SALT LAKE CITY — Oct. 7, 2008 — Utah Scientific today announced that New Century Productions, a leading North American provider of mobile television production facilities, will deploy a UTAH-400 HD routing switcher in its new HD outside broadcast unit, NCP-XI, which is now being built in Pittsburgh.
"This is a set-shoot-strike truck for us, one that will be booked to do six shows in four locations each week," explained Mike Mundt, NCP director of operations. "To survive that kind of schedule, the equipment on the truck has to be trouble-free, and that's why we go to Utah Scientific. The routing switcher is the hub of the operation, and if there's a problem, you have a real mess on your hands. We have found the Utah routers to be incredibly reliable — reliable to the point that you can forget they're there."
As a 10-camera, 53-foot, expanding side trailer that will travel without a support unit, the NCP-XI is smaller and lighter than the other HD trucks in the NCP fleet. Designed to cover regional sports, it represents a step in the evolution of broadcast. HD is no longer limited to the bigger sports and entertainment shows or national broadcasters. This truck is aimed at local and regional broadcasters who have wanted to break in to HD, but have been frustrated by the high cost and lengthy set times that come along with the larger trucks. NCP-XI is scheduled to hit the road in mid-January.
NCP's selection of the UTAH-400 HD router, loaded 224 x 552, incorporates an AES and AA audio router and associated control panels. The UTAH-400 is based on an innovative matrix architecture that greatly reduces system complexity, resulting in a router that is compact and miserly with power consumption. Placed on a busy, fully booked truck, Utah Scientific's control panels are invaluable because they require little programming and are designed to be intuitive and easy to use.
"No router works harder or is jostled around more than a router at the heart of an OB truck," said Tom Harmon, president and CEO of Utah Scientific. "New Century has deployed multiple Utah routers in its trucks and continues to turn to Utah as its operation expands. Broadcasters know they can rely on New Century for outstanding work in a tough environment, and New Century knows it can count on Utah."
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About New Century Productions
New Century Productions is a premier vendor for OB vans and mobile television production facilities in North America. NCP operates a fleet of SDI and HD production trucks providing facilities and equipment for live broadcasts as well as taped, live-to-tape, and post-produced events.
About Utah Scientific, Inc.
Utah Scientific, Inc. is a leading manufacturer of analog, digital, and HDTV routing switchers, master control switchers, and related products including a full range of software for controlling and managing switching systems. The company has been serving the broadcast industry for 30 years with industry-leading products and best-in-class service and support as recognized by Frost & Sullivan with its 2005 Customer Service Leadership Award and demonstrated by the industry's first 10-year warranty. Additional information about the company can be found at www.utahscientific.com.
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