(click thumbnail)Peter HarrisonQ. What broad technology trends do you think will be front-and-centre at IBC2008?
In audio, we have seen an increased demand for station automation over the last few years, which is impacting how other station equipment interfaces with audio consoles. Increasingly it is more important to look at how consoles can simplify workflow procedures, and reduce costs. For example, while big productions will always require an audio engineer to operate the console, there are also times when an entire control room is run by a single operator, such as on late-night news bulletins.
Networking of console systems are proving increasingly popular with our customers. Efficient networking of multi-console studios has enormous benefits on installation times, costs, future maintenance, and ultimately, flexibility.
Q. What’s new that you will show at IBC2008 and that broadcasters should look for there?
At IBC2008 Calrec will launch a Flypack option for the Zeta and award-winning Omega with Bluefin consoles. The desk uses military spec connectors to ensure fast, reliable and rugged connectivity. The Flypack option offers highly adaptable solutions to OB requirements without unnecessary expenditure. It is extremely flexible and provides high-end broadcast facilities in otherwise impenetrable locations. It is designed to be used in places where a mobile truck either cannot get to or overseas where it is prohibitively expensive to ship a truck.
Q. How is your new product offering different from what’s available on the market?
Calrec’s Flypack option can be offered with or without a flight case, which gives our customers the opportunity to custom fit their cases with other supplementary equipment, or take advantage of Calrec’s robust package. Calrec’s standard Flypack enables all DSP, power supplies and I/O interfacing to be housed in a compact double rack, which allows the control surface to be mounted on top. Thanks to Calrec’s industry-leading fader density, this enables more faders in a smaller space, with all control systems contained within.
Q. Where are you based, and how many employees do you have? Anything else we should know about your company?
Calrec is based in Hebden Bridge, West Yorkshire. In August 2007, the company was acquired by D&M Holdings Inc., which owns the Denon, Marantz, Allen and Heath, McIntosh, Boston Acoustics, Snell, D&M Professional, Denon DJ, D&M PSS and Escient brands.
The D&M Holdings portfolio consists of top companies in the premium and super premium audio and video consumer and professional markets. From the emerging entertainment-driven home networking market to the flourishing home theater and custom-installation markets, D&M brands are renowned for quality, technological innovation and performance.
Q. How many years have you been going to the IBC show and what’s your fondest memory? What’s your favorite restaurant or pub?
I’ve been visiting the IBC show since its days in Brighton. One of Amsterdam’s highlights has to be a visit to De Oude Kerk in Ouderkersplein. This is not so much for the nearby area’s well-illuminated window displays, but because it is the home of Vater-Müller organ, played just before and into the 17th century by Sweelinck and a major concert venue to this day. One does have to be careful not to trip over the bronze sculpture inlaid in the pavement just outside the church door!
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