Newington, VA – Jan. 5, 2009 – WBAL-TV, the NBC affiliate in Baltimore, today began live high-definition (HD) news broadcasts utilizing the new HD digital production system which has been designed, integrated and built by Communications Engineering, Inc. (CEI). WBAL, which reaches about 1 million households, broadcasted its mid-day and evening news programs in HD today and plans to televise five news shows daily in HD.
CEI’s primary responsibilities in the upgrade project for WBAL included designing and constructing a new HD video control room, audio control room, HD news production studio, a core equipment room and a video control area. The project resulted in the modernization and expansion of the existing production facilities to allow WBAL to broadcast in HD.
CEI’s project team worked with WBAL to develop and refine conceptual and detailed designs, specifications and documentation to ensure the proper design of the technical space, including electrical and mechanical systems. The company also handled console and monitor wall design, equipment procurement and integration, installed and tested the systems, and trained WBAL personnel on systems operation.
The new WBAL system features a multi-format production switching system, video monitoring system, audio mixing and distribution system, HD studio cameras, and a video monitoring and testing station.
“Our team did a great job in getting WBAL’s new HD production center completed and online to meet the station’s timeline and budget,” said Herman Reynolds, CEI’s project manager for WBAL. “The cutting-edge technology being used in this facility will greatly enhance the experience of WBAL viewers.”
Key equipment includes Sony HD cameras and Canon HD lenses; Sony MVS8000G production switcher; Wheatstone D-10 audio mixer; Barco OverView video wall; Evertz routing system, MVP video controller system and monitoring equipment; Harris timing equipment; Vizrt image effects; Dolby encoders and decoders; DNF universal switch panels; Image Video tally system; Wohler audio and video monitors; and Sony and Tektronix video monitors.
“The impact of this new HD production center and studio will be immediately apparent to our viewers, and it puts us at the forefront of news broadcasting capabilities,” said Jeff Halapin, director of Engineering for WBAL. “Our parent company, Hearst-Argyle, is firmly committed to the future of HD technology, and we are confident that our audience will be very pleased with the results of this project.”
Background:
CEI, located in Newington, VA, is a leading, award-winning broadcast and multi-media systems integrator. The company also offers complete equipment service, support and training. Its subsidiary, CEI Sales, supplies products and services to a wide range of clients, and to federal agencies and organizations through GSA. CEI has helped to define the leading edge of systems engineering and implementation for the communications industry since the mid1980’s.
