One more Eurovision story, highlighting the use of EVS technology at the show where two HD XT[2]+ servers and IPDirector software were used to ingest video files, create playlists and manage the playout of live and recorded content.
NRK was the host broadcaster which was produced in HD from an OB unit equipped with 22 cameras. Two new HD XT[2]+ servers and IPDirector software from EVS were used to ingest video files, create playlists and manage the play out of live and recorded content, including the synchronization of simultaneous play outs. To obtain perfect synchronization of the different graphics, an XT[2]+ server provided synched key and fill play out on two channels with GPI trigging several Vizrt real-time graphics.
When asked why NRK chose to work with EVS technology, Kim Strømstad, one of the two directors responsible for the production, said: “Reliability is extremely important in a production like the Eurovision Song Contest. There are a lot of elements in this production and many tasks that we could have not achieved without the reliability of the EVS solution. Some parts of the production are quite advanced, but the EVS solution got the job done. The solution is fast, stable and flexible, which makes me, as a director, very satisfied”.
Programme feeds were streamed live from the XT[2]+ servers to an XStore[2] storage system, for high-end editing on Final Cut Pro in the Apple ProRes 422 codec. However only hours before the first semi-final, NRK decided on an even faster workflow for the reruns, with editing and the manual play out of clips controlled from the LSM.
“The speed of the XT[2]+ workflow was invaluable during this production”, said Baard Vidar Pettersen, the person responsible for the setup and operation of all EVS equipment during the event. “By editing the reruns with the LSM, we were able to show the actual performance to the viewers, not an edited version from the rehearsals. The control of the LSM is just unique, and I am very pleased with the performance of the EVS solution”.
It is also worth mentioning that a regenerated TC from the IPDirector playlists was used to trigger the comprehensive lightning equipment in the venue. Playout channels from the XT[2]+ servers were also employed for the play out of clips and loops on the big screen in the venue, as well as reruns in the rooms of the singers, so that they could review their performance during the contest.
