Telemundo's New York O&O, WNJU, is using DNF Controls' (www.dnfcontrols.com) 2034-CL-O-PBIO clip instant access management system as a solution to provide better playback of news bumpers and openings for its nightly newscasts. The newscasts require simultaneous playback of fill and key clips.
The station turned to the 2034-CL-O-PBIO system after bringing on a Grass Valley (www.thomsongrassvalley.com) Kalypso switcher and Leitch (www.leitch.com) video server a year ago. Before deploying the 2034-CL-O-PBIO, WNJU's production crew was manually loading separate tapes to insert animated clips. When the tapes began to degrade from usage, it became clear that it was time for the station to make the shift to a digital system.
"The addition of the DNF clip instant access system allows us to work using a single button to recall clips. Now we can just call up the clip, and then roll it, without the need for manual intervention," said Len Griffen, WNJU electronic maintenance technician.
DNF Controls' 2034-CL-O-PBIO includes the company's ST300 controller with clip management software as well as their ST420 Shotbox. The Shotbox system simplifies clip playout by giving operators one-button access to as many as 300 clips. The operators load clips for the newscast onto the video server and then use the 2034-CL-O-PBIO to roll clips out of the server.
The technical director loads and triggers all DNF operations, including all news openings and background animations, from the Grass Valley Kalypso switcher. The server audio is linked to the audio board to provide any accompanying audio clips.
"The best thing about this system has been how simple and straightforward it is," says Griffen. "All of the 2034's features are practical. It does what it says it will do. It offers a very easy way to roll clips out of the server."
WNJU tested its new systems during nightly newscasts for a week, simultaneously rolling tape just in case a backup was needed. "After the first week, operators felt comfortable running the clip system without the tape backup," said Griffen. "The training period was short; operators sat down and within minutes learned how to call up clips."
