Pixel Power, the innovative supplier of broadcast graphics and automation solutions, is at the heart of the newsroom at new channel UTV Ireland. Journalists can create static and dynamic graphics sequences using Pixel Power LogoVision Clips, linked to the Avid production and scripting system.
   

UTV is the leading independent television station in Ulster, where it is an extensive user of Pixel Power graphics products. At the beginning of 2015 it launched a new channel, dedicated to audiences in the Republic of Ireland. The channel is transmitted from Belfast, using Pixel Power BrandMaster graphics and control, but there is a brand new studio in Dublin dedicated to news.

LogoVision is the highly cost-effective platform for graphics in a high pressure, automated environment. Using pre-built templates, the device populates news graphics, weather reports and more with information entered automatically or transferred from other systems. Alongside the flexible integration capabilities, it provides excellent quality thanks to its 10-bit HD downstream keyer, and high reliability through redundant power supplies and automated bypass.

At UTV Ireland the Pixel Power LogoVision is linked to an Avid iNews preparation and playout system. An ActiveX plug-in for each workstation allows journalists to prepare graphics and link them directly to the story as well as use the WYSIWYG preview to check spelling, formatting and layout of template elements. For rundowns and playout the newsroom uses Avid Command, which automates programme production.

“The newsroom was a standalone greenfield site for us, so we started with a blank sheet of paper for the equipment,” said Michael Corcoran, broadcast technology manager for UTV. “We have long experience using BrandMaster, Clarity and other Pixel Power products, and they showed us that LogoVision would do exactly what we needed, including the integration with Avid. It was a simple decision.”

“Broadcast technology has to be smart today,” added James Gilbert, CEO of Pixel Power. “It is not just about creating great graphics – although that is not easy – but making it fit into a practical workflow that does what the people need. The new UTV Ireland operation is a fine example of a modern newsroom: slick automation allows the journalists to concentrate on what they do best. Pixel Power is delighted to be a part of it.”

UTV Ireland went on air on 1 January 2015.