Mega TV deploys linked Calrec Omega consoles via Hydra Network

Spanish Broadcasting System's Mega TV in Coconut Grove, FL, has deployed two Calrec Audio Omega audio consoles with Bluefin, connected via the company's Hydra network, to support more than 50 hours of varied and live production every week.

Mega TV is a Spanish-language broadcaster that produces 5.5 hours of original programming nightly, Monday through Friday, from its new HD two-studio SBS Miami broadcast center. Four hours of the programming is live, including sit-down interview shows, news and a late-night variety show with a 12-piece band. Calrec designed the Omega for busy operations like Mega TV by placing maximum control on the surface, making the board fast and easy to use. The console operates independently of its associated PC to ensure audio continuity with full control even during a computer reset.

Mega TV's 32-fader Omega consoles are equipped with Bluefin High Density Signal Processing, which allows for 160 channel processing paths on a single DSP card. The Omega incorporates eight 5.1 surround, stereo or mono audio groups; 20 auxiliary outputs (20 mono or 10 stereo); and 48 general-purpose individual outputs.

The two consoles are linked with Calrec’s Hydra system to create a network of shared I/O resources and control data. Mega TV has a 24 x 16 I/O modular wall box in each studio, affording fast turnaround between productions. This allowed the station to use the two consoles for three sets — the newsroom and both studios — for a recent telethon to benefit hurricane relief charities.

Owned by Spanish Broadcasting System, Mega TV launched in March 2006 its WSBS-22 station in the Miami-Ft. Lauderdale market and is now broadcasting nationally via DIRECTV and a national satellite distribution feed on G13 for affiliates and syndication.