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WNJU-TV Channel 47 has turned to DNF Controls' 2034-CL-O-PBIO clip instant access management system as a solution to provide better playback of news bumpers and openings for its nightly newscasts, which require simultaneous playback of Fill and Key clips. Based in Teterboro, N.J., WNJU-TV is an owned-and-operated station of the Telemundo Communications Group, the fastest-growing television network in the U.S., providing Spanish-language programming to 88 percent of the country's Hispanic viewers and a part of NBC since April 2002.
The station turned to DNF Controls' 2034-CL-O-PBIO clip instant access management system after bringing on a Kalypso switcher and Leitch video server a year ago, and hasn't looked back since. Before deploying the 2034-CL-O-PBIO, WNJU's production crew was manually loading separate tapes to insert animated clips. When the tapes began to degrade from usage, it became clear that it was time for the station to make the shift to a digital system.
"The addition of the DNF clip instant access system allows us to work using a single button to recall clips. Now we can just call up the clip, and then roll it - without the need for manual intervention," says Len Griffen, WNJU electronic maintenance technician.
DNF Controls' 2034-CL-O-PBIO includes the company's ST300 controller with clip management software as well as their ST420 Shotbox. The Shotbox system simplifies clip playout by giving operators one-button access to as many as 300 clips. The operators load clips for the newscast onto the video server and then use the 2034-CL-O-PBIO to roll clips out of the server.
The technical director loads and triggers all DNF operations - including all news opening and background animations - from the Grass Valley Kalypso switcher. The server audio is linked to the audio board to provide any accompanying audio clips.
"The best thing about this system has been how simple and straightforward it is," says Griffen. "All of the 2034's features are practical. It does what it says it will do. It offers a very easy way to roll clips out of the server."
WNJU tested its new systems during nightly newscasts for a week, simultaneously rolling tape just in case a backup was needed. "After the first week, operators felt comfortable running the clip system without the tape backup," adds Griffen. "The training period was short; operators sat down and within minutes learned how to call up clips."
The complete playout system, including DNF's clip access solution, has been in operation since the beginning of March, and according to Griffen, it works like magic.
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About DNF Controls
DNF Controls is a leading provider of hardware- and software-based control solutions for equipment used in the television broadcast, audio/video production, post-production, and graphics markets. By partnering with industry-leading manufacturers and customers, DNF provides innovative, reliable, and easy-to-use products that are used in point-to-point control as well as in facility-wide multipoint control applications. DNF Controls' customer list includes all major U.S. television broadcast and cable networks, domestic and international television stations, domestic and international production facilities, mobile production trucks, stadiums, and arenas. DNF Controls is headquartered in Sylmar, Calif. For more information, visit www.dnfcontrols.com.
All trademarks mentioned herein are the properties of their respected owners.
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