Bristol University invests in Pyramix

Bristol University’s one-year MA course in Film and Television Production has recently invested in two of Merging Technologies’ television post-specified Pyramix systems from UK Distributor Total Audio Solutions.
Peter Milner, Head of Drama, Theatre, Film and Television at Bristol University, explained their decision: “We were looking for systems that would do three or four major operations seamlessly and with minimal troubleshooting. These are synching of film rushes, auto-conforming using an audio EDL supplied by the picture editor, track-laying and mixing. As regards the latter, though, we usually take the project to an outside dubbing mixer for the final mix, but this adds an extra requirement: the ability to export smoothly to other systems. The fact that there are already a number of Pyramixs in Bristol post-production houses influenced our decision.”
He continued: “We have been particularly impressed by the simplicity and reliability of DS Video and Virtual Transport, the video tool that enables you to run the picture on the 3rd monitor. The editing tools have proved to be delightfully fast and intuitive, particularly importantly when dealing with students, as is the ability to simplify the interface by using templates and adding and deleting tracks. The mixing tools are impressive, and although they are probably far more powerful than anything we are likely to need on our course, they almost inspire you to do something more ambitious.”
The aim of the course is to give the students a basic sense of orientation in the film and TV industry, without necessarily developing specialist skills. However, in the second term they pursue optional units, one of which is in sound recording and post-production. At the end of the overall course they make up to half a dozen collaborative projects, usually of about 10 minutes duration, all of which require a reasonable degree of sophistication in the audio post. Currently most major projects at the university are still shot on 16mm film, so that synching of rushes is a vital part of the process.
The Total Audio Solutions team provided training and installation of the Pyramix systems. Business Manager Paul Mortimer added “Educational establishments across the UK are recognizing the importance of Pyramix in commercial audio post and equipping their students accordingly in preparation for their future careers.” The systems supplied are configured for post production audio, with integrated non linear video playback, 9-pin 422, full editing and mixing including the Dual Analogue and AES/EBU i/o card and Interchange options such as OMF and AAF.
(GB)