UK-based broadcast equipment and systems rental specialist, Presteigne Charter, has bought a top-end Grass Valley Kayenne Video Production Center switcher for big live events, writes David Fox.
The Kayenne has already been booked for exclusive use at the 2012 Olympics in London.
“This is the beginning of our upgrading from five Kalypso switchers to the Kayenne,” said Mike Ransome, CEO of Presteigne Charter.
“The Kayenne is a very powerful, large mixer with multiple inputs and it is just what our customers want, particularly those based in the US. Grass Valley has created an excellent product that is well designed, has an intuitive and easy to use layout combined with very advanced technology. We are really excited about being able to supply this product to our customers.”
Presteigne Charter has about £40 million invested in broadcast equipment for its hire business, develops its own systems, such as its MiniCam HD miniature camera system, and has offices in London, Manchester, Köln, Munich, Hilversum and Singapore.
The Kayenne range is claimed to offer “the highest levels of video processing power available” with up to 30 keyers and 20 DPM effects channels in a 4.5 M/E system. The modular production switchers are available with 1.5 to 4.5 M/Es.
It also has DoubleTake split M/E technology that effectively increases the available M/Es to ten. The modular control panel is designed for easy expansion and service. Each source select and aux bus module has two rows of OLED source name displays that provide clear text with wide viewing angles.
“Grass Valley production switchers are the first choice for many broadcasters around the world, due to their massive creative power and their interface is familiar to many operators, staff, and freelancers,” said Alan Wright, Grass Valley Senior VP, EMEA. “The Kayenne Video Production Center has been developed based on customers’ need for more power and flexibility from their switchers.”
