No, it's not on June 6... it will be in April. But it IS concerning the D-Day invasion. I don't have many details, but it may be the first in a series of programs from different battlegrounds around the world that have involved US troops.

[quote="mtiffee"]This wouldn't be airing on June 6th would it?[/quote] Funny, I was thinking the same thing. As a military history buff I think it might be one hell of a challenge to keep the emotions in check at that place. If it is for the 65th anniversary, who is the feed for? Do the budget people understand the history and meaning of that place?

This wouldn't be airing on June 6th would it?

It will be live to satellite for air in the US.

There ARE different flavors of 1080i. It would be too simple if it was any other way you know. Is the show live, via satellite or fiber, or is it taped and then brought back for post and airing at a later time? Looking at NEP Visions web site, for reference, they seem to have trucks that can run in almost any 1080i flavor, even US spec. You would need to check with the company you work with as to how they handle things, so no surprises when your people get on site. Don't forget to spec a CG, Aston's seem to be common there, not Duets.

Getting a little more info on this show... It WILL be 1080i ATSC HD. So now my question is, are all 1080i signals the same? Do I just have to make sure the frame rate is 29.97? How do I make sure that we send a U.S. HD-compatible signal up to the satellite? The show is fairly simple... I can do it on 2 MEs with 2 channels of DVE and 2 keyers per ME. I'm still fairly new to all the HD specs, so sorry for all the questions...

Well if no Tech Manager you should seriously think about a Project Manager. They will handle everything for you between yourselves and the facility provider. Some Project Managers are on staff at some of the UK vendors.

I think we need a full truck. Tech manager? What's that? ;)

Do you have a tech manager in the mix? Possibly someone from the UK who knows the French way of doing things and labor laws or union rules. Actually at this point they might be considered a project manager. Would a fly pack work at your location?

Thanks for all the info... I'll pass this along to the boss. It's not going to be a very complicated show. I won't have a lot of recalls, and may not even use a DVE or DME, and maybe not even a DDR. It all depends on how the script comes out.

Hey John, It's nothing ... thanks for correcting me! Tell the Visions boys and girls I said hi! Best, Rick.

NCP is owned by NEP now and I was typing this on the fly, but your right I meant to say NEP. It's like... 220, 221 whatever it takes! :D

You're probably in for a real treat. Even when U.S. broadcasters go to Europe there are typically so many that know so little involved that you're bound to be hit with surprises. I can only imagine what you'll end up with, for a university on a budget.

Hey Mongo: As Mike stated depending on what format you are planning you might want to "re-think" what trucks they use in Europe. The CTV and Visions trucks from the UK do most of the American work in Europe. I have worked in Germany on a French truck years ago and they are very different from what you expect. The UK trucks are more compatible to what we do here. A side bar to this is Visions which is located right by Heathrow, is owned by NCP. They have mostly Sony 7K & Kalypsos on board there trucks and they are very nice people to work with. As for DDRs .... you will probably not find a Fast Forward there. They use SONY DDRs and Doremi in some circumstances on the smaller trucks and machine control. The larger trucks will have a SpotBox if you ask for it but I did see recently a ClipStore onbaord at CTV truck when I was there in March. The problem is what we are used to here in the states, is not the norm for them. For example, when you speak of a "full blown" DME we speak of 2 channels with all the options. In Europe, it is one channel with Duality so you really need to clarify what you want and make sure they understand what your requirements are and that they deliver it. There is a company in Belgium called Alfacam near Antwerp and I have seen some of their mobile units. At the time they used DD35s and they had small and nicely packaged mobile units which may suit your needs. Additionally they are on the the same landmass. So have your people check them out. Good luck. Best, Rick.

They haven't hired a truck yet, so I don't know. It's one of those things where I'm not asked for input, but expected to make it happen when we get there. Argh!

Trucks in Europe vary like they do here. It all depends on how much money you are spending. Some have Sony 7ks or 8ks, some have Grass kalypsos or Kayaks. Some even have the older DD35 or the XtenDD. Google can help you find the specs, as long as the company has a web site. BTW, what format are you originating in over there? I have heard that the French produce shows in PAL and then convert that on transmission because SECAM is such a bear to deal with. Are you originating in PAL or SECAM or NTSC? If those questions haven't been asked, please ask them.