Scottish TV Upgrade to Digital with Zeta
SMG has ordered two 32 fader Zeta consoles to equip both studios in Scottish TV’s brand new Pacific Quay studio complex in Glasgow.
The two 32 fader desks will be installed into Studios 1 and 2 of the state-of-the-art complex. Studio 1 is for regional news and sport, broadcasting two hours of live TV every day. Studio 2 is for SMG’s Setanta contract, consisting of Rangers and Celtic TV (2 x 30mins daily programming) and live football every Sunday.
The sale follows the installation of a 48 fader Zeta into SMG’s OB Unit 1 in October 2005. The truck, owned and operated by SMG’s facility arm Broadcast & Event solutions, represented the broadcaster’s first excursion into digital mixing. It is used exclusively for Setanta live football.
"The existing Calrec Q in the truck was in need of replacement, and the operators like using Calrec consoles," says SMG Technical Manager Gary Welsh. "When it came down to the new sound desks it was a simple decision. Once we saw the Zeta we knew it was the one to buy."
It is a sentiment echoed by SMG Senior Sound Supervisor Robert Stephen:
"The Calrec Zeta console was the natural successor," he says."Since installation in the truck, the console has admirably serviced the Setanta SPL Football contract and been involved in many other types of programme from awards ceremonies to rock concerts.
"At Pacific Quay the Zeta's extensive GPI interface is ideally suited to the demands of automated news coverage and having continuity of control surface across the broadcasting divisions means that operators can be deployed throughout the business with confidence.
"Ease of operation and flexibility are the main benefits of the Zeta's architecture with operators being able to get to grips with the control surface in a very short space of time.
"In addition to the audio integrity associated with all Calrec consoles, key features include the rock solid dynamics available to all channels, an important consideration when space is an issue and the in-console LCD metering allows a lot of information to be displayed in a readable way. "
