The Princeton University Broadcast Center has installed an Echolab Overture1 HD production switcher in a new 1600sq-ft HD facility located in the science library.
In addition to its compact size that saved limited space in the control room, the Overture switcher allows the school’s production crew to perform upconversion and crossconversion internally, eliminating the need (and cost) for external hardware. The switcher also accommodates the crew’s extensive use of SD sources in its HD productions.
The Princeton Broadcast Center relies on a professional staff of five, supported by freelancers and students, to create programming including public lectures and commencement, as well as faculty and student projects. A typical faculty-initiated project was the studio's inaugural production, shot in December. The project consisted of a series of three interviews focused on how engineers can help repair and develop the economy. Student projects, often more production-intensive, take advantage of the Overture1 switcher's numerous built-in transitions and effects.
Overture1 is based on the company’s system on chip (SoC) technology, which enables the switcher to not only accept and deliver both digital and analog signals but to also accept them in both SD and HD formats without external format conversion. The switcher also accommodates a variety of sources — like DVD players, satellite, remote studios and microwave links — without genlocked sources and external A-to-D converters, making it easy to install and more cost-effective to operate.
For more information, visit www.echolab.com.
