University equips new studio to train next generation as part of major upgrade

When the University of Central Lancashire decided to refit its teaching studio it turned to systems integrator Altered Images, Holdan Ltd and Panasonic for its camera system.

The university runs two courses that use the studio: TV Production and Media Production.

TV Production is primarily focused on the creative side; making content and learning how to put it together with students going on to directing, producing, and making content for television.

Media Production is more focused on the science, engineering and technology behind making television content within a studio environment, as well as creative programming.

"We were very fortunate on this project to be able to start with a blank canvas," explained Toby Gregory, Media Production Technician at The University of Central Lancashire. "We had an SD studio working on a Triax system that was very old, which meant that we could pretty much pull everything out and start again. This was great because it allowed us to build a UHD studio with fibre installations and a 12G workflow with new camera systems, lenses, switchers, lighting and back-end technology that would hold its own for the next five to ten years."

The university looked at options from all of the major camera system manufacturers with three-chip sensor options. "But when we considered them against the single-chip Panasonic AK-UC4000 camera system in our tests, we couldn't actually see any disadvantages," said Toby.

"The colour science in the Panasonic UC4000 is great, the dynamic range is wide, and the sensitivity is fantastic. The other major benefit being a lower price point, which was crucial in delivering the studio build within our budget."

The university was also impressed with the great working relationship it quickly established with Altered Images, Holdan and Panasonic, who provided advice, a demo unit for evaluation and training.

The studio solution includes:

Panasonic AK-UC4000 4K system cameras with Fujinon UA18x5.4BE 4K lenses. The UC4000 is connected with hybrid fibre back to the AK-UCU600 CCU and the AK-HRP1000 ROP.