According to Janusz Plewin'ski, the general lighting operator for TVP in Poznan, "Congo is a good choice for mid- to large-sized studios, particularly because the console doesn't use a touchscreen. Its versatile faders and keys allow quick shortcuts to help lighting designers keep up with the busy world of broadcasting."
Congo's 'zoomable' channel views are another helpful feature for television studios, as well as the zoomable Channel Layout function that allows users to draw their own live displays using standard channel symbols or icons. TVP technicians appreciate Congo's optional Polish language interface, which makes the system even easier and more accessible.
Also on hand at TVP are four ETC SmartFade lighting control consoles, part of ETC's Smart Solutions family of compact lighting gear. The SmartFade consoles are used for some of the smaller shows recorded at TVP, and they also serve as backup consoles for bigger productions. TVP lighting general manager Bogdan Straszewski says: "Our lighting technicians like the SmartFade consoles because they are lightweight yet powerful and are very easy to use."
TVP also employs 12 Source Four Revolution automated luminaires at its main studio. These are used to handle the quick turnaround time between shows. Instead of having to refocus dozens of conventional luminaires, TVP's lighting technicians only need to programme the Revolutions using their console.
(Jim Evans)
