Zeta 100 Enters UK Arena
Arena Television Ltd in Surrey has installed the first Zeta 100 sold in the UK .
The console, configured as 40 mono and 16 stereo channels, replaces an analogue console as part of a complete refit of Arena's OB Unit 5. The truck will be used nationwide and has already been booked for it's first job - ITV's Celebrity Fit Club.
"There was a mixed reaction to the choice of the Zeta, mainly due to it being a digital console," says Arena Sound Supervisor Mark Cattell.
"However, the feedback has been very positive and the Zeta has coped with all the tasks it has been set. The console has been set up as a basic demonstration rig so that freelance operators can come in and learn the basic operation.and I am pleased that within a couple of hours an operator can be up to speed on the fundamentals."
This desk complements a 48-channel analogue Calrec C2 console in Arena's larger 16-camera truck, Unit 6.
"The decision to opt for the Zeta was due to the extra flexibility offered by going digital. Using AES for internal VTR and grams machines frees up more analogue I/O ports and there are more channels available on the control surface. It also gives the flexibility to move groups, stereo and mono paths as required.
"The Track Sends are probably the biggest advantage over the C2, not just for multi-tracks and VT iso feeds, but also for additional program mix-minus feeds for earpieces and fold-back."
The installation has been carried out by broadcast audio specialist Andy Unsworth, who was adamant that Arena should make the move into digital audio.
"I think attitudes towards digital consoles are changing," says Andy. "People are seeing that the new generation of professional digital broadcast consoles are more reliable, user friendly and work well in an OB environment. People are now talking about the possibilities of digital consoles rather than just dismissing the idea straight off.
"I specified digital over analogue for several reasons. The assignability of a digital console is ideally suited to an OB truck, and physically we have been able to create a more open feel to the sound area, even with a 40 fader chassis. Flexibility is also an issue, and installation costs for a digital console are considerably less than an analogue equivalent.
"There are several features which differentiate the Zeta from other digital desks - there is no shared processing, so all functions are available on every channel at all times. Also, the fact that the PC is only used for control and is not part of the console architecture is very reassuring."
Arena Television operates one of the UK's largest independent OB Fleets as well as offering de-rig, microwave link and other television facilities. The company is used to helping Calrec achieve significant landmarks- it bought the 50 th C2 back in 2001!
The installation brings the global total of Zeta consoles to 11.
Contact Arena on + 44 (0) 1737
822011.
Andy Unsworth Broadcast Services can be reached on +44 (0)7866 447487.
