TV Magic completes HD upgrade for TBN's Dallas production, broadcast facilities

Broadcast systems integrator TV Magic has completed the HD upgrade of TV production and broadcast facilities in Dallas for Christian TV network Trinity Broadcasting Network (TBN). As part of TBN's larger initiative to transition all of its production centers to HD, the Dallas project included the comprehensive upgrade of TBN's International Production Center (IPC) and four connected sites.

Once a completely analog facility, the IPC was stripped down to bare walls and rebuilt with new racks that use space more efficiently while providing the same digital infrastructure that supports other TBN facilities. The IPC is the heart of TBN's Dallas production operations, and its machine and control rooms serve as the nerve center for three connected buildings: local TV station KDTX-TV, an area gymnasium that has been converted into a large studio space and a 3500-seat church equipped with 11 camera positions. These studios are located as much as a quarter-mile from one another. The IPC also is linked to a two-acre outdoor production venue. Multiple triax runs and a wireless mic system connect all of these sites, which are used in combination to produce TBN network programming and a public affairs show for KDTX-TV.

Supporting HD production at the IPC are Grass Valley LDK 4000 mk II HD triax cameras with Canon lenses; a Kalypso HD production switcher; Jupiter and Concerto routers from Grass Valley; an Evertz MVP multi-image display; a monitor wall with Sony LCD screens; an Avid Deko 3000 HD CG; and a Solid State Logic C200 audio board. Unique to the Dallas project is the use of Sennheiser wireless systems to bridge the distance between the IPC and remote stages. One remote antenna serves all four sites, enabling real-time monitoring and remote control without requiring the transfer of receivers among studios.