LNN adopt Sony Broadcast server-based production

Sony Broadcast & Professional UK have been partnering regional newscaster, London News Network (LNN) on a key strategic newsroom project for the past 14 months.
The project saw the LNN newsroom at the London TV Centre migrate from an analogue tape-based production platform based on Betacam SP with automated play-out from a Sony Betacart to a widescreen digital environment using Betacam SX digital tape machines for five edit suites and the installed Sony NewsBase server-based production system.
Now fully commissioned, the new production system is used to acquire and edit daily London regional news programmes for GMTV, Carlton and London Weekend Television (LWT) and produce factual programmes for sale on the open market.
“The adoption of a digital format for production improves picture quality and the implementation of a server-based system for material handling enables easier re-purposing of content,” said Geoff Love, Controller of Technology at LNN.
"This results in a fresher and cleaner look, by the use of newer content throughout the day.”
This infrastructure upgrade project marks a major evolution in LNN’s operation. As well as implementing the Sony Newsbase server system, the newscaster has replaced its analogue camcorders with 15 Betacam SX DNW-9WSP widescreen switchable camcorders.
In addition, five widescreen BVP-570 triax studio cameras have been installed in LNN’s news studio.
Also included in NewsBase is ClipEdit – a multimedia tool that provides access to server content to a number of desktop workstations for browse or edit activities. Using Sony ClipEdit, LNN journalists have access to rushes and news feeds as they are recorded into the system. They can also view the video content associated with any rundown and can post their own edited material directly into the playlist.
Video browsing is facilitated through ClipEdit by replicating server content at a lower resolution and distributing it to journalists' desks. The NewsBase system integrates ClipEdit alongside the chosen LNN newsroom computer, Avid iNews.
“The new digital production environment benefits from the loss-less manipulation of picture and sound, giving cleaner, sharper results when compared to the analogue environment, and it allows us to completely eliminate PAL from the Production and Transmission system,” said Mr Love.
LNN investigated a number of server solutions before selecting Sony NewsBase.
“Avid iNews is our preferred newsroom computer supplier and the close relationship between the two manufacturers enables their respective systems to work together harmoniously,” Mr Love said.
Sony Broadcast & Professional UK, www.sony.com
(GMcG)