Asia-Pacific News

Professional Audio Technology Pty Ltd has announced it has recently configured, commissioned and delivered a LAWO on-air broadcasting system to broadcaster 2GLF-FM.

2GLF-FM, a community broadcasting station in Sydney’s suburb of Liverpool, have recently moved from their old studios to new purpose-built facilities at 161 Bigge Street in Liverpool. After assessing various broadcast technologies, the technical committee of 2GLF decided on LAWO’s crystal technology.

PAT’s Technology Specialist – Alan Liddelow explains, “As with most small broadcasters, there is often some compromise between the technical requirements versus the budgetary restrictions. However, we believe that 2GLF-FM have found the perfect balance with their new system. We configured, commissioned and delivered 2 crystal 12 fader consoles with crystal studio frames and used a stand alone crystal frame in the MCR as main router.”

2GLF’s new studio facility houses two brand new purpose-built on-air studios and an MCR, in addition to a reception area and offices, with a further production studio planned to be built for later this year.

2GLF’s Tim Miller said, “We found that it was a big change to go from a fully analogue facility to a digital one. Overall we are very happy with the LAWO equipment and the service we have received from Professional Audio Technology.”

MD of Professional Audio Technology, Patrick Salloch, said, “The new studios at 2GLF-FM are very impressive for a community station and I am delighted that LAWO and PAT have taken part in this success story. We are looking forward to working together with 2GLF-FM for many years to come and I congratulate them on their outstanding new facility.”

Visit http://www.proaudiotechnology.com.au

ASSIMLATE announced further expansion of its sales and technical support presence in India with the appointment of reseller DOTS Techno-Creative Solution, nationwide. In response to India’s demand for high-quality file-based workflows to support its burgeoning Bollywood and broadcast markets, ASSIMILATE opened a sales and technical support division for its SCRATCH product line in Mumbai in October 2011, and has since built a network of resellers and authorised training centres.

Three individuals lead DOTS Techno-Creative Solution: Mr. Yogen Rai, Mr. Shankar Rath, and Mr. Manil Shetty. The film and broadcast initiative is lead by Mr. Yogen Rai and Mr. Shankar Rath, both seasoned professionals in India’s filmmaking and broadcast markets.

“These are exciting and challenging times for film and TV content production in every aspect — visualisation, acquisition, post production, distribution, and exhibition are all going through some form of change, both moderate and drastic,” says Yogen. “It’s a pleasure to be associated with ASSIMILATE and to represent its high-quality product line. ASSIMILATE addresses these new challenges thrown upon post artists practically every day and ensures success for customers in every instance.”

“We believe that with the combined power, performance, and value of SCRATCH and SCRATCH Lab, we can help make ASSIMILATE products the tools of choice for dailies, colour grading, and finishing throughout India,” says Shankar.

Manil noted, “With SCRATCH and SCRATCH Lab, high-end creative colour grading and on-set requirements for digital dailies and media logistics management does not cost a customer an arm and a leg anymore. Customers can now meet sophisticated requirements in an extremely competitive Indian market without compromising on delivery of quality product, ensuring their clients keep coming back to them for more.”

“SCRATCH and SCRATCH Lab are rapidly gaining momentum in India because they deliver a first-class experience to all levels of operators, artists, and filmmakers,” said Mr. Prasenjit Sengupta, director of sales for India at ASSIMILATE. “It’s been an exciting time for us as we continue to expand our reseller network throughout India, and we are extremely pleased that DOTS Techno-Creative Solution is now on board with us all across the country. Their reputation for service and support, as well as industry knowledge, is a perfect fit for ASSIMILATE as we continue to fuel our growth in India”.

Visit http://www.assimilateinc.com

With the merger between Southern Cross and Austereo (SCA), the joint broadcaster realised that television production and broadcast of their radio shows was now a distinct possibility. The only thing missing was an in-house broadcast production facility and that’s where Videocraft came in.

Videocraft NSW State Manager Andy Liell explained, “Southern Cross Austereo do a significant amount of in-house production, website content creation and live streaming. Craig Borg, SCA’s Technical Production Manager, came to us with the request for our help in broadcasting all of their productions. Craig wanted us to build the company a fully featured 4-camera broadcast quality television studio. They had very specific requirements, a modest budget and a limited amount of space. The challenge was accepted.”

Liell set about designing the studio with all of SCA’s requirements in mind. The emphasis was placed on building an expandable, high quality, flexible studio that would fit comfortably within the client’s budget.

Liell continued, “This is the kind of project Videocraft revels in. It’s a straightforward customisation of our proven system design and architecture – something we’ve successfully done many times before. Craig was more than happy with our track record in small to medium-sized studio installations so we were very much ahead of the game.”

Videocraft integrated Austereo’s existing Sony EX3 cameras and Blackmagic Design ATEM 2ME vision switcher with some new equipment including Sony PMWF3 Super 35mm and PMWEX3 cameras for the studio, all under camera control. The PMWF3 was chosen as it has similar characteristics to the EX3 and also would enable Austereo to do EFP production work harnessing the popular short depth of field look. Videocraft also integrated RCP1000 remote controls and a Blackmagic compact video hub with three control panels. The final studio design also included Sony PVM2451 OLED monitors, Ross open gear distribution, a Yamaha 01V96 audio mixer and full integration with Austereo’s Avid Isis 5000, Avid Composer Media Suites and Air Speed server.

Southern Cross Austereo’s Technical Production Manager Craig Borg said, “Videocraft designed and installed a complete turnkey studio build from scratch, including cabling. The cabling alone was a work of art as it had to match the cabling to our master control room which we regard as the best in the business. Space was a real challenge as was creating a broadcast quality studio with a very modest budget. I must say we are all delighted with the result. Videocraft have done an excellent job and I must say a special thanks to Andy Liell and his entire team of professionals. We have already broadcast several live gigs including Bush and Taio Cruz all of which were a great success. Quite honestly, we couldn’t have asked for and received a more perfect studio for the money.”

The new Southern Cross Austereo studio is housed in the company’s World Square offices in Sydney and is linked into the Southern Cross Network on the Gold Coast and in Canberra.

Visit http://www.videocraft.com.au

ARRI Australia announced that it was forging closer ties and making greater collaborative efforts on events and promotions with Fujifilm in Australia and New Zealand.

ARRI Australia MD Stefan Sedlmeier explained, “For a few years now we have had a great working relationship with Marc Van Agten and the team at Fujifilm Australia’s Motion Picture Film and Recording Media Division alongside the Fujinon team there too. This relationship has led to many successful events including SMPTE, NAB and the ACS Awards where both companies have contributed to the success of those shows by working closely together. Fujinon also provide excellent training for our technical staff and Fujifilm RDI film stock is often used on our ARRI film recorders in Australia and New Zealand. It is our intention that we will work even closer still throughout 2012 and beyond with more joint camera, lens and industry events.”

Fujinon is ARRI’s preferred supplier of zoom lenses manufacturing their Alura range of zoom lenses which have sold in significant numbers in Australia and New Zealand since their launch.

Fujifilm Australia General Manager of Optical Devices and Recording Media Marc Van Agten said, “Both ARRI Australia and Fujifilm Australia have benefitted from our close working relationship but the people who have really seen the benefits are our customers. This year will see more lenses and more cameras being sold than ever before with new models being launched and ARRI and Fujifilm supporting them together wherever possible.”

Visit http://www.arri.com.au

The Minister for Broadband, Communications and the Digital Economy, Senator Stephen Conroy, congratulated the makers of Tagged and Quiet Signs of Love for winning first prize at two international film festivals.

Tagged, made by the Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA), is a short film that helps educate young people about cyberbullying, sexting, and how to protect themselves online. It has won the gold medal at the World Media Festival in Hamburg, and a silver medal in New York in April.

Quiet Signs of Love tells the love story of two characters, one of whom is deaf. It was made to help raise awareness about the National Relay Service, a Commonwealth Government initiative that enables people who are deaf, or have a hearing or speech impairments, to communicate by phone. Quiet Signs of Love won the award for Best Short Film (hearing directors category) at the Rome Deaf Film Festival, Cinedeaf.

“These two wonderful films have taken on the world’s best and won. Congratulations to everyone involved in their production, including the ACMA and the National Relay Service,” Senator Conroy said. “I urge all Australians to go online and watch the films. Both make for compelling viewing. They not only draw you in and hold your attention, but have strong educational messages as well.”

Tagged forms part of the Government’s Cybersafety Plan, a strategy to combat online risks to children and help parents and educators protect children from inappropriate material.

“I believe Tagged is so effective and has been duly rewarded because it was produced with the input of school children, including members of the Government’s Youth Advisory Group on Cybersafety (YAG). This gives the film a realism that many younger Australians can immediately relate to. I also want to congratulate those involved in the Quiet Signs of Love, which is in the running for another award. The film is one of only five nominees in the drama category of the Webby Awards at the International Academy of Digital Arts and Sciences. I wish them all the best and hope they achieve another great success.”

Visit http://www.cybersmart.gov.au/tagged and http://www.relayservice.com.au/quietsignsoflove

Storm FX was recognised at Autodesk’s annual awards as the M&E and Education reseller more Australian businesses turn to.

“We’re really happy to receive the awards,” says Martin Leibowitz, Managing Director, Storm FX. “Although our main priority is, and always will be, to provide excellent service and support, it’s nice to be acknowledged for our team’s hard work. Each year, we continue to raise the bar on our service levels. It’s just one of the ways we like to thank our loyal customers and show our support for a community that continues to push creative boundaries. We want to ensure customers receive the very best service from a team who understands their business, workflows and technology.”

The awards won by Storm FX last night are; Highest Billings FY12 Media & Entertainment and FY12 Highest Billings for ANZ Education.

Visit http://www.stormfx.com.au

ITV Granada has revealed plans to broadcast coverage of The Queen’s Diamond Jubilee celebrations, live from London on Tuesday 5th June, across Asia and the Middle East.

The all-day live event, produced by ITN, will be hosted from Buckingham Palace by Julie Etchingham and Phillip Schofield. It begins with a service of thanksgiving at St Paul’s Cathedral and then follows the royal procession from Westminster Hall along the Mall to Buckingham Palace. The hosts will be joined by an experienced line-up of presenters at key points along the way including Mary Nightingale, Mark Austin and Natasha Kaplinsky.

Simon Li, Channel Director at ITV Granada comments, “Viewers enjoyed our live coverage of the Royal Wedding last year, so we are bringing them even more Royal content this year. The celebration of the Queen’s 60 year reign is a monumental event, and ITV Granada is pleased to be able to bring this highly anticipated occasion live to audiences across Asia and the Middle East.”

As part of the channel’s plans to celebrate 60 years of England’s Monarch’s reign, ITV Granada will also be showing unique documentary Elizabeth: Queen, Wife, Mother, on 4th June. Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Prince Harry join the Queen’s closest companions in a rare and intimate account of Queen Elizabeth II, the woman beneath the crown.

Visit http://www.itv.asia

Avid (NASDAQ: AVID) is working closely with sound producer, Eric J. Dubowsky on The Voice Australia recordings. Produced locally by Shine Australia for the Nine Network, The Voice has quickly established itself as the top-rating show in Australia featuring high quality professionals as coaches including Deltra Goodrem, Joel Madden, Seal and Keith Urban.

Following three stages of competition, which include blind auditions, the battle phase, and live performance shows the winner of The Voice Australia will receive the grand prize of a recording contract with Universal Music Australia and $100,000.

Musician, songwriter and record producer, Dubowsky is working with the new generation Pro Tools|HDX system for recording and mixing. Based at Australia’s largest studio complex, Studios 301 in Sydney, Eric J leverages the Pro Tools|HDX system to get more tracks, more headroom, and up to five times more dedicated DSP power.

“It’s a monster of a job,” explains Eric J. “Going into this we needed to make sure we had the most powerful system available. We’re recording 128 songs over four months, so it’s quite an undertaking. We’re halfway through and the HDX has been incredible. The new interface is a major step forward and the sound quality is exceptional – so full of depth and detail”

At the end of each show, recordings of all songs performed are made available via Universal Music and uploaded to iTunes. The downloads have had ratings #3, #4, #14 and #18 along with no less than 8 tracks in the Top 50 at one time.

Visit http://www.avid.com

Informa Telecoms & Media has released new figures that show the High Speed Broadband (HSBB) network being built by Telekom Malaysia is outpacing other NBNs being deployed including in the region, including rival Singapore’s NGNBN as well as those being rolled out in Australia and New Zealand.

According to Informa, the HSBB – a 70/30 joint-venture between Telekom Malaysia and the government – had 310,000 subscribers by end-April and had passed over 1.2 million premises in the country – with the network set to be completed both on time and under budget.

The HSBB deployment has gone so well in Malaysia that there is now talk of extending the network beyond its original target of 20% of the total homes in the country and taking it into more areas outside the Klang Valley, with strong interest from several state governments in having the HSBB extended into their states.

The HSBB’s progress is way in front of Singapore’s Next Generation National Broadband Network (NGNBN) which has only around 130,000 subscribers so far and, although deployed to nearly 90% of buildings in the city-state, is still not available to the majority of households because of delays in completing the in-building wiring.

Meanwhile, network deployments in the Australian and New Zealand markets lag way behind the two regional front-runners with Australia’s $43 billion state-owned National Broadband Network having only around 7,000 subscribers while New Zealand’s Ultra Fast Broadband deployment has only around 500 hundred subs at present.

“There is no doubt that Malaysia’s decision to stick with the incumbent, Telekom Malaysia, in deploying its next-generation broadband networks is definitely bearing fruit at the moment,” says Tony Brown, Senior Analyst at Informa Telecoms & Media. “The other NBN markets in the region have deployed more complex NBN models with new and independent entities created to build and operate their NBN networks – and that has taken a lot of time and created some significant teething problems, especially in Australia.”

Nonetheless, Brown says that, although keeping Telekom Malaysia as the key component of the HSBB deployment has facilitated a faster NBN rollout, the government’s decision not to create an independent wholesale network access operator, as is being done in Australia, could be a negative in the longer term.

In addition, Brown says that another problem facing the Malaysian NBN market surrounds content, especially the tight exclusive grip that pay-TV giant Astro has on much of the best TV programming.

“With video set to play such a huge role in the broadband market and with so many operators now launching IPTV services – including both Telekom Malaysia and Maxis – content rights are becoming ever more critical,” says Brown. “As things stand, an operator like Telekom Malaysia is going to find it hard to really break through as an IPTV player unless it either spends a huge amount of money on content or the government steps in – as the Singaporean regulator did a few years ago – and bans exclusive content deals between programmers and pay-TV operators.”

Visit http://www.informatandm.com

Subscription TV (STV) had the highest share of viewing in metro homes, leading across all networks with 22.2% share of viewing in week 19. In STV homes, STV regularly attracts over 50% of viewing and in week 19 achieved a share of 54.6%; in regional homes STV increased over the previous week to achieve 18.2% share of viewing.

The Top 5 Channels on STV by share of viewing in Week 19 were FOX FOOTY, FOX8, FOX SPORTS 2, The LifeStyle Channel and SKY News.

Top programs by genre in Week 19 (single broadcast, not including plus2): iCarly (Children’s) on Nickelodeon, Pawn Stars (Documentary) on A&E, Coronation Street (Drama) on UKTV, Family Guy (Light Entertainment) on FOX8, Grand Designs Australia (Lifestyle) on The LifeStyle Channel, Paul Murray Live (News) on SKY NEWS, Live: NRL: Rabbitohs V Sharks (Sport) on FOX SPORTS 2, Thor (Movies) on Showtime Premiere and Fresh Vid: Justin Bieber (Music) on Channel [V].

Year-to-date, STV share of viewing is 55.5% in STV homes, 22.8% in metro and 18.5% in regional markets (6am to midnight).

Visit http://www.astra.org.au