CyLTV upgrades regional news production capabilities with Sony
As part of a major technology upgrade, Spanish regional broadcaster CyLTV (Castilla y León Televisión) has invested in Sony professional cameras and introduced wireless workflows for faster, more efficient news production.
- Regional broadcaster wanted to improve speed and efficiency of regional news production
- Wished to reduce time wasted by ENG crews travelling back to base with recorded material
- 27 PXW-Z280 4K HDR handheld camcorders with wireless 3G/4G connectivity
- 8 HXC-FB80 studio camera chains
- 13 BRC-H900 robotic cameras
- Faster, more efficient news and programme production with reduced crew & travel requirements
- Improved Full HD picture quality for TV viewing audiences
With this new equipment are able to take an important step forward in terms of being able to offer viewers in Castile and León content that is more agile, versatile and in higher definition. This reinforces our commitment to offer local television, and above all quality public service.
Jorge Losada
CEO, CyLTV
Delivering quality regional content
Owned and operated by Radio Televisión de Castilla y León S.A., CyLTV is Castile and León’s own autonomous television service. It distributes content via two channels: La 7, which transmits to the whole region 24 hours a day, and La 8 that airs programmes in different territories in certain time slots. In addition to its main production offices in Valladolid, CyLTV also has territorial production centres located in the nine provincial capitals of the Autonomous Community (Ávila, Burgos, León, Palencia, Salamanca, Segovia, Soria, Valladolid and Zamora) and in the province of Bierzo (Ponferrada), together with a local office in Madrid.
Enhancing picture quality for TV viewers
To offer TV audiences improved picture quality CyLTV has acquired 27 PXW-Z280 handheld cameras, eight HXC-FB80 studio camera chains and thirteen BRC-H900 remote control robotic cameras. As well as streamlining studio operations, CyLTV’s investment in camera technology with wireless network connectivity has allowed it to optimise production workflows and create quality news programmes faster.
A long-term user of Sony professional hardware, CyLTV’s decision to invest in new camera equipment for news and studio productions reflects production staff’s familiarity with the robustness, reliability, intuitive operation and smooth integration of Sony’s professional media solutions.
Wireless newsgathering saves time
For field-based news production throughout the region, CyLTV has added 27 Sony Professional PXW-Z280 lightweight camcorders to augment its existing inventory. 3G/4G wireless connectivity allows camera operators in the field to stream live content or send recorded files to the production centre. This saves crews from having to travel long distances back to base to ingest content, saving valuable time for news production teams who can get breaking stories to air faster.
Remote cameras under single operator control
CyLTV is also using eight HXC-FB80 studio camera chains to produce news and entertainment shows at its two production centres in Valladolid. Featuring three 2/3″ Exmor CMOS sensors for impressive image quality and low-light sensitivity, the cameras are operated via an assignable RCP-3500 remote control panel, with HZC-RCP5 remote control software allowing a single operator to control multiple cameras from a networked PC.
In addition, CyLTV is using thirteen BRC-H900 robotic cameras that complementing broadcast-quality Full HD image quality with smooth, silent PTZ operation. The compact robotic cameras are being used to support local news and programme production at each of CyLTV’s regional centres. A single crew member can typically operate up to three remote cameras, allowing the broadcaster to reduce personnel levels while maintaining premium production values.
Taking a step forward
“With this new equipment we are able to take an important step forward in terms of being able to offer viewers in Castile and León content that is more agile, versatile and in higher definition” says Jorge Losada, CEO of CyLTV. “This reinforces our commitment to offer local television, and above all quality public service”.
