Companies Aid HD Programming Plans
By Kristine Garcia
Now that the networks have settled on their respective HDTV formats, ABC and NBC have begun phase two of their move to high definition broadcasting--the creation of HD programming.
In time for a 1998 DTV launch, both networks have begun construction of in-house high definition production and distribution facilities.
ABC, which has committed to the 720p HDTV format, has an agreement with Panasonic's system integration division to construct ABC's HDTV Release Center at the network's headquarters in New York City. Panasonic System Solutions Company (PSSC) will design, build, and equip the Center to serve as the hub for the release and distribution of progressive scan programming to ABC's 10 O&Os and 213 affiliate stations.
Slated for operation this November, the facility will consist of two "play to air" (fully redundant) master control rooms that will allow independent East and West Coast feeds--initially only one room will be operational. Each room will serve as a standalone facility, providing the collective capability to originate two separate program streams or one stream with full backup. Standard definition television (SDTV) programming can be integrated into the HD output by upconverting outputs of the main SDTV plant in NYC directly.
The system is centered around multiple (up to six initially) Panasonic AJ-HD2700 D-5 HD recorders, that incorporate a 720p processor which will be utilized for virtually all HD production, editing and archiving applications.
"By adding the AJ-DFC2000, an HD-to-525 down-converter board with an aspect ratio conversion system, we were able to
utilize NTSC monitors to reduce the cost, while allowing operators to view
letterbox pictures," explained Theodore Radu, senior project engineer on the ABC installation.
He added that the "release-to-air" switcher will be a Tektronix Master 2100HD, while wipes, dissolves and keys will be controlled from the edit system. Logo generation and distribution equipment will be supplied by Leitch.
"All the equipment will be available in 720p, and it can be built as a simple system, for a reasonable cost," Radu said.
In addition, ABC will purchase a variety of Panasonic HD and DTV 16:9 and 4:3 monitors, as well as 720p studio cameras for use in future HD programming origination by the network.
PSSC will also offer ABC O&Os and affiliates turnkey HD station system packages consisting of prepackaged master control AJ-HD2700 D-5 VTRs, and will include a training module. "We are pleased to provide ABC stations with solutions to help facilitate their transition into the HDTV era in the smoothest possible way," commented Warren Allgyer, vice president, PSSC.
ABC has also purchased DVCPRO equipment for evaluation and possible inclusion in the network's long-term acquisition plans.
NBC's HDTV outline, meanwhile, includes a long-term strategic agreement with Sony. As part of this arrangement, Sony's Systems Integration Center (SIC) will begin building a 1080i HDTV facility for The Tonight Show with Jay Leno
. NBC's Burbank facility will use Sony's digital high definition (HDVS) equipment in the The Tonight Show with Jay Leno
studio, in its control room, and in an edit suite.
Once the installation is complete, NBC will produce the show in the digital HD 1920x1080i format using Sony's new HDC-700 and HDC-750 studio cameras, and the HDW-700 camcorder for remote acquisition. The "new" HD control room and edit suite will include Sony HDVS-7000 switchers, HDME-7000 multi-effects systems, HDS-V3232 video routers, HDW-500 VTRs and HDM-series monitors.
"NBC's commitment to the highest resolution 1920x1080 format for HDTV program origination gives the companies an outstanding framework from which we will both help to shape the DTV era," said Charles Steinberg, president of Sony Electronics' Business and Professional Group.
Sony's cameras will enable NBC to shoot The Tonight Show with Jay Leno
in both HDTV and downconverted SDTV simultaneously, providing content which can be viewed by both NTSC and DTV receivers. According to Sony, this approach improves the archival value of productions, something which will grow in importance as the number of DTV receivers increase. This new HD infrastructure will also include high-speed transmission capability for the HD content, a particularly useful feature for the show's considerable international distribution.
Euphonix, Inc. will also be contributing to the Tonight Show's HDTV studio with the installation of a 104 fader CS3000B for live-to-tape and on-air broadcasts.
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