large-Scale Deployment of Claypaky Xtylos Fixtures
In addition, 118 Claypaky Mythos 2 fixtures were part of the main set rig and the dish stage at the Staples Center in Los Angeles. PRG was the lighting vendor. The show’s Creative Producer Raj Kapoor asked the lighting designers for a lighting installation that would separate Shelton and Stefani from the band and enfold them as they performed the romantic ballad. “Raj was looking for lighting as architecture to surround the duo,” says Mitz. “We first thought of Mythos 2, but when we realized Xtylos would be available we made the switch.”
PRODUCTS
AJA Announces Ki Pro Ultra 12G
“Demand for 12G-SDI solutions is soaring as production professionals strive to create more streamlined workflows with enough bandwidth to carry higher fidelity HDR, high frame rate and 4K/UltraHD signals over a single cable,” said Nick Rashby, President, AJA Video Systems. “Building upon the same framework of the production-proven Ki Pro Ultra Plus, we’ve developed the next-generation Ki Pro Ultra 12G to offer recording and playback of the highest quality video signals with 12G-SDI connectivity to streamline recording and playback – whether on set, in live venues or within a broadcast studio.”
Creating hybrid infrastructures with G&D’s brandnew RemoteAccess-CPU
The new modules establish a connection between matrix systems and computers or virtual machines, which can be remotely accessed via network protocols (RDP, VNC, and SSH). This way, hybrid systems with real and virtual computer infrastructure can be optimally implemented. The RemoteAccess-CPU supports video resolutions up to 2560 × 1600 @ 60 Hz (or 3840 × 2160 @ 30 Hz) as well as USB HID and embedded audio. After appropriate configuration, users can access any number of virtual sources and computers accessible via network protocols directly via KVM matrix system – uniformly and exactly as producers would access computers under their desk. Via G&D's KVM system, multiple operators can use the same RemoteAccess-CPU to simultaneously connect to and operate the same virtual machine.
Viz Multiplay 3 brings unprecedented production power to on-air studio
The new ‘Superchannel’ functionality permits a full range of transitions between any type of media on every screen controlled, including clips, live feeds, graphics and images through an A/B workflow with two sub players per Superchannel. This provides more accurate and synchronized playout with no concern that certain combinations will not work. Broadcasters can use multiple transitions between presets and employ fully modifiable custom transitions not limited to one basic effect. Playout control has been significantly simplified in order to reduce errors and let the director, anchor or journalist focus fully on visual storytelling. At the same time, complex tasks have been moved out of the client-side application resulting in a smoother user experience and improved playout performance.