DFS streamlines live production

Broadcast Pix has supplied its Slate 2100 switcher to German sports broadcaster Deutsches SportFernsehen (DSF) for live production of its new sports news program, 'DSF Aktuell'.

Installed by German systems integrators computer aided magic GmbH (CAM) and Videocation Fernseh-Systeme-GmbH, the new Slate 2100 lies at the heart of a new production studio built specifically to produce 'DSF Aktuell' and future programmes. The switcher replaces legacy production control technology.

The system installed at DSF combines a Slate production switcher, production control panel, Inscriber CG, transitional effects, chromakeyer, clip store, and multi-view monitoring, among other functions, in a single workstation-based system. The system can be operated with a production switcher-style control panel or by using a keyboard and mouse interface. The Slate 2100 also comes with the intelligent break-out-box (iBoB) to accommodate secure video and audio I/O connections as standard.

Due to the rich graphical content and fast moving nature of the show 'DSF Aktuell', a live 15-minute nightly programme, requires two operators; one continually adds content via the Broadcast Pix touch panel and integrated clip server, while the main operator handles the live program switching. During a typical programme nearly 20 clips are generated, all with seamless introductory graphics processed using the Slate 2100 and allows DSF to run the entire programme with just two staff members.

"The Broadcast Pix Slate 2100 provides our staff with the highly integrated automation in a single, compact platform we required to effectively produce our new sports program," said Manfred Eisele, Head of Production of DSF. "At half the cost of a traditional production system, the Slate 2100 provides all the tools we need and seamlessly integrates with our Avid Liquid editing pool and DDR playout. The breakout box included with the system provides the additional inputs we need for our cameras and source equipment, creating a clear and uncluttered end-to-end production workflow."