The Weather Channel Buys Kayenne, Ignite Combo To Improve Live Production

The Weather Channel provides millions of viewers across the country with up-to-the-minute weather forecasts, storm coverage and educational programming. As part of its mission to provide quality live programing, the company has chosen Grass Valley, a Belden Brand, to provide its integrated live broadcast solutions. After assessing the competitive options, The Weather Channel purchased the Kayenne K-Frame Video Production Center switcher and Ignite Automated Production System with the Katalyst Programmable Automation Panel.

In search of a more flexible, adaptable system, The Weather Channel set out to explore all the options and made the choice based on a thorough multi-year analysis of the technologies available. The channel had a existing relationship with Grass Valley and determined that its live production solutions would meet the network’s needs.  

“We’ve had a productive partnership with Grass Valley for years. When we decided to update our automated production system, our operators’ preference for Kayenne made Ignite the natural choice,” says Mike Smereski, vice president of broadcast engineering at The Weather Channel. “Due to the nature of our programs, in particular live coverage of severe weather, we need live production solutions we can count on. We feel that the Ignite automation and Kayenne will provide tighter, cleaner and more consistent live production across all shows, regardless of the operator.”

The Kayenne K-Frame brings a high performance level to live productions with innovative features and upgradability, plus full multiformat support including 1080p and 4K. Kayenne is configurable up to 192 inputs, 96 outputs and up to 9 M/Es with six keyers in every full M/E; and Ignite Katalyst is a fast-access hardware control system that works with the powerful Ignite system.

“Our production switcher workflow is second to none especially when combined with the power of Ignite,” says Kyle Luther, vice president of sales, western U.S., Grass Valley. “The viewers of The Weather Channel depend on effective, quality broadcasts and we’re thrilled to be providing systems that will help the company continue to deliver exceptional programming.”