Video and audio patching for today's changing media operations

Patching systems are particularly valuable for fast-paced, high-voltage live production environments, when every second counts and equipment needs to be set up and reconfigured. Igor Quinteros, deputy director at Ríos Y Cia. (Chile), reflects in this Tribune on the possibilities of interconnection that are now being considered.

State-of-the-art patching systems have become a key requirement for broadcast and media environments, providing flexibility and continuity for studio and outdoor broadcast productions. They are particularly valuable for fast-paced, high-voltage live production environments, when every second counts and equipment needs to be configured and reconfigured on the fly as frequently and as quickly as possible.

To put it simply, video and audio patch panels or patchbays offer a series of circuits that can be interconnected using patch cables in an advantageous and flexible way. They provide a convenient, centralized location so engineers can quickly patch audio and video signals without having to plug cables into individual systems and equipment. With each incoming and outgoing signal from a single patch panel, engineers are able to quickly configure and reconfigure video and audio for different types of events, as well as perform quick and easy solutions in the event of a power or equipment failure during production. Since all changes can be made in the patchbay, it is much easier to connect different devices in different orders for various projects. While patchbays can be used in multiple environments, we have found them to be particularly useful in wired applications, such as our local broadcast studios.

Normalling refers to the way the patchbay inputs and outputs are wired. In most cases the top row of patchbay connectors is wired on the back to the outputs, while the bottom row of connectors is wired to the inputs. Patchbays can be half-normal or full-normal, indicating how the upper and lower connections are connected internally. With full normalling, inserting a connection into either row will break the normal connection (the normalling) to the row that corresponds to the connection, for example, a connection inserted into the top row (output) directs the signal elsewhere without directing it to the normal input, freeing up that output for another device to use. With half-normalling, a connection in the top row will not break the normalling, although a connection in the bottom row will; therefore, a connection inserted in the top row would split the signal so that it can be sent to an additional second input. A connection in the bottom row will break the connection, which can occasionally be useful for disconnecting a piece of equipment quickly, also known as dead patching.

An evolving market

Chile is a microcosm in the Latin American broadcast world. As in other countries, there is high audience demand for HD programming here and channels are responding with large facility expansions and equipment upgrades.

As the Chilean systems integrator Bittree Patching, we are seeing increasing demand for high-quality, reliable patching equipment to meet changing requirements. With one client, Channel 13, recent privatizations have allowed the network to make significant investments in infrastructure and facilities, including a new multi-million dollar investment in a three-studio facility that will allow in-house production.

Audio and video patchbays had an important place in Channel 13's operations for many years and we expect the network to make a significant investment in state-of-the-art patching equipment for the new facilities. Also, as a result of a positive reference from Channel 13, one of the most important broadcasters in Chile, Megavisión, made an investment in Bittree equipment last year to support its large network of channels throughout the country, as well as in Peru and Argentina.

New frontiers in technology

An innovation that is becoming very popular in Latin America is the concept of patchbays that can be easily programmed from the front panel, unlike typical systems that require the operator to remove the rack cover and carry out internal modifications. These systems, exemplified by the Bittree 969-A series of programmable audio patchbays, allow quick and easy changes to normalling and grounding for the entire patchbay or for individual circuits. The operator simply removes the front panel designation strip to reveal a series of jumpers that change signal flow without rewiring. Normals can be instantly changed to full-normal, half-normal and non-normal, and grounding can be changed to isolated, looped or bussed.

As the Latin American broadcast market continues to evolve, media facilities will continue to adopt the latest in patching equipment, while large accounts with successful installations continue to grow. At Ríos Y Cia. we are excited to be part of that evolution.