Professional video production is now seeking lower-cost
equipment that will bring an increase in production
efficiency and a reduction in running costs. OB outfit
CREATV Broadcast is no exception. Chief executive
Alan Yardley is hoping that a new, low-cost DVCAM-
based server will enable his facility to broadcast up to
50 hours of weekly coverage during this year’s Royal
Ascot event.
Using two DSR-DR1000P DVCAM hard disk recorders,
Yardley’s company has the contract to take live feeds
from the race, mix them and show them to thousands of
spectators via Ascot Race Course’s internal TV system.
Yardley explains that the VTR-like server – which has a
capacity of 80 GB (or over six hours) of DVCAM stream
video and four channels of audio – enables quick and
easy handling of footage through random access and
offers simultaneous recording and playback facilities.
CREATV is also taking advantage of the recorder’s
channels of embedded audio by operating a restrictive
radio system from the course with up-to-the minute
news on betting and travel.
Yardley points out that the compact size (7.5 kg) of the
new recorders means that CREATV can easily fit two
recorders into one rack of an OB unit and can be used
to perform tasks normally associated with high-end hard
disk recorders such as the MAV-555. Yardley also oper-
ates Blackburn Rovers’ internal TV system, Rovervision,
and it was the useful functionality of the MAV-555 to
provide instant and perfect slow-motion replays of goals
when playing at their Ewood Park ground in Blackburn
that persuaded him to look towards a more mobile
option for Rovers’ away games.
He says: “The compact size of the recorder was ideal
to fit into a mobile unit and the two units provide similar
functionality to one MAV-555.”
Both the MAV-555 and the DSR-DR1000P are controlled
by Ashvale’s AVM4-2 Controller which lends it the
ability to create clips and playback simultaneously.
Yardley predicts that with these capabilities, his
production unit will be able to cut down on tape stock
and record more output.
“The DSR-DR1000P will eventually replace traditional
analogue systems and allow instant access to replays
while still maintaining the recordings,” he says.
The recorder can be used for other applications includ-
ing playout of commercial spots, as a simple back-up
disk server and for transferring material on a network via
Ethernet or at up to four times real time via i.Link.
CREATV is also expanding the function of its Betacam SX
cameras by attaching one of its three cameras to the
Studio Triax Camera system so that it can be used as a
fully professional studio camera.
Rovervision provides a sophisticated pre-match maga-
zine show, with player interviews, features and previous
match action, which is broadcast throughout the Ewood
Park complex and on to a Sony Jumbotron screen
within the stadium. The outfit also provides live coverage
of the game, with half-time highlights to boot.
3
DVCAM in action
CREATV
USES THE NEW DSR-DR1000P DVCAM
HARD DISK RECORDER ON ITS COVERAGE OF
BLACKBURN ROVERS AND OTHER SPORTING EVENTS
