French broadcasting Grand Slam for Quantel's new generation systems

The latest generation Quantel technology has been adopted by all five of France’s free terrestrial channels as a key component in their transition to multi-format, multi-resolution and HD production and broadcasting.
Quantel's France Country Manager, Michel Lepretre, said: “What makes these wins particularly gratifying for us, is that we were chosen after very rigorous technical tests and trial runs. Broadcasters are particularly demanding, especially when it comes to live or close-to-air programmes. Quantel’s legendary reliability, speed and intuitive ergonomics really made the difference.”
The first French broadcaster to adopt Quantel’s new equipment was the public-service network France 3, which acquired an HD/multi-resolution Paintbox gQ for use in news production and close-to-air applications.
The second broadcaster to choose Quantel new generation equipment was Arte, the Franco-German cultural channel, which also opted for the multi-resolution Paintbox gQ last summer. Arte is a very arts-oriented channel, comparable to Channel 4 in the UK or PBS in the US, and the quality of its graphics allows it to enhance its image, well beyond its budgetary means. The Paintbox is used a great deal for what are known as Arte’s “Thema” evenings, an omnibus string of programmes on a specific theme, all shown on a given day.
Third up was M6, France’s youth-oriented generalist terrestrial broadcaster, was next to purchase new Quantel technology. M6 opted for an eQ for their on-air promotions and station ID department, and to develop their transition to HD. The broadcaster is known for its snappy graphics and rapid-fire editing style, has always been an early adopter of Quantel equipment and the eQ was chosen for its versatility and ability to integrate multiple image sources.
The fourth was private channel TF1, France’s (and Europe’s) leading free terrestrial broadcaster, which ordered a series of new systems in November 2004, including two Paintbox gQs and three QPaintbox software packages for off-line work. TF1 will use its Paintbox systems as the core of its graphics creation department for its news operations.
Fifth in the Grand Slam, France 2, France’s leading public broadcaster ordered a Paintbox in December for use in its news programmes and other close-to-air applications.
Quantel, www.quantel.com
(SP)