A Complete, Easy-to-Set Up, and Affordable Solution – Suitable for a Any Size Studio

"We were looking for an integrated and cost-efficient technical solution that was easy to set-up and manage, but could also fulfill the functions of a production control room in a small studio,” explained Robert Moy. Too bulky and expensive, traditional production systems would not meet the needs of the production. After a thorough review of existing technologies, NewTek TriCaster portable live production system in HD/SD proved to be the best solution. "Compact, easy to set up and operate, affordable and very complete in terms of production tools and functions, TriCaster was the perfect solution for our production needs."

‘Sept Huit’:
The First Cross-media Radio Production in HD

A cross-media radio pilot project was implemented in June, 2010. Equipped with NewTek TriCaster in HD/SD, Réunion 1ère was the first station to integrate the new concept. Every day, from Monday through Friday,Sept Huit, a one-hour radio morning program is filmed, recorded and streamed live, in high definition, on television and the station’s Internet website. Listeners, television and web viewers may also find VOD versions of the show on the website. On the air, headphones on and notes in hand, radio hosts deliver, as always, the major features of the morning. The news, press reviews, weather forecasts, traffic information, humor, interviews, and debates are delivered, as well as cultural, sporting and political columns, with one or several guests who were previously announced on the station’s website. Just like television, and unlike traditional radio shows - speakers are treated to a makeup session.

Behind the Scenes

In a small adjoining room, two to three technicians handle the production and streaming. "We operate from a tiny room within the station," said Thierry Techer, graphic designer and Cross-Media Project Manager at Réunion 1ère. "NewTek TriCaster is a perfect combination of all the tools we need: multi-channel HD switching with the ability to connect several cameras; audio mixing; HD editing; media player capabilities, allowing the operator to add titles and graphics from a dedicated title station; full HD live streaming, and more. The system is also very easy to set up and learn, meaning one operator or our small team of two to three technicians can handle the production. One technician can take care of the audio, and another can operate the remote controlled cameras (three to four cameras total). Video editing, titling and videos are prepared beforehand,” Moy explained.

A Renewed Experience

Listeners, viewers and Internet users seem to enjoy the new concept. Building on its success, the cross-media experience was renewed in September. "We are very pleased with the outcome of this experience," said Robert Moy. "The solution is advantageous from a technical and financial point of view, and feedback from the audience is positive, so far." To date, the Direction has launched two surveys - one quantitative, the other qualitative, to further measure the success of the operation. Meanwhile, the group plans to extend the system to other network stations.