FPA - News Archive 2/03

Digital Upgrade!

The next step in the digital upgrade is as follows:

* In the studio control rooms, we will be switching our ¾" playback decks for new DVC-Pro decks.
* The Dub suites will be receiving new DVC decks that allow recording to Mini-DV tapes.
* A station will be set up to allow transfer of footage from ¾" to DVC-Pro.
* These changes will happen by TUESDAY FEBRUARY 18, 2003.
* Also, we will install parallel ¾" record decks in the control rooms to allow peoples' tape stock to be exhausted. This will remain in place for a maximum of 6 months.
* See a staff member if you have questions.

Digital Upgrade Now!

In FPA's continuing effort to improve quality and consistency we will be installing new equipment for member use during the month of December. This will allow our members to master their programs onto DVC Pro digital tape for air as well as 3/4" tape.

Please familiarize yourself with new guidelines for submitting digital tapes and the install dates for the new decks. Other equipment will be installed into the studios and master control for quality control that will not change or effect how our members use the facilities.

Digital Tape Standards

1. FPA will begin accepting digitally mastered tapes immediately for programs that will air on December 4th and beyond.

2. Only programs mastered on DVC Pro or 3/4" tape will be accepted. Mini-DV tapes will not be accepted due to certain technical issues.

3. Medium sized 30 minute and 60 minute tapes are available at the ER. The cost is a little lower than the large sized tape.*

4. Used DVC Pro tape is acceptable

5. Tapes must still begin with 60 seconds of bars and tone, then a 10 second slate, then 10 seconds of black, then the program ending with the FPA credit and copyright information, followed by 20 seconds of black.

6. Due to the small size of the labels it is only the necessary for producers to list the Program Title, Episode Number/s and the Producer's Name. The case insert and spine labels will be used by staff for airing and library purposes.

Install Dates

November 20th-22nd

* Master Control gets 2 DVC Pro decks for Channel 10 and 2 DVC Pro decks for Channel 30.
* New TBC's and device control for decks installed.

December 5th
* DVC Pro record decks installed into Studio A & B.

December 6th
* Edit 5 record deck upgraded to DVC Pro record decks.

Updates will be posted as the process progresses.

*FPA is still investigating other affordable tape options that will hold up to repeated playback over a long period of time.

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