Lyon Video Selects Sigma for New HD Truck
Lyon Video, a video, film, and mobile-production service located in Columbus, Ohio, has selected a Calrec Sigma audio console for its new HD outside broadcast (OB) truck, the sixth in the Lyon fleet.
The new 53-foot expansion truck represents a significant step forward for Lyon because its HD audio and video facilities will allow them to remain on the forefront of complex productions like the NHL Stanley Cup Playoffs, Major League Baseball, and NBA divisional championships.
“At a big event, the network steps up coverage — they put out half as many mics so you can hear the squeaks in the floor and the players hollering directives at each other,” said Chad Snyder, account manager for Lyon Video. “Naturally, the networks also expect more from their mobile unit. It’s a huge feat for the audio guy, and for the console. The Calrec Sigma can handle it.”
Lyon Video’s latest Sigma console will be the fourth Calrec console the company has deployed. The new truck will be equipped for all digital sound — from origination to broadcast. This makes for optimal sound quality because with no analog amplification, noise is not introduced into the signal.
Calrec Sigma consoles have 320 channel processing paths packaged as 108 stereo and 104 mono channels, allowing up to 52 x 5.1 surround channels. Also standard are eight mono, stereo, or 5.1 surround groups and four main program or 5.1 stereo surround outputs. Lyon Video’s board includes 64 faders in a 85.6 inch (2,172 millimeter) wide frame.
At the heart of the Sigma console is Bluefin® high-density signal processing, Calrec’s unique technology based on the innovative use of FPGA chips. With Bluefin, the Sigma board packs all its performance on one card, saving space and power while enhancing durability, both of which make it particularly useful in an OB unit. Another plus the Sigma offers is its familiar and intuitive operation — imperative for a system in a truck application used by many different people.
Lyon Video owner Bob Lyon, who founded the company 21 years ago, appreciates Calrec for one additional reason: service. “If you order a board from Calrec, it arrives a day early,” he said. “If you have a question, it’s answered almost before you ask. From factory to shipping to the distributor level — Calrec service is unparalleled.”
