TRIO GOES HI-DEF - 11/07/03
Earlier this week, Trio Video began the equipment integration of Tango, Trio's first high-definition mobile unit. The 53-foot trailer, with 47-foot expandable side, was manufactured by Medical Coaches of Oneonta, New York and Boulevard Bodyworks of Warren, New Jersey. Tango, which is being integrated at Trio's headquarters in Chicago, is a multi-format HD/SD mobile unit that can originate broadcasts in 720p, 1080i and 24p native formats, as well as standard definition.
"We've been closely watching the potential demand and intent of clients with regard to the upgrade to HD technology. We feel that we're launching Tango at the perfect time to ride the crest of the HD conversion wave," says Keith OBrien, director of production and marketing.
Tango's integration is expected to be completed in time for a roll-out by the first of the year.
"The challenge was to build a sophisticated HD unit that could not only address the needs of our high-end sports and entertainment clients… but would also be able to set-up easily for the one-day set, shoot and strike," says Carl Roszczybiuk, director of engineering. "That efficiency of set-up has always been a priority in engineering our facilities."
Continuing its more than 20 year tradition, Trio Video will once again be completing the entire integration itself. "Very few mobile unit providers can make that claim," says Jack Walsh, Trio's managing partner. "With the exception of air conditioning and ac power, every other cable and component is being installed and integrated by Trio engineers."
Tango features the Grass Valley Kalypso 4-M/E 90-input HD production switcher with Accom DVEous MX dual twin-channel HD/SD DVE and Calrec Alpha 100 160-input 88-channel digital audio console.
Other equipment includes Grass Valley LDK-6000 HD cameras, Chyron Duet graphics system, Grass Valley Trinix 256x256 HD/SD video router, Grass Valley Concerto 192x192 AES/analog audio router and RTS Adams 128x128 matrix communications system. Video playback and record systems include Sony SRW-5000 HD multi-format, MSW-M2000 IMX and DVW-A500 Digibeta tape machines, as well as EVS HD LSMXT 4-channel video disk recorders & maXS 2-channel video servers.
In addition to Tango, Trio Video's fleet also includes two full-size straight-body analog trucks, a 48-foot analog expando and 52-foot digital expando.
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Chicago-based Trio Video, the leading mobile production television company in the Midwest, operates nationwide, providing facilities and crews for broadcast and cable clients, entertainment companies, professional sports teams and major corporations.
