WSYR Launches Local HD News With JVC Cameras

Newport Television’s ABC affiliate WSYR Syracuse, N.Y. (DMA 82), launched local news broadcasts in high definition using JVC Professional Products Co.’s ProHD cameras both in its studio and for ENG work. The new JVC cameras were part of a major overhaul for the station that included the construction of a new control room, as well as new sets and a revamped studio lighting system in its studio.

WSYR maintains a full schedule of live news and local programming, including six hours on weekdays and two hours of news on Saturday and Sunday. According to chief engineer Craig Riker, the station replaced its aging Philips BTS studio cameras with four JVC GY-HD250Us, three on pedestals and one on a mini-jib. The studio cameras are paired with JVC RM-LP25U ProHD local remote units, which are positioned near the technical director in the control room for easy access during a newscast.

Last June, the station replaced its tape-based Panasonic DVCPRO camcorders with JVC GY-HM700s in the field. Riker said the shoulder-mount form factor and interchangeable lenses were important features for the station’s shooters. “The guys are coming back with better looking video than we’ve ever had,” he added. “We’ve got the best looking field video on air in the market.”

Before the station’s move to HD, ENG footage would be shot in 720p, edited in HD on a Grass Valley EDIUS NLE, and downconverted for air through its Bitcentral Precis news production system. Now, the station maintains a 720p workflow from acquisition through playout.

While the WSYR team was used to tape, Riker said there are no complaints about the station’s new file-based workflow. “JVC’s native file recording has made post production so much more efficient,” he said. The station has even found a use for its old DVCPRO tape cases — station personnel use them to store and manage their SDHC media cards because they are easier to label.

WSYR is the second Newport station in upstate New York to broadcast local news in HD. WHAM, the ABC affiliate in Rochester (DMA 81), made the transition last September, and is also using JVC GY-HM700Us for ENG and GY-HD250Us in the studio.