Sky has chosen HHB Communications to provide audio equipment for the broadcaster’s multi-million pound new production facility, Sky Studios, based in Isleworth, West London.
In addition to staging critical listening evaluations and ultimately supplying no less than 370 Genelec monitors, HHB has also brought its expertise in broadcast audio production to bear on the production chain, working alongside the Sky engineering team and systems integrators to help supply the ‘audio glue’ necessary to ensure efficient workflow throughout the facility.
Integrated multi-format 3G/HD-SDI video monitoring and audio de-embedding alongside loudness metering, Dolby and SMPTE2020 metadata analysis comes courtesy of 98 Wohler AMP2-16V-3G rackmounting devices, part of a total complement of more than 200 Wohler boxes employed within the building.
Consistent with BSkyB’s commitment to HD and 3D pictures coupled with surround sound and stereo compatible audio, the sound control rooms are equipped with 5.1 Dynaudio loudspeaker systems and include digital audio processing tools from Cedar, Dolby, Soundfield and TC Electronic.
HHB has supplied BSkyB with audio equipment throughout the broadcaster’s 20-year history.
“Martin O’Donnell and the team at HHB have over the years provided a service second to none,” commented BSkyB’s Senior Manager of Audio Vaughan Rogers. “But HHB is far more than just a supplier – after sales service and support are equally important to us. If we have any problems, HHB has an expert who will have the answer to most of them.”
Speaking on behalf of HHB, Director of Sales Martin O’Donnell said: “Sky Studios is one of the most advanced TV production facilities in the world, and it’s also one of the most sustainable, with energy conservation at the heart of its design. We’re delighted to have played a role in such an ambitious and rewarding project.”
