Media 3 Ltd Opens Production Facility Featuring Broadcast Pix Slate 2100 Live TV Production System

Broadcast
Pix Inc., a provider of integrated live video production systems, recently
installed its Slate 2100 switcher at Media 3 Ltd. A respected live shot
services provider for a host of domestic and international networks and media
organizations, Media 3 Ltd. recently moved into an elegantly appointed 16,000
square-foot facility in midtown

Manhattan.

The
Broadcast Pix Slate 2100 system integrates a production switcher, production
control panel, Inscriber CG, transitional effects, chromakeyer, clip store, and
multi-view monitoring, among other functions, in a single workstation-based
system. The system can be operated with a production switcher-style
control panel or by using a keyboard and mouse interface. The Slate 2100,
installed in early May, now powers Media 3 Ltd’s Studio One.

Since the
installation of the Slate 2100 switcher, Media 3 Ltd offers clients live
production capabilities from a 20-by-30 foot production studio. The space,
called Studio One, is equipped with three Sony HD cameras and linked to an all
digital control room. It’s something CEO Damon Haimoff says he envisioned when
he first saw the unit demonstrated at last year’s NAB convention. “The
integrated virtual monitor wall initially caught our attention. Upon further
examination of all its features, it became clear we could design an entire
control room around this particular piece of equipment for less than other
systems,” explained Haimoff.

Fail-safe
features of the Slate 2100 appealed to Media 3 Ltd as well. With a long history
of providing “must-make-air” live shots, which is approaching the 40,000 mark,
Media 3 knew that any component they added had to be foolproof. “Producers have
come to depend on us for helping them deliver show content. Every time we
facilitate a live shot, our reputation is on the line, it’s something we take
very seriously,” added Haimoff. The Slate 2100’s control panel is connected to
the iBoB “breakout box” with both a network cable and a redundant serial cable.
If the computer or network goes down, the serial control takes over so the
operator can continue switching cameras.

Haimoff
said he compared other systems but failed to find any that fit all aspects of
his company’s needs within a set budget. “We were faced with having to purchase
multiple pieces of equipment,” Haimoff said. “We would have had to spend
hundreds of thousands of dollars to achieve this level of functionality. And it
would have required a long process of technical training and maintenance that
was prohibitive for us.”

Media 3
Ltd. clientele includes media tour companies as well. During a media tour, a
guest will appear on a different local television station 12 to 15 times over
the course of an hour. When the tour is sponsored, clients often request a way
to brand the appearance. The Slate 2100 switcher allows the application of a
“bug” logo or icon along with a lower third, if needed, to identify the
product’s sponsor. Haimoff began fielding requests to use the Broadcast Pix
system even before Studio One was fully integrated.

At Media 3
Ltd., a single operator manages each live shot. Since the Slate 2100 is
designed for the single operator, staff members have made an easy transition.
“The Slate 2100 really is an ideal system for us. Everything we do here is
based on a single operator, so we’re able to easily maintain our staffing
philosophy,” added Haimoff.