WCNC Charlotte Adds SSL C10 HD Console

Continuing its move into HD news and live production, Belo-owned NBC affiliate WCNC Charlotte, N.C. (DMA 25), has installed a Solid State Logic C10 HD compact broadcast console to replace an aging analog system.

WCNC is currently originating its productions in 16:9 widescreen standard definition. The addition of the C10 HD to the equipment lineup ensures an easy audio transition into full HD transmission for its recently completed, video screen-based news studio.

“We have one main control room that services the programming we produce live every day, including news programs and a mid-day variety show,” says Jodi Winterton, WCNC broadcast engineer. “When we were told about the C10 HD coming our way, everyone was extremely excited. The console is very intuitive and the ideas behind the technology make sense. In short, the C10 is super easy to use, especially for our second tier engineers; powerful; and the SSL support people are amazing.

”We only had several hours between shows to accomplish the changeover and it went very smoothly,” Winterton says. “One of the amazing things is the ability to use fiber to connect from the mic units to the I/O to the console. How easy is this? When you begin a new production direction with a digital console, there is a degree of work habit hangover from the old ways. Our engineering staff learned the ins and outs of the C10 very quickly and now we don’t know how we ever survived in the past. In working with the C10, you start to realize you have a Ferrari of an audio board on your hands.”