ATG Danmon Completes News Studio Systems For Cardiff University

U.K.-based ATG Danmon has finished construction of a full broadcast-quality news studio facility for Cardiff University’s School of Journalism, Media and Cultural Studies. The project coincides with a relocation to new city-center premises situated next to BBC facilities. Cardiff University will use the facility to train the next generation of television, radio, online and printed-media journalists. Herefordshire based CJP Broadcast Service Solutions provided the installation services for the project.

“We were invited to propose a turnkey solution based on an outline specification provided by the university,” explains ATG Danmon Managing Director Russell Peirson-Hagger. “The project comprised a large TV studio and dedicated gallery, a smaller TV studio with its associated gallery, plus a broadcast newsroom. Both galleries connect via SDI to Vizrt media, graphics and automation. Avid iNEWS is also integrated.”

“The system links to a news presentation suite where a remotely controlled camera and two-way video feed allow the newsreader to talk to a newsroom reporter. The systems simulate the functionality and processes of a real broadcast environment, the output being used for academic review.”

“We worked in partnership with CJP and Cardiff University staff to design and integrate a complete solution that kept within the budget and provided the specified level of functionality that is required by the teaching staff. This was successfully achieved before students returned after the summer recess.

Systems designed and installed for the large studio and gallery include studio lighting under control from a DMX console, gallery furniture, vision and audio monitoring with 55-inch displays, two-way gallery/studio communications, wireless presenter talkback and teleprompt.

The new equipment was integrated with existing elements including dual lighting rails, three studio cameras, Vizrt studio automation, a Ross Video vision mixer (previously supplied by ATG Danmon) and Yamaha audio mixing desk.

The smaller of the two TV studios is a single-camera version of the large studio, with similar infrastructure. ATG Danmon provided and integrated a single-rail light support with cabling, Vizrt Opus compact-control-room automation and a Yamaha audio mixing desk.

For the central apparatus room, ATG Danmon recommended and integrated a Ross Video Ultrix router mainframe, Ross glue, Blackmagic OpenGear analog to SDI conversion and Blackmagic Teranex SD/HD/UHD standards conversion. Two-way camera and control system, broadcast-quality monitors and talkbacks were provided, along with all studio to central apparatus room infrastructure cabling.

Among other specific system components were a Blackmagic URSA Broadcast camera with Fuji lens, Blackmagic multiviewer and studio floor monitors, Shure wireless microphones, Blackmagic HyperDeck video recording, Autoscript WinPlus-IP teleprompting, plus Custom Consoles control desks and monitor mounts.

Training in the operation and maintenance of the systems was provided on completion of the project, which also includes warranty and the option of long-term technical support.