WBAL-TV, a Hearst-Argyle station and NBC affiliate serving the Baltimore area, has incorporated two DNF Controls Universal Switch Panel (USP) systems into its new HD production facility for control for the station’s delay box.
The USP-8 units give WBAL-TV staff a clear, hands-on means of controlling delay when profanity or other undesirable audio or video content arises during a live broadcast. The units use IP-based controls.
The USP-8 is a panel of eight multipurpose, configurable push-button switches, each of which features a backlit LCD display capable of displaying red, green and amber colors, flashing or solid. The lights display on and off text legends and indicate tally status. They emulate the operation of mechanical push-buttons while adding a high degree of flexibility and application-specific functionality not available in conventional push-button panels.
The two units installed at WBAL-TV are situated to either side of the switcher and multiviewer wall. Because the two boxes are wired in parallel, they mimic one another; Ethernet support enables the interconnection of multiple units so that the push of a local USP button can control USP switch closure on a second unit. The system’s backlit switch faces provide convenient information about control status while enabling users to trigger video, audio dubbing, or delay mode with just one button press.
For more information, visit www.dnfcontrols.com.
