For Gunnar Darge, technical director, it is not only the reliable sound transmission of the Sennheiser systems that is vitally important but also the on-site service. "Dozens of TV stations will be reporting live from the Olympic Games and there will be huge amounts of radio communication taking place. It's therefore all the more reassuring to be able to rely on the support of Sennheiser." Sennheiser's RF specialist Klaus Willemsen will help with frequency coordination and system configuration, supported by the local Sennheiser partner Philippos Nakas S.A.
Willemsen's US-American colleague Uwe Sattler has a similar range of jobs to deal with. He will be supporting US broadcaster NBC Universal, who are currently expecting to use around 65 wireless channels from Sennheiser for their reports on the games. Bob Dixon, NBC project manager for Sound Design, says: "When we choose a product it must first offer unquestioned reliability and technical specifications. On the artistic side, we need the definition that will enable us to provide our audience with a clear and natural sound from our announce teams, and capture the subtleties of what's happening in and around this amazing Olympic venue."
During the games, Sennheiser will set up a telephone hotline on site, which all of the authorized reporters can call if they experience any problems with frequencies or equipment. The Sennheiser Service Center will reprogram frequencies if necessary, as well as carrying out repairs and selling products. "Cooperation between Sennheiser and professional users already proved itself with great success at the Olympics in Salt Lake City and Sydney," said Rolf Meyer, Sennheiser's president of marketing and sales. "Our technology and expert advice has always ensured that superb audio quality can be provided, even under the most difficult conditions. We will continue this successful partnership in Athens."
(Lee Baldock)
