Described as a ‘trimedial’ broadcast, Zambo is a multimedia world for children crreated by Swiss television (SF) and radio (SR DRS).
Located among a large complex of radio studios, the technical requirements of the installation presented an ‘almost insurmountable challenge’ in its infrastructure requirements. For installation project manager Thomas Wochner – from broadcast service provider TPC – this ‘trimedial’ task required new technology with the ability to combine workflows for production, studio direction and editing purposes. To accomplish this, a self-operated broadcast system was specified, which handles not only the daily Zambo radio programme, but also remotely-controlled cameras and automated web content feed. At its centre is a Studer OnAir 3000 mixing console.
Since it was also a requirement to keep the workflows streamlined, the mixing desk needed to be operated as simply and intuitively as possible. The programme staff themselves perform many technical procedures, such as shooting and cutting, and the editors plan the content, cut the film, and edit the material. The production workflow is file-based, with an innovative output control to allow both the playout of pre-produced material as well as live footage. The studio cameras are controlled from the radio broadcast control room, making possible live audio-visual streaming to the Internet during the radio broadcast.
Not least because of the high requirements for automation and user ergonomics TPC chose a Studer OnAir 3000 mixing system for use in both studio and control room. The central SCore drives 42 faders – 24 for camera direction and 18 in the self-op studio. In addition to the SCore engine, there are two further sets of Studer I/O Frames, one in the central engine room and the other one in a local studio rack. The Studer Call Management System (CMS) and a DigaSystem Broadcast system have been integrated; for call-ins and telephony infrastructure the Zambo studio infrastructure is networked to the central CMS at Brunnenhofstrasse, which is hub for all SRF’s radio programmes.
All equipment was supplied by Dr WAGünther Audio Systems, the territorial Harman Professional distributor.
More: www.studer.ch
