WETA to Use SSL's C100 for 'NewsHour' in HD

WETA, the flagship PBS station for Washington, DC, has selected a Solid State Logic C100 HD digital broadcast console for a new HD control room that will be used to produce the NewsHour with Jim Lehrer in hi-def.

The installation includes an SSL C132, which features the company's MORSE (Modular Resource Sharing Engine) system, allowing the console to access remote mic inputs via fiber from either of WETA's two studios. The stageboxes are also configured with analog audio returns for confidence monitor returns to each studio. WETA's second studio features an SSL Aysis Air console.

Because the NewsHour with Jim Lehrer has to handle a large number of remotes from satellite and feeds worldwide, the console "has to work well in terms of being able to handle vastly disparate audio feeds and quality of feeds," said Ed Kennedy, senior director of engineering for WETA.

"We also needed a console with a workflow the audio staff would be comfortable with. The C100 provides us with that," Kennedy said.

WETA is working with Communications Engineering Inc. to transition its production facilities to HD. HD production of "NewsHour" is schedule to air starting Dec. 17. "This will be first, live regular PBS show in HD, five nights per week," said Kennedy. "The NewsHour will be 260 hours per year of live HD."