DUBAI — Behind one of the main broadcast desks at television studio CNBC Arabia, semi-transparent, floor-mounted Martin LC Series LED panels creates a customizable graphics backdrop. Nick Turner, head of operations for the region’s first 24-hour Arabic language business TV channel, was looking to augment a range of changeable and moveable “light-boxes” for backlit graphics for different news shows. “We needed something to simplify operations and replace one of the virtual sets we had been using for a couple of years,” he said. “We also wanted the flexibility to change backgrounds to different shows and already have a video wall that displays high resolution graphics or video.
“We thought that in this area we would take a different approach with a high tech look but not necessarily a full resolution look. In fact, as we already had the video wall, we wanted a look that was distinctly different,” Turner added. “The Martin LC LED curtain gave us exactly the look and feel we wanted and something that no other broadcaster was currently using.”
Suhail Ahmed, bureau operations manager, commented on the decision to outfit the studio in LC Series panels. “We required a medium resolution animation stand-alone unit that was easy to install and maintain, one that would provide us with a variety of looks and ease of operation and we chose the LC Series. The unit is so portable and flexible — it is quite light and easy to handle, making it ideal for small installations.”
According to Ahmed, the installation was “relatively simple” with four panels mounted vertically in the main studio. A variety of graphical content is run from a Martin Maxedia Compact media server located in the studio’s control room. Maxedia, which includes a library of media clips, still images and animations, allows for simple media composing and playback without the need for a complex lighting controller.
“So far the LED panels have been performing well without any issues,” Ahmed said. “We do plan to do changes and add-ons to further complement what we have. I would like to thank the Martin Middle East team for meeting our deadlines and providing us with prompt support whenever it was needed.”
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