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Belgium Public Broadcaster Builds Visual Radio Station with Blackmagic Design

Fremont, CA - June 16, 2016 - Blackmagic Design today announced that Radio Television Belge de la communaute Francaise (RTBF), the public broadcaster for Belgium's French speaking region, has launched an innovative, multipurpose visual radio workflow featuring the Blackmagic ATEM 2 M/E Production Studio 4K, Smart Videohub 20x20 and Teranex Express. 

Built around production automation with software developed in-house by RTBF, the studio allows the simultaneous broadcast of content via any of RTBF's five radio stations and three television channels using a production team of just three; a radio technician, a vision mixer and an editorial director. 

Head of technical development at RTBF, Olivier Waty explains: "Events taking place in the audio environment are fed into the software and used to trigger video elements that complement the broadcast. For example, a radio interview taking place can trigger a video signal, so that those watching online can immediately see the interview as it happens. Given our limited resources, automating as much of the production process, in line with our existing workflows, was critical to the project's success." 

Using an innovative web interface, video technicians are able to use the ATEM API to provide CCU like camera control as well as the switcher's built in DVE and SuperSource features for picture in picture, to add a more professional feel, without need for a large production crew.

Routing for the studio is handled through the Smart Videohub 20x20, with signal preview relying on the Blackmagic Audio Monitor, SmartScope Duo 4K and SmartView 4K monitors. Blackmagic's Teranex Express standards and frame rate converter also allows production staff to incorporate a wide range of external signals into live programming, which Olivier explains is crucial. 

"We needed the studio to be both informative and inclusive, especially when it came to using external sources. Blackmagic's Teranex box means we don't have to worry about what format or standard we are supplied; we simply run them through the Teranex and everything is instantly converted to match our in-house standard. It makes content production much easier, and ensures that material is of broadcast quality."

"We firmly believe that the studio's 'double destination' simultaneous radio and television broadcasting is truly innovative. Our workflow supports a flexible production environment, and means we have the ability to create full scale programming across both radio and television," concludes Olivier. "The ease of use and speed to air with which our editorial team can now deliver content is a big plus. It's clear that this type of multipurpose automation will play a major part in RTBF's future." 

Press Photography
Product photos of Blackmagic Design Smart Videohub 20x20, ATEM 2 M/E Production Studio 4K, Blackmagic Audio Monitor, SmartScope Duo, SmartView 4K, Teranex Express and all other Blackmagic Design products, are available here.  Story photos can be found here 

About Blackmagic Design
Blackmagic Design creates the world's highest quality video editing products, digital film cameras, color correctors, video converters, video monitoring, routers, live production switchers, disk recorders, waveform monitors and real time film scanners for the feature film, post production and television broadcast industries. Blackmagic Design's DeckLink capture cards launched a revolution in quality and affordability in post production, while the company's Emmy™ award winning DaVinci color correction products have dominated the television and film industry since 1984. Blackmagic Design continues ground breaking innovations including 6G-SDI and 12G-SDI products and stereoscopic 3D and Ultra HD workflows. Founded by world leading post production editors and engineers, Blackmagic Design has offices in the USA, UK, Japan, Singapore and Australia. For more information, please go to www.blackmagicdesign.com/au/.

About New Magic Australia Pty Ltd (Australian and New Zealand Blackmagic Design master distributor)
New Magic Australia Pty Ltd is a recognised leader in the distribution and marketing of multimedia hardware and software, representing a carefully selected range of innovative, leading manufacturers and catering for both the professional and consumer markets. New Magic Australia established in 1993 is the Australian distributor of Blackmagic Design, Convergent Design, Hauppauge Computer Works Inc, Cubix, Matrox Video and Telestream Wirecast Software products. www.newmagic.com.au.