NI Assembly Broadcasts Going Hi Tech

The Stormont in Northern Ireland is about to enter the digital age - with both sophisticated 'touch-screen' activation of cameras and microphones and High Definition broadcasts.
GB-based company TSL has announced a major contract with the Northern Ireland Assembly to have its existing analogue broadcast system upgraded to an HD digital system.
Once completed, all material recorded or shown live from both the Assembly Chamber and the Senate Chamber (now used for Committee business), will be delivered as a sophisticated 'digital workflow' that will significantly improve current processes.
As part of this unique HD installation, TSL will also develop the existing microphone system and add a new touch-screen user interface, based on the TSL Tallyman system.
This will directly link to a Shotoku camera robotic system with Sony HD cameras using Fujinon lenses.
The touch-screen interface, which is a mimic of the Assembly Chamber floor plan, will allow the mic switcher, sitting in position above the chamber, to select the microphone of the speaking Assembly Member.
The robotic cameras will then automatically hunt for the active seat and recall a number of shots, all in HD.
The shot director, based in one of two galleries, will then select the best shot using a Ross vision mixer.
Also, while the galleries traditionally stay assigned to a fixed chamber, the systems can then be reconfigured if necessary.
The Media Asset Management solution to be installed by TSL is a Sienna (System Integrated Network News Automation) system by Gallery, which is based on standard Apple hardware and servers.
Sienna will record all of the HD content and provide a flexible workflow allowing the Assembly to apply metadata and archive material.
The nearline Isilon storage will be controlled by a Zen Data Archive Manager, which will seamlessly move material from the nearline to a Spectra T50 expandable data tape archive.
Other equipment installed by TSL will include Chyron MicroX graphics systems, JVC monitors, Evertz multi viewers and sync pulse generator, and Tektronix monitoring.
The Northern Ireland Assembly recommences on the 8th September following the recess, which is when the system will go on air for the first time.
David Phillips, Chief Executive Officer, TSL commented: "We are delighted to announce this HD project with the Northern Ireland Assembly.
"This installation is unique not only because of the stunning location and historic environment but also the array of technology that significantly improves workflow including the addition of the dynamic TSL microphone/camera touch screen interface."
(BMcC)