STV, the independent television channel for Scotland, is expanding its local news provision and basing its new output on Ross Video’s OverDrive automated production control system. This is the first implementation of OverDrive in the UK. The system links Ross production switchers with video servers, VTRs, audio mixers, robotic cameras and other production equipment, allowing everything to be automated from a timeline and driven from a touchscreen controller. A MOS interface provides a direct link to ENPS, iNews or other newsroom computer systems, so production elements are placed in the rundown, and changes in the newsroom computer are immediately updated in OverDrive. “Ross has been very supportive of our news expansion plans, and working closely with us during the implementation of this new technology,” said Gary Welsh, operation director at STV. “We are impressed by the technology: OverDrive has definitely delivered the benefits expected.” The introduction of automated news production at STV is part of a growing European trend, according to Ross. The ability of the automation to efficiently produce clean, fast-paced productions will allow STV to create additional content and to increase its acquisition and creation capabilities at the same time.
