BBC Resources to provide complete multi-format offering

BBC Resources have announced plans at the NAB 2004 conference in Las Vegas to provide a multi-format offering for international broadcasters wanting to do everything from shooting to finishing programmes in either High Definition (HD) or Standard Definition (SD).
The BBC Outside Broadcasts side of the business is investing in a re-furbished multi format truck, which will be SD/HD switchable. This will be added to BBC Post Production’s existing portfolio of HD offerings to provide a complete service.
For the first time, the business will be able to deal with HD programmes every step of the way – from acquisition through to finishing. The move comes in response to the worldwide sales potential for HD output and follows on from recent successes such as BBC Post Production’s first HD drama ‘Every Time You Look At Me’, which aired in the UK on April 14, 2004.
The BBC Outside Broadcast vehicle will incorporate eight Sony HDC-950 multi format HD/SD switchable cameras and HDCU-900 camera control units. These will work in conjunction with a Sony MVS – 8000 Series multi-format production switcher, which again operates in both HD and SD modes. The vehicle will also have four Sony BVM-D24E1 WE multi-format widescreen master control monitors for displaying the highest resolution of HD and SD images.
BBC Outside Broadcasts will use the new multi format vehicle – a refurbishment of its Unit 2 – to capture live and recorded productions in the 1080 – line format. The unit is aimed at both BBC and other broadcasters. It is already scheduled for use by BBC Music and Events on programmes such as the BBC’s flagship religious programme ‘Songs Of Praise’, in SD and should be ready and available for use for ‘The Last Night of the Proms’ in HD.
The new vehicle will complement BBC Post Production’s existing HD kit and will allow programmes to be acquired and post-produced under one roof. BBC Post Production in London already has a Quantel eQ, Spirit Telecine, HD Fire and Alchemist Platinum HD upconverter.
Andy King, Head of Capital Development, BBC Resources comments: “The potential HD and SD market in Europe and worldwide has been the major driver behind building a fully equipped multi format Outside Broadcast vehicle. Broadcasters and programme makers around the world are increasingly looking at the international marketplace for both finished programmes and co-productions and they expect us to deliver to high standards.”
(KmcA)