Trilogy, a leading supplier of voice communications technologies for the broadcast, industrial and commercial sectors, has announced the installation of its Gemini intercom system and Mentor XL sync pulse and test signal generators (SPG/TSG) at Birmingham City University.
Configured to accurately replicate a full, professional production facility, the 64-port Gemini intercom system is deployed at the university’s state-of-the-art Media Centre.
Based at the newly opened Parkside Building, the Media Centre is home to the largest broadcast facility in the UK’s university sector, featuring four television studios, including a dedicated 2000 sq ft Green Screen studio, one of the largest in the UK. In addition to the TV studios the Gemini intercom system connects six radio studios and other technical areas such as sound recording studios, post-production facilities and editing suites, a colour grading suite, 4k screening facilities and hundreds of PC and Apple-based multimedia workstations. The Gemini intercom system is part of an integration of systems that make the Media Centre not just a collection of studios but a fully integrated broadcast centre.
Supplied and installed by broadcast technology and services supplier CVP, Gemini is a distributed matrix intercom system that combines a full-access, programme quality audio network with IP connectivity. Importantly, the distributed matrix architecture greatly improves resilience and reduces installation costs.
CVP Systems Manager Stuart Currie said: “Gemini ticks all the boxes. It’s a flexible and reliable intercom system that not only works as it should, but enables Birmingham City University students to accurately experience the use of intercom systems in a professional environment.”
The Gemini intercom matrix installed at Birmingham City University is comprised of 22 16-key control panels and five eight-key desktop panels across the four studios. The Trilogy-supplied system also includes several rings of two-wire belt packs for floor managers and lighting control.
System configuration is performed using Trilogy’s Gateway software which operates in a simple Windows environment and provides limitless ability for Birmingham City University to build, modify and save multiple databases to suit any operational requirement.
Currie added: “All of the Birmingham City University trainees have commented on the Gateway software’s easy-to-learn functionality, which greatly accelerates the learning process. Trilogy has clearly thought Gemini through and built in ease of use from the start.”
Video timing is provided by a pair of redundant of Trilogy Mentor XL master reference generators that are locked by GPS to ensure accurate timing. Both units include HD and SD test, and NTP server support to enable all PCs within the facility to be accurately timed via IP network.
Trilogy’s Director of Business Development Mark Ellis said, “This is one of a long line of educational facilities that have opted for our technology. Birmingham City University’s media training facilities are amongst the finest in the country and we are pleased that the next generation of broadcast and film technicians, engineers and producers are gaining first-hand skills and experience with intercom technology that they will carry on using in their professional careers.”
Trilogy Communications Ltd
Trilogy has supplied audio communications equipment to customers in more than seventy countries since 1986. The company was originally formed to design and build video and audio infrastructure equipment for the television and radio broadcast market. It continues to serve this market but now also offers its products to a wide array of customers in defence, emergency management and training and simulation, oil and gas, gaming, and other industries.
Trilogy counts some of the world's best known names among its customer base. These include BBC, ITV, CBS, ABC, Fox TV, France Television, Arqiva, Star TV, Times TV, Qatar TV, Al Jazeera Sports and many others.
Birmingham City University
With around 23,500 students from 80 different countries, Birmingham City University is one of the largest universities in the UK and our popularity has grown significantly in recent years.
Our six academic faculties offer over 350 courses, from foundation level, through undergraduate degree programmes, to taught Master’s courses and research doctorates. About a third of our students study part-time, combining employment with our professionally relevant courses, improving their career prospects.
Situated in Birmingham, the UK’s second city, we're proud of our strong links and close ollaboration with the region. We put more than £270 million into the regional economy and support thousands of jobs in the city and surrounding area.
Our staff and student community is defined by our core values, which outline who we are as a University and how we will work with each other. Our core values are Excellence, People focused, Partnership working and Fairness and integrity.
