Sony Pixel Power calrec Sony

When Failure is not an Option

07/10/2019

When Failure is not an Option posted: 07/10/2019

Merging Technologies plays crucial role in PRC's 70th Anniversary

National days and major sporting events are often driven by Merging products, but when China celebrates the 70th Anniversary of the Peoples' Republic, you can be sure that it will be on a grand scale. Add a cast of more than 100,000, a TV broadcast to a significant proportion of the 1.4 billion Chinese and the presence of President Xi Jinping, some past Presidents and all the government officials and the stakes become higher. The consequences of any interruption to the military precision of the parade would be daunting indeed. The fact that it not only worked perfectly live, but has also been hailed as the best sound ever produced for a live broadcast, has much to do with the top team of audio experts assembled to manage the event and the quantity and quality of the Merging equipment used in this remarkable production.

Tiananmen Square is a huge open space and although there is a public address system on site, it is not going to deliver broadcastable quality audio or even something that can be followed by the symphony orchestra of 1,028 musicians and a chorus of 100,000. All important audio cues such as the sound of the salute, the orchestra and chorus of 1,000 and other key elements of the event were recorded three months before in DXD using Merging's Pyramix. This was then replayed live with the sound effects on Merging's Ovation system in CUE mode. This allows the live sound to be mixed with the pre-recorded for a vastly improved listening experience. If this sounds simple, it is not. Several hundred cues have to be programmed in advance and adjusted during rehearsals.

Ambiance Mics

Two Ovation MassCore systems were responsible for this task and at the same time there were two Pyramix MassCore systems recording 128 channels over a 3-hour period. Using the RAVENNA network and optical fiber, it is easy to have these systems backing each other up. As may be imagined, there were a lot of microphones on site spread over a large area that needed to be mixed into the 128 channels and multiple Horus and Hapi units looked after this task. Even the new Merging Anubis found a role to play in this impressive system.

Anubis and Ovation

All this audio information was being captured in surround and fed back to CCTV's studios. Engineers there used Lawo consoles to mix the multiple live feeds and manage the various delays caused by the distances involved. The final results were broadcast to the mobile phones, tablets and televisions of the huge Chinese audience all over the country watching the parade and the evening party with fireworks.

Horus Spaghetti

An event of this magnitude needs the benefit of talent and experience to make it run smoothly and this was certainly the case here. The leader of the team was Li Dakang, the most well-respected recording engineer in China and a professor at the China Media University in Beijing. Among those helping him were various students and prot g s of his. Cao Meng is a professor at the China Music Conservatory, Fend Hayang is now General Manager of Genelec's office in China and Zhang Li Yong. From a technical perspective, the Merging equipment was supported by Dreamula under the leadership of Zhu Jie. Also in attendance was Merging Asia's President, Weishen Xu. A number of other experts were also recruited by Li Dakang to contribute expertise to other aspects of the installation.

Li Dakang

There are other statistics that need to be understood. The military parade involved 15,000 marching personnel, 600 vehicles and 180 planes in the flypast. There were also 110,000 in the civil parade with 70 floats, multiple guns firing a 21 shot salute and the President taking the parade salute from a moving car. All the audio had to be intelligible to those present as well as the TV audience. The event was on a truly epic scale but with Ovation being the perfect playout device for this situation, Pyramix being the only reliable high-track count recording and editing solution and the full range of networked audio RAVENNA/AES67 converters, it is hardly a surprise that this memorable celebration has joined the long list of mission critical events that have been powered by Merging.

Ovation Dance Fireworks

Merging Technologies plays crucial role in PRC's 70th Anniversary

Merging Technologies is a Swiss manufacturer with over 25 years of experience in developing groundbreaking, professional Audio and Video products for a wide range of entertainment and media industries. With a dedicated user base in the elite end of the music, film, television, mastering and performances industries, Merging is committed to developing product ranges with unrivalled quality and flexibility, no matter what the application. Merging builds tools for people who want more from their systems, have an inherent need to push boundaries, and believe that quality always comes first.

Dreamula is the trading name for Beijing Dream Equation Digital Technology Co., Ltd. which is a professional audio and video equipment integrator in China. It is the general agent, responsible for the promotion, sales, service and other services of Merging products in China, Hong Kong, Macao and Taiwan. At present, the companys products mainly include recording systems, virtual studio systems, and integrated storage management systems. Users targeted are national provincial television stations, radio stations, schools, professional audio production organizations, independent music producers and other partners. From stand-alone to full audio and video solutions, the teams experts provide users with a wealth of product experience and professional product recommendations.
LINK: https://www.live-production.tv/news/political-events/when-failure-not-...
See more stories from liveproduction

Most recent headlines

06/10/2025

France Tlvisions Wins Prestigious 2025 EBU Technology & Innovation Award in Groundbreaking Collaboration with Dalet

France T l visions, France's leading broadcaster, has received the 2025 EBU ...

06/09/2025

Twinless Is James Sweeney's Darkly Comic Exploration of Loss and Connection

(L-R) Dylan O'Brien and James Sweeney attend the 2025 Sundance Film Festival Twinless premiere at Eccles Theatre. (Photo by George Pimentel/Shutterstock f...

06/09/2025

Vizrt Launches New AI-Powered Features to Speed up AR Sports Production

LONDON Vizrt has introduced Viz Arena 6, the newest version of its all-in-one live augmented reality (AR) graphics and virtual advertising sports solution. The ...

06/09/2025

AWS To Feature Generative AI, News Distribution At IBC2025

SEATTLE Amazon Web Services (AWS) will feature 56 AWS Partners making various demos that showcase the technologies and use cases shaping the future of the Media...

06/09/2025

PBS Kids Embraces Gameplay Content

In news that highlights the ongoing importance of video games, PBS Kids is making its first foray into gameplay content with the September 5 launch of Odd Squa...

06/09/2025

PBS to Cut 15% of Staff

PBS chief executive Paula Kerger has sent an email to staff outlining plans to cut about 100 positions or 15% of its staff, following the loss of Federal fundin...

06/09/2025

IABM announces the shortlist for the new IABM Impact Awar...

A new era of recognition as IABM honors the people, projects and innovations driving real impact IABM has confirmed the shortlist for the new IABM Impact Award...

06/09/2025

Deliver multi-platform graphics from a single workflow wi...

Vizrt, the leader in live production technology revolutionizing viewer experiences, announces new capabilities to help customers create once, adapt automaticall...

06/09/2025

Studio Technologies Showcases Latest Audio and Interface...

Studio Technologies, a leading manufacturer of high-quality audio, video, and fiber-optic solutions, will spotlight four of its innovative audio solutions at th...

06/09/2025

DigitalGlue Previews Creative Intelligence CI Powered by...

DigitalGlue, creator of the award-winning creative.space managed storage platform, today announced a technology preview of Creative Intelligence (CI) powered by...

06/09/2025

Balancing heritage film and modern projectionist needs wi...

Eye Filmmuseum is the Netherlands leading film museum, offering a rich variety of experiences from screenings of classic films to cultural exhibitions. With fou...

06/09/2025

X Marks the Spot Grass Valley to Showcase Innovations and...

The latest innovations in Grass Valley's AMPP applications will be on full display at IBC 2025, as the company brings significant updates to Playout X, its ...

06/09/2025

Disguise Unveils GX 3 Plus the New Benchmark in Media Ser...

Disguise has announced the launch of the GX 3 , its most powerful media server ever. Built on NVIDIA's cutting-edge Blackwell GPU architecture and including...

06/09/2025

AUTOSCRIPT AND AUTOCUE LAUNCH NEW PTZ PROMPTER SOLUTIONS...

Autoscript and Autocue have announced the launch of a new advanced PTZ prompter system shared by both brands and designed to provide seamless, professional prom...

06/09/2025

Sachtler Expands aktiv and FSB Mk II Ranges with Higher-P...

Sachtler has added four new models to its award-winning aktiv and FSB Mk II fluid head ranges. The aktiv16T and aktiv18T, plus the FSB 16T Mk II and FSB 18T Mk...

06/09/2025

CGI to showcase next-generation newsroom at IBC2025

CGI (TSX: GIB.A) (NYSE: GIB), one of the largest independent IT and business consulting services firms in the world, will present its bold new vision for the fu...

06/09/2025

DHD Announces RM1 Pro Broadcast-from-Anywhere Production...

DHD has chosen IBC 2025 (Amsterdam, 12-15 September) as the launch venue for the latest version of its RM1 all-in-one portable audio production and broadcast sy...

06/09/2025

AJA Debuts IP25-R 4K SMPTE 2110 to 12G SDI-HDMI Mini-Conv...

AJA Video Systems debuted IP25-R, a Mini-Converter for connecting SMPTE ST 2110 networks with 4K SDI/HDMI infrastructures. IP25-R lets broadcast, production, an...

06/09/2025

AJA Introduces New Conversion and IP Video Solutions

AJA Video Systems today introduced new products and updates ahead of the International Broadcasting Convention (IBC) 2025 that streamline signal flow management...

06/09/2025

September 05, 2025

Researchers map key human proteins that power coronavirus replication, pointing to new treatment strategies Findings from Scripps Research reveal promising drug...

05/09/2025

7 Ways Spotify's New User Controls Put You in Charge of Your Listening

Your listening habits are as unique as you are-and this year, Spotify has introduced a wave of new features to help you personalize your experience. From playli...

05/09/2025

Today's Historic Settlement Underscores SBS's Powerful New Series The People v Robodebt

Today's Historic Settlement Underscores SBS's Powerful New Series The Pe...

05/09/2025

L3Harris CFO and AR President Interviewed on CNBC's 'Closing Bell: Overtime'

L3Harris Chief Financial Officer and Aerojet Rocketdyne President Ken Bedingfiel...

05/09/2025

Peacock to Stream Sunday Night Football' in Dolby Atmos

PHILADELPHIA NBC Sports will present tonight's NFL Kickoff Game between the '25 Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys on Peacock in...

05/09/2025

Warner Bros. Discovery Sues Midjourney

Warner Bros. Discovery filed a lawsuit against Gen AI company Midjourney this week, claiming that the company violated the studio's copyright....

05/09/2025

Alum Esin Aydngz Pens Nevermore Alma Mater' for Netflix's Wednesday

Alum Esin Ayd ng z Pens Nevermore Alma Mater' for Netflix's Wednesday The Grammy-nominated composer appears on this season's soundtrack alongside...

05/09/2025

YouTube TV, Hulu to Carry C-SPAN

C-SPAN and YouTube this week announced an agreement in which YouTube will sponsor C-SPAN's America 250 programming and expand access to C-SPAN's politic...

05/09/2025

Techex Hires Peter Dawidzik for Senior Sales Role

LONDON Live broadcast infrastructure solutions provider Techex has added Peter Dawidzik as senior director, sales and business development....

05/09/2025

Reuters and AWS to Demo News Distribution System at IBC2025

As news organizations and broadcasters face more pressure than ever to capture, verify, and distribute real-time access to breaking news, Reuters and Amazon Web...

05/09/2025

HPA Opens Call For Expanded Awards

LOS ANGELES The Hollywood Professional Association (HPA) today said it has begun accepting submissions for its expanded HPA Engineering Excellence Awards, which...

05/09/2025

Sage Releases Firmware Fix

Sage has released an update to its most recent firmware for its Digital ENDEC model 3644....

05/09/2025

ThinkAnalytics To Feature Newly Introduced ThinkMetadataAI At IBC2025

LONDON and LOS ANGELES ThinkAnalytics will debut ThinkMetadataAI, the company's latest step in recommendations, search and discovery services....

05/09/2025

FCC to Lift Freeze on Applications for New LPTV, TV Translator Stations

WASHINGTON The Federal Communications Commissions Media Bureau has announced that the agency is initiating a phased process to lift the current freeze on major ...

05/09/2025

Quickplay To Highlight Newly Introduced AI Studio At IBC2025

TORONTO Quickplay will feature its newly unveiled AI Studio that assists broadcasters and streamers in transforming their content libraries into short-form asse...

05/09/2025

Boston Conservatory at Berklee Announces Five-Year Partnership with The Verdon Fosse Legacy

Boston Conservatory at Berklee Announces Five-Year Partnership with The Verdon F...

05/09/2025

Alum Esin Aydingz Pens Nevermore Alma Mater' for Netflix's Wednesday

Alum Esin Ayding z Pens Nevermore Alma Mater' for Netflix's Wednesday The Grammy-nominated composer appears on this season's soundtrack alongside...

05/09/2025

Rohde & Schwarz UK awarded Silver Award under Defence Employer Recognition Scheme

Rohde & Schwarz UK awarded Silver Award under Defence Employer Recognition Schem...

05/09/2025

Two Desperate Souls and One Desperate Choice: As You Stood By' Streams November 7

Back to All News Two Desperate Souls and One Desperate Choice: As You Stood By...

05/09/2025

Netflix Unveils New BAKI-DOU' Anime and First Look at BEASTARS FINAL SEASON' Part2 at 10th Anniversary Event in Japan

Back to All News Netflix Unveils New BAKI-DOU' Anime and First Look at BE...

05/09/2025

This weekend sees another feast of free-to-air Sport across RT

This weekend sees another feast in store for all sport fans as RT airs a jam-packed schedule of live, free-to-air sport. The Amgen Irish Open continues all we...

04/09/2025

Film Festival Watch: 9 Sundance Institute-Supported Must-Sees to Catch at the 2025 Toronto International Film Festival

(Joel Edgerton and Felicity Jones appear in Train Dreams by Clint Bentley, an of...

04/09/2025

Watch the Record-breaking Koori Knockout 2025 LIVE and EXCLUSIVE on NITV and SBS On Demand

Watch the Record-breaking Koori Knockout 2025 LIVE and EXCLUSIVE on NITV and SBS...

04/09/2025

Zixi Taps Sue Mitchell as Director of Account Management, EMEA

WALTHAM, Mass. Zixi, a provider of video-delivery-over-IP technology, has named Sue Mitchell as director of account management, EMEA....

04/09/2025

NBCU Reports Record NFL Revenue; Sells Out Ad Inventory for Super Bowl LX

NEW YORK In news that highlights the importance of the NFL and sports for the TV and streaming industry, NBCUniversal is reporting record revenue for its 20th s...

04/09/2025

Ross Video Acquires LAMA for Live Audio Mixing

OTTAWA Ross Video has acquired LAMA, a Dutch-based developer of advanced audio production software known for its innovative live mixing solutions. The acquisiti...

04/09/2025

GatesAir to Demo 5G Passthrough Over UHF at IBC2025

CINCINNATI GatesAir will bring its 5G passthrough demo to IBC audiences once again as interest in the technology's value for broadcast-to-mobile delivery gr...

04/09/2025

Autoscript, Autocue to Feature New PTZ Prompter System at IBC2025

BURY ST. EDMUNDS, England Autoscript and Autocue will showcase their newly launched PTZ prompter system during IBC2025, Sept. 12-15 at the RAI Amsterdam Convent...

04/09/2025

Watch the Benn Family Band Perform I Wont Give Up on Americas Got Talent

Watch the Benn Family Band Perform I Wont Give Up on Americas Got Talent Assistant Professor Loren Benn and her family gave an emotional live performance of t...