London-based TV graphics specialist Moov TV has taken delivery of a FOR-A FVW-500HS video writer. It has already been put through its paces during the live TV production of two major horseracing events and will continue with more race coverage through the summer. Its first outing was at the Welsh National, held at Chepstow in December. Next was the Grand National at Aintree in April. Coming up are the Epsom Derby on 2 June and then Royal Ascot later in the month. After that the video writer will be available for other productions. Moov TV Managing Director Duncan Foot described how the FVW-500HS was chosen. “As we had a very clear brief from the BBC, we knew what was needed and so looked at three or four systems. Some were a lot more sophisticated, and therefore a lot more expensive. We found the FOR-A unit could do what was required and was a lower price than the others. I think it was really the simplicity, it’s very straightforward to operate, and being able to do what was needed that were the big plus points.” Foot continued, “Chepstow was a warm up. The Grand National went to plan and we were extremely pleased with that. A commentator used it during the re-run of the event. There was a live sequence to show where every horse fell, and he operated video writer himself. He had not seen it before getting to Aintree and had about 30 minutes being shown how it works and to become an expert! It was a high profile event. The video writer was obviously reliable and the commentator was very comfortable using it. It was good all round.” The Royal Ascot coverage will see expanded facilities using two FVW-500HS video writers. One will be in the BBC scanner and the other in the weighing room. There a commentator will stand in front of a new large touch-screen user interface that he will be operating for the Derby coverage. www.for-a.com
