WESTWIND MEDIA SELECT SNELL & WILCOX SWITCHERS

TWICKENHAM-based Snell & Wilcox have announced the installation of two HD1010 eight-input high-definition television production switchers for US-based Westwind Media, a high-end post-production facility.
The dual-format switchers, which feature both high-definition and standard-definition electronic frames, are being utilised in the postproduction of television programs such as ‘NYPD Blue’ and ‘City of Angels.’
Both shows are shot on 35 mm film and transferred using the Snell & Wilcox HD1010 switchers in the process. ‘City Of Angels’ is transferred from film to videotape in high definition, while ‘NYPD Blue’ is transferred in standard definition for editing, and the edited negative is then transferred to high definition for network delivery.
Brian Bailey, Director of Engineering for Westwind Media, said: “Both telecine rooms are set up so that operators can select and use either the standard-definition or the high-definition switcher electronics from the control panel as needed. One of the top features of the HD1010 is certainly the ability to network the switchers so that we can send and receive files from within the facility or other parts of the country directly to the switcher. It saves an incredible amount of time and effort for our staff and moves projects along at a much quicker pace.
“Not having to purchase a separate stillstore, which is usually necessary, also makes things easier for us. With the switcher's built-in drives, we have the ability to import and export graphics and shots from our computer systems over the network and directly to the switcher."
The HD1010 is designed to bring powerful and cost-effective high-definition switching to operations where space is at a premium. It has a small footprint control panel and a compact, 5RU mainframe. In telecine applications, the switcher's frame stores and optional colour corrector are ideal tools for colour comparison and correction.
Other available options include powerful integrated DVE capabilities, border generators and chromakeyers. (GB)