Systems integrator Advanced Broadcast Solutions completed the installation of an HD production control room (and studio upgrade) over the summer for KTRV-TV in Boise, Idaho (DMA 112). The Boise market — at least up until the recession — was growing rapidly, climbing up from DMA 118 only a year earlier.
Since the new CR went into operation airing SD local news and other programming, the station has been shifting from its traditional analog, tape-based mode to a totally digital tapeless workflow.
When ABS, based in SeaTac, Wash., began work on the new CR in early 2009 under a tight budget allocated by the broadcaster (about $250,000), it advised the Fox affiliate to darken its control room, base it around an analog switcher (Grass Valley 250), and build a new CR in another space within the facility.
ABS said the relatively small available budget had to cover design and installation of new HD cameras, a production switcher, a multi-view monitoring scheme, and digital audio mixer (as well as HVAC and electrical). The new CR today houses Panasonic robotic HD cameras (model AW-HE100) in the studio — and a Broadcast Pix Slate 5016Ghh integrated production system in the control room.
The Slate system includes a 2 M/E production switcher, DVE, Inscriber CG, still store, multi-view, robotic camera control and router (in a single piece of equipment).
Right now most of KTRV’s local programming continues to be transmitted in SD, while a full transition to HD is being readied. Eventually, the old CR will house a new HD master control.
