In Broadcast - August 2021 - 36

36
www.inbroadcast.com | Vol: 11 - Issue 8 | August 2021
InTech
Rail camera systems on
the up and up
With Jeremy Lambert,
Head of Engineering,
Shotoku Broadcast Systems...
R
emote cameras running on tracks
are increasingly common sights,
not only in live stage productions, but
now in permanent studio installations
too. Using tracks allows cameras to
move perfectly smoothly along a
combination of straight and/or curved
paths, regardless of the floor surface
condition. As well as moving along
the track, these systems also provide
elevation and using the stable base
of a track means elevation heights
can often be higher than traditionally
available with studio pedestals.
The ultimate flexibility in a studio
comes with ceiling mounted tracks,
where the cameras can move along the
same complex paths but without any
of the limitations of floor restrictions.
Furthermore, inverted elevation
columns (descenders) provide ceiling
track cameras freedom of movement
that rivals that of a traditional
manually-operated crane.
The key to
getting the maximum
benefit from a track system, floor
or ceiling mounted, is the ability to
choose from a range of elevating or
descending columns to optimize the
space available. Shotoku's SmartRail
system achieves that through no less
than four different column sizes for
floor or ceiling use.
The days where every TV studio was
250m² with an 8m ceiling height are
long gone. Today, major broadcasters
are producing 24/7 national news
programs
from
spaces
more
like
offices. Ceiling height is critical to
any ceiling track system to ensure
minimum and maximum camera
heights are achievable. Shotoku's
unique capability to provide a column
to match a range of studio heights
means that even studios with ceiling
heights under 4m may still be able to
use a SmartRail ceiling system.
Shotoku works with each prospective
client to determine the ideal
configuration for the studio space. If
the ceiling is high and the camera is
required to provide swooping high/
wide shots as well as seated eyelines,
then the market-leading SRCC-103-253
extended length column
with an impressive 1.5m of travel is
an ideal choice. In smaller studios,
however, something more diminutive
like the SR-CC-70-130 that gives a
useful 600mm of travel is a better
fit. Between these is the 'Goldilocks'
option of the SR-CC-85-190 with 1.05m
travel - not too long, not too short. In
addition to these columns which can
work inverted or upright, floor-based
systems have the added option of the
cost effective 750mm range 'hybrid'
elevator based on the highly successful
SmartPed height columns. SmartPed
Shotoku SmartRail ceiling track
installation - descenders are available
from 0.6m (2ft) to 1.5m (5ft)
is Shotoku's fully robotic XY pedestal
found in demanding, high-profile live
TV environments around the globe.
So, whatever shape or size your
studio, there is almost certainly a
SmartRail system to
suit,
providing
amazing camera angles and beautiful
on-air moves from floor to ceiling.
https://www.shotoku.co.uk
2wcom's HDR-CC capture client,
a small box with great impact
n comparison to the simultaneously
distributed analog channel of a
station's program an HD radio channel
offers advantages for broadcasters
like high audio quality or building up
a dialogue with the radio audience due
to " interactive experience " including
iTunes® Tagging, Station Logos, and
more. But the technical set-up of an HD
Radio channel was quite complicated.
The HDR-CC Capture Client eases
configurations not only for the audio
but also for emergency alerts and
moves advantages from the audience
to the operators. The HD Radio
Capture Client (HDR-CC) fits perfectly
with Generation 3 or 4 HD Radio
systems. For a very affordable price,
it can take in one digital or analog
stereo audio channel and provide
it to an Importer. The audio is sent
compressed with an HD Radio codec
via IP. In consequence, the HDR-CC
can be stationed in a different location
than the Importer. Operators and
technicians have access to an HDR-CC
device directly in the studio.
I
single band compressor/declipper and
automatic gain control (AGC). Features
such as a multiband compressor or
limiter are upcoming.
Until now, broadcasters already
operating HD Radio channels or
planning to do so are more than aware,
that fulfilling the demands of the
Federal Communications Commission
(FCC) regarding emergency alerts
is
quite a challenge in technical means.
With 2wcom's HDR-CC Capture Client
complicated audio switching to meet
the requirements for emergency alerts
are history. Because of a new feature
implemented by XPERI into the latest
Generation 4 Importers,
the
The connection to the importer is
established
by
simply
entering
its
IP address in the web interface and
directly connect audio to the small
box's XLR connectors. Power over
Ethernet or external power supplies
are supported to also simplify the
wiring. Revised configuration is
possible via the web user interface
for an easier setup. The capture
client
supports
HTTP/S, FTP, SSH,
NMS, SNMP and Ember+ for remote
management.
Thanks to the HDR-CC's audio over
IP capabilities the device can even
put studio or web radio streams (e.g.
Icecast) directly on-air over one of the
supplemental HD radio channels.
The basic sound processing
capabilities enable to adjust the
loudness of the supplemental
channels. Besides, the device offers a
entire
emergency alert for all supplemental
channels on the transmitter can
be provided by just one HDR-CC. It
requires a setup that just has AES
audio connected to the capture client
as well as a GPI to trigger the alarm.
When the alarm is triggered the HDRCC
logs into the Importer and replaces
all supplemental channels (HD2-HD4)
with the alarm program. After the GPI
is released the HDR-CC logs out and
the Importer continues with normal
operation. https://www.2wcom.com
http://www.inbroadcast.com https://www.shotoku.co.uk/products/smartrail-systems/ http://www.shotoku.co.uk https://www.shotoku.co.uk http://www.2wcom.com http://www.2wcom.com http://www.2wcom.com https://www.2wcom.com
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