BBC and HDTV

BBC Pacific Quay Seminar on High Definition Television Tuesday Jan 29’08

The day was all about High Definition Television: technical specifications, new equipment, and the production process, elements of post-production and final delivery of HD. The buzz was definitely the new facilities at Pacific Quay and the dedication and commitment of BBC Scotland to go HiDef.
The head of High Definition Television, Seetha Kumar was on hand to explain the process of mounting a production in HD. This was followed by three very different and varied film director’s experiences of using HD equipment. The BBC broadcast “Vienna” an HD documentary on BBC 4 prior to the seminar and suggested that delegates should view this before attending. The director of ‘Vienna’ extolled the virtues of the new format and offered the audience another chance to view some of the superb images from the documentary.
During the afternoon delegates were split into 3 groups and given the opportunity to browse the studio where a range of HD cameras were set up under a variety of lighting situations. BBC staff and retailers were on hand to assist with any questions.
Secondly there was an opportunity to witness post-production first hand as industry specialists demonstrated some of the drawbacks and changes to production techniques discovered in post while editing HD. Basically, it’s almost too good. HD is now impacting on set designers and make-up artists as every crack, misplaced nail or poorly applied facial will be magnified with HD.
The final discussion and demonstration was on 5.1 surround sound in one of the smaller sound stages. Delegates were able to witness first hand the differences in mono, stereo and 5.1 sound transmission.
There was also a sense that the BBC were sending a bit of a message, we either get into HD even with the added costs incurred, or we will be dependant on a TV schedule of mainly US programmes. I felt it was clear from the number of industry insiders that this was an important and worthwhile event and also a good opportunity to meet some of those responsible for production throughout the UK.

Ray Graham
04/02/08

CCI exchange programme planned

Following a visit to Delhi by CCI Dept manager Kevin Clark, a partnership has been proposed in Visual communication and animation with the Pearl Institute. This would allow exchange visits of staff and students between the institutions and the joint development of an international PDA and cultural based project briefs.

Watch this space....