QVC upgrades studio, remote operations with HD cameras, switchers, lenses

Multimedia retailer QVC is upgrading its broadcast operations to HD technology with Sony cameras and switchers and Canon lenses.

The network will install 40 Sony HDC-1500 HD multiformat studio cameras and three MVS-8000A production switchers in its Studio Park facility in West Chester, PA, in late spring.

The 165,000sq-ft broadcast center includes the permanent QVC home, stages for jewelry and fashion, and a hard cyc set for special event programming. The facility also includes four green rooms, three control rooms, seven post-production suites and a 135-seat studio theater, as well as a product preparation area, sets and props, and a mill shop for on-site set fabrication.

Twenty-four of the new Sony HD studio cameras will be robotically controlled. An additional 14 will be used as handhelds and in jib configurations. QVC broadcasts from 30 different locations throughout the interior and exterior of Studio Park via 30mi of coax and 5mi of fiber-optic cables.

The upgrade to HD equipment creates a foundation to continue delivering high-quality programming. QVC has no immediate plans to broadcast in HD, but the upgrade positions the network to be ready when its distributors and customers are.

Additionally, QVC Local is installing eight HDC-1500 HD multiformat studio cameras, an MVS-8000A production switcher and eight Sony PDW-F350 XDCAM HD camcorders in its new mobile production vehicle, which will hit the road this summer.

For more information, visit www.sony.com/broadcast.