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The aim of this section is to describe, in detail the functions of the wallbox's in TV Studio A. There are 8 in total and their primary function is to distribute audio, vision and camera signals between the Studio Floor and Gallery.
The aim of this section is to describe, in detail the functions of the wallbox's in TV Studio A. There are 8 in total and their primary function is to distribute audio, vision and camera signals between the Studio Floor and Gallery.
There are eight Wall Boxes in Studio A and four in Studio B. They are numbered.
On each there are camera, audio, video, data and fibre optic connections to make it easy to send signals from the floor to the gallery AND from the gallery to the floor.
They are placed around the studio so that there is always one close to where it might be needed whatever is happening on the floor.
Connections can also be made between Wall Boxes by sending signals upstairs from one box and then back down to another.
Cameras
Cameras
Each Wall Box has two camera connections - A and B - at the bottom for the large studio cameras.
They use the thick TRIAX cable which carries the camera output, talkback, reverse video and autocue signal.
They are patched to the camera control units (CCU) in the Central Apparatus Room (CAR).
Sound
Sound
The SOUND TIE LINES connect each Wall Box to the JACKFIELD or PATCHBAY next to the sound desk in the gallery.
There are 8 inputs or MIC/LINE LEVEL TIES for sending signals up to the gallery.
You can plug microphones or musical instruments in these and then use patch cords to get the signal from the PATCHBAY to the Studer sound desk.
They accept a male 3-pin XLR.
Next to the inputs are 4 outputs or LINE LEVEL TIES which can bring outputs from the Studer desk back to the floor.
Most commonly they are used for foldback speakers so floor staff can hear VT sound, or MONITOR MIXES for musicians to be able to hear each other.
They accept a female 3-pin XLR.
On the PATCHBAY in the gallery these TIE LINES are referred to as:
‘Wallbox 1 - Tie 1’ or ‘Wallbox 1 Line Tie 1’ etc.
It is important when using more than a couple of TIE LINES to make a note of what is connected to each one - otherwise you will be confused when you get to the other end and try to plug ongoing connections.
For example:
WB4, Tie 1 Vocal 1
WB4, Tie 2 Vocal 2
WB4, Tie 3 Guitar
WB4, Tie 4 Piano
WB4, Line Tie 1 Foldback
Video / Video Matrix
Video / Video Matrix
The VIDEO TIE LINES work in the same way as the audio ones, but connect to the VISION MATRIX.
There are four inputs (Ties 1-4), perhaps for connecting extra cameras, and four outputs (Ties 5-8) for hooking up floor monitors etc. They use BNC connectors.
They are accessed from the studio’s VISION MATRIX switching panels in the gallery.
The VISION MATRIX is basically a box with lots of inputs and outputs, and we can connect any input to any output.
Using the MATRIX control panels in the gallery we can make connections between any part of the vision system; Wall Box inputs and outputs, vision mixer inputs and outputs, graphics inputs & outputs etc.
Data
Data
The four Cat5e connections on each Wall Box go to the CAR rather than the gallery.
They are used to send data signals such as DMX for lighting control, a feed to the Vision Matrix panel we sometimes use on the floor and to connect a desktop talkback unit.
Fibre Optic
Fibre Optic
The FIBRE OPTIC connections at the top of the Wall Boxes are used for a MADI (Multichannel Audio Digital Interface) system which can send upto 64 separate audio inputs and 64 outputs up one thin optical fibre.
Inputs are then split into separate channels again at the sound desk for individual control.
Glossary
Glossary
BNC
Type of connector which is usually used for vision cables. Used to connect video equipment - e.g. cameras, monitors - to Wall Boxes.
CAR
Central Apparatus Room - the room full of tech equipment just beyond the Gallery.
DMX
System of digital signalling we use for controlling studio lighting.
Fibre Optic
Strands of glass down which light can travel carrying various signals. Very large capacity.
Foldback
Speaker system on studio floor, and it’s feed, enabling artists to hear audio from VT play-ins or a partial mix of the music to help them hear each other.
Jackfield
The panel of audio sockets in the gallery for making audio connections to inputs and outputs of the mixing desk, and to/from Wall Boxes.
Patchbay
See ‘Jackfield’
Tie Line
A physical, cable connection - for audio, video, data or fibre optic - between two areas of the TV studio complex. Areas connected include CAR, TV Studio Wall Boxes, Audio Suites, Commentary Room, Foley Room.
Triax
Type of cable used to connect the studio cameras. It can carry multiple signals and power.
Vision Matrix
An electronic set of connections for video signals enabling the switching to almost any input or output in the studio system.
Wall Box
Boxes on the studio walls containing connections of many types.
XLR
Set of connectors with various numbers of conductors. 3-pin XLR are used for audio, 5-pin XLR are used for lighting DMX control.
Written by RW/PS
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