Transcript Subsystems of a TV Production Studio

Subsystems of a
TV Production Studio
• Studio – big room with high ceiling
• Prop storage – known as a Scene Dock, for
temporary storage of active sets/props
• Audience holding – a room to security check
in-studio audiences
• Production Control Room – room nearby like a
coaches’ skybox
• Green Room & Makeup – rooms for
performers (talent)
• The individual pieces of video equipment are
tied together with electronic pulses called
“sync.”
• Signals from pieces of equipment are sent
here and there by being amplified with
“distribution amplifiers.”
• Signals from cameras (“video”) go
simultaneously to the switcher, the monitor
wall, and to video control – as well as to the
onboard camera viewfinders.
• Personnel are connected via headsets
• The system connects the director to the
cameras, floor director, audio, switcher, and
announcer.
• Optionally, another set connects the producer
to the stage manager, lighting director, studio
audio mixer, and other production assistants.
• In-studio operators usually wear “doublemuff” headsets to block loud in-studio noise
(or in football stadia).
• The control room usually has a monitor wall
and two consoles where people sit.
• The monitor wall typically has a TV monitor
for each source of video, plus other functions
• The front console usually has a production
switcher where the program is “switched,” a
position for the director, and a position for the
assistant director.
• The back console usually has a position for
graphics and for one or two producers
• Audio control room usually overlooks the
production control room.
• The audio engineer uses a big audio mixer to
blend all the audio signals (sounds).
• Microphone cables are bundled together and
fed to the studio – called “snakes”
• Audio signals from microphones, video tapes,
servers and elsewhere go to the audio CR and
then to recorders or to transmitter.
• Relay racks are the standard equipment
cabinets used in professional audio and video.
• They are a standard 19” wide.
• Lights are hung on battens in the studio.
• There are several types: fresnel (“frehNELL”)spots, scoops, broads and ellipsoidals
• Each batten has a number of outlets that are
connected to electrical circuits.
• Each electrical circuit is controlled by the
“dimmer pack,” which are kept in a separate
room.
• The dimmers are controlled by a low-voltage
“mixing board” in the studio.
• The IFB (Interruptible Feedback) is a one-way
radio “earpiece”
• It connects the producer in the control room
to talent in the studio.
• Talent usually also wears a production headset
earpiece or a program audio earpiece. Or the
IFB will feed program audio until the producer
in the control room speaks.