As part of a studio upgrade to its production facilities at Television Centre in London, BBC News has ordered a number of control systems and pan and tilt heads from Shotoku Broadcast Systems. Installation of the new camera support equipment will support the BBC News’national and world-service news production activities.

The new equipment includes Shotoku’s TR-8T touch-screen control panels, which are being integrated with existing remote camera systems as well as new Shotoku TG-18VR pan and tilt heads. The camera heads will be used in tandem with the company’s TP-80 manual studio pedestals equipped with TI-12 height drives.

Several existing pan and tilts will be further enhanced through the use of the Ethernet-based CMC-400 motion controller, which allows the heads to be retrofitted with new electronic controls.

The BBC News upgrade also includes a CCU Interface sub-system that provides remote control of camera functions on multiple camera platforms. The CIU supports Ethernet or serial data control of several camera types and integrates with the TR-8T control systems.

Working with BBC News project managers, Shotoku will deploy the remainder of the systems on a rolling schedule throughout the first half of 2008.

For further information, visit www.shotoku.tv.