German public broadcaster ZDF has bought seven SADiE PCM-H8 studio workstations for its in-house trailer production department. The new units, which ZDF purchased to replace existing PCM8 systems and take advantage of the additional DSP power in the SADiE 5.5 software environment, were sold by German distributor, For-Tune.

ZDF has been using SADiE systems for 14 years. “The systems are sited at ZDF’s main headquarters in Mainz in two different buildings,� explains For-Tune’s Stefan Mayer. “ZDF was the first German broadcaster to use the SADiENet network via Fibre Optic ATM and, as a result, audio files can be easily transferred between the two buildings. The audio networking is now a lot easier with the H8 systems and their open architecture.�

Mayer adds that ZDF returned to SADiE because the system gives it the speed (fast bouncing, fast and easy networking) and all the functions it requires. “This includes video record/playback in AVI and QuickTime,� he adds. “It also integrates very well into their video editing environment with OMF and AAF file interchange.�

The PCM-H8 is based on the latest generation of DSP processing technology in the SADiE 5.5 software environment. It is designed for complex processing and post production applications where high levels of DSP power are required, but without the need for large numbers of physical input and outputs. It can replay and edit 64 channels of 24bit 48kHz audio with realtime cross-fades and punch-ins, and offers similar DSP processing power to the flagship PCM-H64 multi-track system.

In TV post, the powerful stem controls enable different versions to be track-layed and mixed within one EDL. ZDF also purchased additional plug-ins for its PCM-H8s that further extend the units’ capabilities. These included: the Mastering Pack (enables Red Book CD mastering option, including DDP, Mastering limiter, HiDither, PQ, etc); Feature Pack 1 (enables MP3 and other compressed formats import and export, as well as CD text, and VST support); and the Interchange Pack which adds AAF, OMF, Pro Tools and AES-31 interchange facilities.

-ends-

About Prism Sound
Founded in 1987, Prism Sound manufacture high-quality professional digital audio equipment for the International broadcast, film, music production, manufacturing and telecommunications sectors. The range now includes SADiE digital audio workstations and location recorders. Prism Sound also manufactures audio test and measurement products such as the DSA-1 and the dScope Series III audio analyzer.

For more information please visit www.sadie.com or www.prismsound.com