MCS-Sachsen upgrades studio facilities
- German regional TV broadcaster wished to update its production facilities with installation of new video switcher
- Covid pandemic restricted opportunities for on-site configuration and training
- Main Dresden studio equipped with Sony XVS 7000 multiformat video switcher
- Switcher set-up and staff training managed remotely by Sony engineers using Virtual Panel remote software
- MCS-Sachsen successfully maintained studio launch date, despite travel limitations preventing on-site switcher set-up and training
- System configured for current SDI operations, and ready for future evolution to IP studio infrastructure
We’ve been using Sony switchers for many years and appreciate the reliability, the feature set and the overall service. The ability to configure the switcher remotely – plus the fantastic support of the whole Sony team – have been instrumental in helping us achieve launch timelines for our new studio. As always, it’s been a pleasure working with Sony.
Anika Cermak
TV Production Engineer
Overcoming challenges
Headquartered in Dresden, MCS-Sachsen acts as technical provider for German regional broadcaster MDR (Mitteldeutscher Rundfunk) that serves the states of Thuringia, Saxony and Saxony-Anhalt.
The decision by MCS-Sachsen in 2020 to replace the previous video switcher in its large principal studio coincided with the global Covid-19 pandemic. This placed immediate practical limitations on the facilities provider and its technical partners to progress the studio refurbishment. Already committed to a scheduled go-live date in June, MCS-Sachsen turned to Sony to help support its launch plans in an unforeseen and highly challenging situation.
Remote set-up and training
Despite the imposition of widespread travel restrictions during the year, Sony was still able to provide technical support and remote training for operational staff, allowing MCS-Sachsen to complete successful installation and commissioning of the new switcher in good time. The XVS Series Virtual Panel and Menu software “mirrors” the switcher’s front end on a PC monitor, allowing Sony engineers to configure the system or support remotely from anywhere via a secured connection, without needing to physically attend the customer’s premises. The easy-to-use software also allowed Sony’s training team to guide production personnel in Dresden through the operation of switcher functions as if they were there in person.
Ready for tomorrow
The future-proof XVS-7000 is also IP-ready. This gives MCS-Sachsen additional flexibility for a cost-effective migration route from its current SDI production infrastructure to IP working as needed.
