EXCLUSIVE - The Pinewood Shepperton group has increased its high definition video capability with the installation of four VCube systems for dubbing theatres at both studio sites, writes Kevin Hilton.

The X Factor has come out of the Auto-Tune row with an even higher media profile but the whole affair obscures the fact that pitch-changing technology is now as much an established tool in TV post-production as it is in music recording, writes Kevin Hilton.

NEP Visions' new 3G high definition 5.1 OB units get their official launch in London today (2nd September), writes Kevin Hilton.

Organisations representing the programme makers and special events (PMSE) sector have given Ofcom’s final arrangements for compensating wireless equipment users operating in channel 69 a lukewarm reception, writes Kevin Hilton.

Avid took its first steps as a broadcast and professional audio company this week (17th August) by announcing new interfaces for the Pro Tools HD Series, writes Kevin Hilton.

PluralEyes, the audio-video synchronisation software package launched at the end of last year for film and video makers working without time code, is now available for Adobe Premiere Pro users, writes Kevin Hilton.

German research institute Fraunhofer has developed technology that allows small-scale, low bitrate video services to be carried in Digital Radio Mondiale (DRM) signals, writes Kevin Hilton.

UK manufacturer Trilogy Broadcast is aiming to push audio over IP further than ever by launching a second generation IP-based intercom system at this year's IBC, writes Kevin Hilton.

Horse racing television facilities company RaceTech has ordered three HD OB trucks from systems integration company Megahertz (MHz). Each will house a Yamaha DM1000 digital audio console, with space for a second desk to be installed, writes Kevin Hilton.

The already tortuous process of preparing for the reallocation of spectrum caused by the Digital Television Switchover in the UK took yet more twists in the last few days, writes Kevin Hilton.

UK commercial broadcaster Five launched its high definition service on 13th July, with programmes prepared for transmission at content management facility itfc, writes Kevin Hilton.

Austrian public broadcaster ORF has installed 14 new compact mixers at its regional radio broadcast centre in Linz, in the north of the country, writes Kevin Hilton.

EXCLUSIVE - London post-production house Factory Studios has opened a new 5.1 surround sound mixing suite, the first Dolby certified room in the UK to feature Focal audio monitors, writes Kevin Hilton.

The 2010 BBC Proms season begins next week (16th July), continuing the 115-year old tradition of offering a wide and varied range of music. Making its debut this year is BBC Radio Resource's Sound 3 mobile studio, equipped with a Stagetec Aurus digital console.

Outside broadcast and services group NEP UK has expanded its ranges of facilities by buying the assets of Welsh media operation Barcud Derwen, which went into administration in June, writes Kevin Hilton.

The EBU working group on loudness is close to a breakthrough in its work on consistency of audio levels between different types of programme material, writes Kevin Hilton.

The Glastonbury Festival marks its 40th anniversary this year, with the live music and celebrations carried across BBC radio and television, writes Kevin Hilton.

French music station Radio NRJ has expanded its technical operations by adding to a routing system installed in 1995, writes Kevin Hilton.

The 2010 FIFA World Cup, which begins in South Africa tomorrow (11 June), will be broadcast internationally in high definition with 5.1 or stereo sound, writes Kevin Hilton.

The BBC will launch a high definition version of its main TV channel this autumn, with "some programmes" in 5.1 surround sound from the beginning, writes Kevin Hilton.

Football commentators come in for a lot of criticism, usually because of their inane or inaccurate observations, but in Austria detailed audio descriptions are ensuring that visually impaired fans get to experience all the action, as Kevin Hilton reports.

A needle kicking away against an arc of graduated numerals as a voice speaks to the nation is a potent image of broadcasting and one that sustains even in the digital age. The old fashioned mechanical analogue audio meter is still with us but, as Kevin Hilton reports, the PPM's future is looking less certain.

Bow Tie Television broadcasts songs via satellite from Crowded House's recent HMV Apollo to popular Australian TV show Hey Hey It's Saturday, writes Paul Watson.

Digital radio has had a good few weeks on the face of it, but, as Kevin Hilton reports, public support is still in short supply and the problems that have dogged the technology over the years have not gone away.

Sometimes the world changes without people realising - until the fact is pointed out to them. The announcement by Calrec Audio that it is discontinuing production of analogue consoles confirms what has been happening over the past five years, that digital has overcome all the technical and operational objections to become the mixing technology of choice. Kevin Hilton reports.

Technology has allowed higher and higher sound levels to be produced at better and better quality over the past 20 years but more recently there has been a realisation of what this can do to people's hearing. The European Commission acted on this in 2003 by issuing a Directive to harmonise noise control legislation across Europe, which led employers in broadcasting, live music and industry to consider how to protect both staff and the public. In broadcasting, limiter circuits on headphones have been a first line of defence but, as Kevin Hilton reports, a new approach is being taken for location filming.

They're everywhere - at cricket grounds, football stadia, conference venues, theatres, local arts centres or just generally slogging up and down motorways - and, as Kevin Hilton reports, there looks like no stopping the growing number of high definition outside broadcast trucks. This perception is confirmed by figures in the latest edition of the HD OB Van Directory, which details 42 new vehicles across the Europe, Middle East and Africa region.

Today's incarnation of stereoscopic 3D, currently sweeping cinemas and pubs, with the living room the next to succumb is all about the look. Not just the extra dimensional images but polarized glasses, screens and now the new breed of plasma TV sets. But audio has not been left behind. Sound for 3D is being discussed and researched seriously, although quite what it will be is unclear right now. What we do know is that 5.1 is linked to 3D, just as it is for 2D high definition. Kevin Hilton investigates the options.

Spot effect and music play-in systems

What is it? An audio playback package with a full-screen interface, said to combine ease of use and sufficient flexibility for any broadcast application.   Details HotShot can be used...

What is it ? The latest version of BSI’s software cart machine for broadcast applications.   Details Incorporating 24 HotKeys, WaveCart 4.0 displays up to ten on-screen...

What is it? A suite of tools designed to help journalists gather and prepare news stories and audio, use them to create coherent bulletins and then deliver them live on air to broadcast stations...

What is it? A real-time audio playback application which allows a computer to become a “multi-faceted” cart machine for broadcast applications.   Details SpotOn offers...

What is it? A two-way passive near-field monitor designed as a replacement for the BBC LS3/5a in broadcast, OB and desktop editing applications.   Details Said to be used widely at the...

What is it? An active 2-way near-field monitor designed for ‘easy integration’ into broadcast, music production and post-production facilities.   Details Part of the Focal...

What is it? An updated, active version of the original Reveal near-field monitor for use in broadcast, post-production and recording facilities.   Details The Reveal 601A’s...

What is it? A compact, bi-amplified monitor for use in broadcast and TV control rooms and mobile production vehicles.   Details The 8040A’s aluminium enclosure houses dual 90W...

What is it? A successor to the A7 active near-field monitor employing an X-ART tweeter in place of the original ART unit.   Details Adam describes the changes made to the original A7...

What is it? A HD digital broadcast console incorporating a fully user-configurable control surface and Calrec’s second-generation Bluefin2.   Details Bluefin2 uses FPGA technology...

What is it? An HD digital desk based on a modular design allowing it to convert easily from broadcast production to surround studio roles.   Details With a freely-configurable control...

What is it? A digital mixing console for broadcast and live production available in a choice of standard frame sizes, from 32 to 72 faders and configurable to suit individual needs using input...

What is it? A digital mixing system designed specifically for on-air and live-to-tape broadcast applications.   Details System 5B offers a modular control surface with channel strips and...

What is it? A digital mixing system comprising a main console and separate audio processor – the Nexus Star. Details Aurus systems are available in a wide variety of flexible...

What is it? A cardioid digital recording microphone with line input. Details The FlashMic DRM85-CLI combines a studio-quality cardioid Sennheiser condenser capsule with a broadcast-quality 1GB...

What is it? Mayah’s second-generation, portable recorder with the ability to simultaneously record and transmit audio back to the studio. Details Flashman II records to SD Cards and USB...

What is it? A hand-held digital recorder offering (up to) 24-bit/96kHz linear PCM recording to SD or SDHC memory cards. Details With a choice of 44.1kHz or 48kHz sample rates and the ability to...

What is it? An ultra-slim digital recorder offering 16-bit 44.1kHz PCM recording to internal 2GB memory. Details Weighing only 49g, the Pocketrak 2G is 13mm thick and designed to fit...

What is it? A 4-channel digital recorder using SD or SDHC memory cards and incorporating built-in X/Y stereo microphones. Details The H4n is said to be the only handheld recorder offering...