21 Years In Studio Furniture

When we commenced operations in February 1996, our aim was to reduce the need for expensive 'bespoke' desks which added significantly to the cost of many broadcast systems integration projects.

We knew from our own background in SI that studio furniture needed to conform to quite a wide range of parameters. They had to be robust enough to last at least the lifetime of the studio suite itself, typically five to seven years before the next major upgrade. Other vital issues were easy access for equipment installation and cable management, good ventilation, and good ergonomics for users working long shifts. They had to fit the available space and be visually attractive enough to impress visitors, especially facility-house clients.

Two years on, in 1998, we introduced our first 'standard' design: the System One fixed-height graphics desk and side-table, followed in 2000 by the motorised height adjustable System Two. In 2004 we added the M-Desk which allowed the desktop height to be adjusted between 660 and 900 mm using a telescopic crank handle.

Module-R, which followed in 2005, proved to be the most successful development in our history because it gave SIs a kit of parts from which they could specify complete furniture configurations. Based on a nominally standard range of desk sections, worktops, rear tops, end-panel modules, extruded legs and equipment storage pods, it allows technical control desks to be matched to individual suites without the cost traditionally associated with project-specific furniture design. Module-R desk pods are available as single sections with a choice of 3U, 6U or 8U chassis capacity. Cabinet construction is in high-quality MDF with a choice of finishes. Cable management is integrated into all desk sections.

In 2006 we added Media Wall range of video and loudspeaker display mounts, again modular to match any size and scale, for control rooms, presentation suites and studio backdrops.

Introduced in 2013, the EditOne post-production suite desk went beyond traditional rectangular styling by using using sculpted MDF support panels rather than metal legs. This had the extra advantage that all furniture in the EditOne range could be shipped in compact flat-pack form for onsite assembly, saving time and delivery cost.

Two years later, in 2015, we announced a sister product to Media Wall: the free-standing MediaPost. This is intended for applications such as supplementary monitors in a control room, studio floor monitors, off-camera talent prompts or part of an in-view studio background. Each MediaPost can hold one or more monitor displays of up to 65 inch diagonal screen size. MediaPosts can be coupled by a 3 metre wide horizontal beam supporting up to three 65 inch monitors in a single row.

At IBC 2017 we will be displaying the new EditOne-Radio desk for use in radio interview suites, presentation studios and voiceover booths. Developed from our established EditOne edit suite desk, EditOne-Radio can be configured to match a wide range of audio production environments including live radio broadcasting. It shares the same modern styling and goes beyond traditional studio furniture construction by using sculpted MDF support panels rather than metal legs. Studio guest work surfaces can be attached to left or right the side of the EditOne-Radio desk, or on both sides, bridging across to an optional pedestal accommodating up to 11 rack units of equipment. Three mounting points are located along the rear of the desk to accommodate a microphone and flat screen display monitors. An additional mounting point can be used to support the guest microphone. The guest's work surface is fitted with an acoustically damped surface to minimise noise. In addition to the 11U pedestal, options available for EditOne-Radio desk include a computer mounting kit, mains power distribution and a USB hub. EditOne and EditOne-Radio are both available as flatpack workstations which can be assembled in less than an hour using the supplied Allen key and screwdriver.

In project terms, one of the highlights of 2017 was being chosen by Broadcast Center Europe to provide over 50 desks for one of Europe's largest broadcast media centres – RTL City in Luxembourg. BCE were keen to source all the desks from a single supplier, keeping the task of equipment installation and wiring as consistent as possible. It was also a logical decision in terms of efficiency, future maintenance and unified visual styling. A very careful study of the available furniture products was made before BCE chose Module-R and EditOne desks. Samples were sent for evaluation and we also provided constructive ideas based on the high degree of design flexibility made possible by combining elements within the Module-R product range.

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