Canal Q, from SD to HD
André Caldeira, from Canal Q, reflects on the ups and downs of the creation of an entertainment channel available on the cable and satellite networks of MEO and ZON, and of its migration to HD.
Canal Q is the first project of its kind in Portugal and emerged from the collaboration between Meo and Produções Fictícias, an association of comedy writers. ”The channel acts as a kind of creative focus, nurturing and stimulating new talents. We produce a wide range of original programs. Virtually all of our content is produced right here by our own network of screenwriters and actors. ”
At the beginning of the channel, André Caldeira explored the possibility of installing a complete HD-SDI workflow, but they had to choose another path due to financial restrictions. “HD was not an option with the budget we had at the time. However, I did not want to invest in an SD workflow knowing that the solution would need to be renewed in the near future, so we are thinking of a hybrid solution. ”
“We invested, for the long term, in hardware, including our editing stations with Final Cut, lighting equipment and two HD cameras, and we rented everything else.”
After working with this configuration for almost three years, Canal Q reached the limits of its production capacity, and André Caldeira felt it was time to invest in HD.
“We were familiar with the robustness of Blackmagic products, as we had used the ATEM 1 M / E Production Switcher and HyperDeck Studio as part of an event production kit, and we decided that this transmission infrastructure offered us the best balance between quality and price, ”said Caldeira.
“After discussing the matter with Pantalha, our systems integrator and partner, we decided to opt for the Blackmagic Universal Videohub 72 for the studio's headquarters. We added two redundant power supplies and five SDI interface cards. It was configured as a 40 × 40 router, but there is still room to grow. ”
“For control, we installed Videohub Master Control in the rack. This allows you to easily manage all signals. This set gave us a flexibility that we did not have with the original configuration. ”
“Our workflow is built around three HD-SDI cameras with the signal to be distributed through the Videohub Blackmagic, and we have an ATEM 2 M / E Production Switcher as a mixing console, offering up to 16 video inputs and a composer SuperSource. The partial and final signals are recorded on three HyperDeckStudio Pro SSD. ”
Canal Q also works with a number of non-standard sources, including GoPros, game consoles and tablet PCs, which have no 1080i50 output. André Caldeira also needed a hardware converter, and Pantalha suggested adding the Teranex 2D processor from Blackmagic. “I love this device because I can connect just about anything to the ATEM switcher.” quoted.
The station's execution servers have also been updated. André Caldeira installed a Compact Videohub and a VideoHub Smart Control as a control panel with cut-bus. “To monitor what each channel is transmitting, we use a pair of SmartView Duos from Blackmagic.”
There were many difficult lessons in the early days and even more sleepless nights. "We had created a machine with an insatiable appetite for content," said Caldeira.
“Despite the ups and downs, it has been a fun trip and we have been able to find a structure and a way of working that adapts to the machine and the people.”
“We achieved a lot in a short time. The channel and the team has grown and we now produce up to three new programs each day, which is impressive. Our new production and transmission capacity means that Canal Q can continue to stimulate new talents and transmit original programming ”, concludes Caldeira.
2016