ITN broadcasts its news with SSL's compact C10 HD console

Located in a custom-designed studio at Channel 5's Lower Thames Street facility, C10 continues the long-standing relationship between the ITN and SSL facilities.

The British Independent Television News (ITN) has opted for the compact C10 HD broadcast console from Solid State Logic for its Channel 5 news channel. Located in a custom-designed studio at Channel 5's Lower Thames Street premises, C10 continues the long-standing relationship between the ITN and SSL facilities. The C10 offers the live production power and expansion capabilities needed for current and future ITN and Channel 5 programming.

Steve Luck, head of the broadcast support team for ITN, says: "We were looking for a compact-sized solution that was expandable. Looking at the architecture of the C10 and the way the I/O was configured, the C10 was the perfect choice for this application. We also thought it would be good to continue the SSL product line through our excellent experience with the classic C100 and the more recent C100 HDS elsewhere. Our operators are very familiar with both consoles, so this makes things easier for them to move between different places.”

The new facility was drawn up at the request of Channel 5 management to build the news production studio within the station's premises on Lower Thames Street, rather than at ITN's premises on Grays Inn Road, London. The C10 is used to produce full half-hour news programs and regular two-minute bulletins. The choice of the C10 was based on both reliability and technical requirements for the program line.

"SSL support is very good. We have never had any problems with the way SSL supports their products. They are always very easy to talk to, with prompt answers to questions, plus they are there for us if a crisis comes our way, and that is a very valuable addition to the purchase. I think there is a relationship of trust that has been built over a period of time. Our customers depend on us to deliver high quality content, therefore a reliable product from a high quality company. Quality is essential. SSL meets this at all levels,” added Luck.

Installation in the Channel 5 studio was governed by operational requirements. The console is largely operated by a professional audio operator for the four main programs. For two- or three-minute updates, the Technical Director (DT) uses an eight-fader panel connected to the C10 in an adjacent room.

"The C10 allows us to work as a one-man technical operation, when necessary. The professional operator will create the talent presets with dynamics and EQ, while the DT constantly manages the levels. For a panel discussion show, the audio engineer will take control. We use several automation methods at ITN so we can work with a reduced staff level and the C10 works very well with our station automation systems. The C10 gives us a level of technology that can be easily used by a person who may not be an audio professional. We also have a product that can be expanded without a massive investment in capital, concludes the head of the broadcast support team for ITN.