Wisconsin Public Television upgrades with Calrec Zeta

Wisconsin Public Television (WPT) has installed a Calrec
Audio Zeta console and a Hydra networking system as part of a digital upgrade
of its facilities in
Madison,
Wis. The installation exemplifies
the benefits afforded to a regional broadcaster by the Calrec Zeta, a
cost-effective, powerful, and resilient audio desk.

“We know we are not a large purchaser in the scheme of things,” said Curt Sorensen,
audio engineer at WPT. “In fact, our budget was too small for a couple of
companies. But the Zeta does everything we hoped for and more. For a reasonable
investment, we are getting Calrec’s renowned quality, the same as the large
commercial broadcasters enjoy.” Sorensen added that beyond Calrec’s reputation
and the Zeta’s features, what clinched the deal for him was “the quality of the
people at Calrec and their
New York
distributor, Studio Consultants Inc.”

WPT also values its new 32-fader Zeta for the resilience afforded by an operating
system in which all hardware components are backed by redundant spares while
the control surface functions independently of the PC once setup has been
accomplished.

The Calrec console is currently at work in a temporary space, awaiting renovation
of its permanent home. Eventually, the console will be used in two HD studios
linked by the Hydra network, which also adds I/O capacity. The capabilities of
the Zeta will simplify production of locally produced digital programming,
including “The 30-Minute Music Hour” on the broadcaster’s new digital Wisconsin
Channel. WPT receives some government support and also boasts among the highest
per-viewer fundraising success of

any PBS affiliate. Nonetheless, pennies count, and the durability of the Zeta
desk, as well as Calrec’s ongoing support for its products, will be critical to
operational success.

Besides music, WPT produces weekly news and public affairs programs, documentaries,
sports, and political and community events.

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