55 INTERFACE BOARDS FOR COLOGNE BROADCAST CENTER (September 2004)

The Cologne Broadcast Center (CBC), a transmission playout facility which broadcasts a number of major German channels, has placed a significant order with Crystal Vision for a range of interface products including 32 SYN102 synchronisers, 19 ViViD124 video delay modules, and four TAD202 tracking audio delay boards.

The order came about because n-tv, a German satellite 24 hour news channel, decided to move its transmission from Berlin to CBC. The equipment will be used to integrate the sophisticated n-tv graphics and presentation systems into the CBC transmission architecture. The ViViD124s will be used to provide a delay for rendering background graphics in virtual studios.

The sale, handled by German distributor SHM, is the first time CBC has bought Crystal Vision equipment. The order was won against tough competition from other manufacturers, with price-sensitivity being vital. After CBC expressed an initial interest in the ViViD video delay modules, they were encouraged by SHM to consider Crystal Vision’s synchronisers and audio delays as well.

The boards will be housed in six Indigo 2 2U frames, and used from two separate locations within CBC’s facilities.