Independent Television News (ITN), a major UK-based provider of news programming for a number of broadcasters, relies on a Solid State Logic C10 HD Compact Broadcast Console to deliver content to UK broadcaster Channel 5. The C10 is situated in a custom-designed studio located at the Channel 5 facility on Lower Thames Street. “We were looking for a compact-sized solution that was expandable,” said Steve Luck, senior team leader of broadcast support for ITN. “Looking at the architecture of the C10 and the way the I/O was configured, the C10 was the perfect choice for this application. We additionally thought it was good to continue with the SSL product line through our excellent experience with a classic C100 and a more recent C100 HDS at other locations. Our operators are very familiar with both those consoles, so it just makes things easier for them to move between various locations.” The new facility was put together at the request of Channel 5 management to have the news production studio built in the station’s facility on Lower Thames Street, rather than at the ITN facility on Grays Inn Road, London. The C10 is used to produce full half hour news shows and regular two-minute bulletins. The choice of the C10 was as much about reliability as it was about technical requirements for the programme lineup. “SSL’s support backup is very good,” continues Luck. “We have never had any issues with the way SSL supports its products. They are always very easy to talk to, prompt with answers to questions and are there for us if a crisis arises, and that is a very valuable addition to the purchase. I think there is a trust relationship that has built up over a period of time. Our clients depend on us to deliver high quality content; so dealing with a reliable product from a top-shelf company is a must. SSL fills this bill on all levels.” The installation at the Channel 5 studio was dictated by operation requirements. The console is operated for the most part by a professional audio operator for the major programmes. For the two or three minute updates, the Technical Director (TD), uses a break out, eight-channel fader panel connected to the C10 in an adjacent room.www.solidstatelogic.com
