Calrec, Ross develop software interface

Calrec Audio and Ross Video Ltd. have developed a software interface that enables Calrec audio consoles to be controlled remotely by the Ross OverDrive Automated Production Control (APC) system. For broadcasters, this tight integration can mean significantly reduced production costs and more flexibility, in that a single operator can run both video and audio in situations where a full crew is not available or not required, such as for late-night breaking news cut-ins.

“Our design philosophy is to offer our customers the best of both worlds,” says Brad Rochon, Ross Video product manager. “Audio is unique, and for optimal quality, you will always need the sensitivity of the live operator. But with this interface, a customer can go live any time, day or night, without the need for a full crew in the studio. If there’s significant breaking news at 1 o’clock in the morning, you can go live now while you wait for your full crew to come in.”

The jointly developed protocol enables an operator seated at the video switcher to use OverDrive APC to control autofade, or up to 192 individual faders, and to set levels and prefade listen (PFL) on the Calrec console.

The interface was developed in response to customer demand and is already in use at some NBC affiliates.

“With the complexity of modern working practices, it is increasingly important to simplify workflow procedures and reduce costs,” said John Gluck, Calrec sales and marketing director. “The versatile interface with Ross enables tight integration of technology to control audio and video on a given broadcast, significantly reducing production costs. In short, it’s all about saving our customers money.”

Calrec will demonstrate the OverDrive APC alongside Alpha, Sigma, and Omega with Bluefin consoles on booth N8723 at the 2008 NAB Show, April 14-17, at the Las Vegas Convention Center.