Calrec lands deal with Global Television in Canada
Story Highlights
Canada’s second-largest broadcaster, Global Television network,
has installed
three Calrec Audio Hydra audio networking systems and six Omega
consoles with Bluefin High Density Signal Processing (HDSP) is part of a
major technology upgrade accompanying construction of central news
production centers at Global’s regional facilities in Toronto, Vancouver,
Edmonton, and Calgary.
“The reorganization of news production is giving us the opportunity to
replace legacy equipment with the best state-of-the-art equipment
available,” said Eric Heidendahl, Global director of engineering. “And in
audio, Calrec is simply outstanding.”
As Global began the tender process for new audio equipment, Calrec’s
equipment stood out for flexibility, rigidity, and ease of use. In addition,
Global wanted to use the same consoles as in its outside broadcast (OB)
trucks and its studios. Using the Hydra network, Global is able to connect
audio consoles in the Toronto and Vancouver facilities to several control
rooms, thus simplifying infrastructure and eliminating duplication of
equipment.
Calrec’s Omega console with Bluefin is equipped with 160 mono DSP paths
managed on just one DSP card, providing considerable power in a compact
frame. Omega with Bluefin has 8 x 5.1 surround, stereo, or mono audio
groups’, 20 auxiliary outputs (which can be 20 mono or 10 stereo); and 48
outputs for multitrack or general-purpose feeds. The console also has two
main stereo or 5.1 surround program outputs with full EQ and
compressor/limiter facilities, with full control of the stereo downmix of
the surround main outputs, often necessary when doing simultaneous HD and SD
transmissions.
“Hydra has been successfully adapted worldwide to meet a variety of needs,
from simplifying installation projects to creating
multiple-console/multiple-studio systems that can cater to any eventuality,” said John Gluck, Calrec sales and marketing director. “The Hydra network and Sigma consoles meet Global’s strict requirements and should streamline the network’s broadcast infrastructure for many years to come.”