Trilogy, a leading supplier of voice communications technologies for the broadcast,
industrial and commercial sectors, has installed its Gemini intercom system and
Mentor XL sync pulse and test signal generators (SPG/TSG) at Birmingham City
University. Configured to accurately replicate a full, professional production facility,
the 64-port Gemini intercom system is deployed at the university’s state-of-the-art
Media Centre.
Based at the newly opened Parkside Building, the Media Centre is home to the largest
broadcast facility in the UK’s university sector, featuring four television studios,
including a dedicated 2000 sq ft Green Screen studio, one of the largest in the UK. In
addition to the TV studios the Gemini intercom system connects six radio studios and
other technical areas such as sound recording studios, post-production facilities and
editing suites, a colour grading suite, 4k screening facilities and hundreds of PC and
Apple-based multimedia workstations.
The Gemini intercom system is part of an
integration of systems that make the Media Centre not just a collection of studios
but a fully integrated broadcast centre.
Supplied and installed by broadcast technology and services supplier CVP, Gemini is a
distributed matrix intercom system that combines a full-access, programme quality
audio network with IP connectivity. Importantly, the distributed matrix architecture
greatly improves resilience and reduces installation costs.
CVP Systems Manager Stuart Currie said: “Gemini ticks all the boxes. It’s a flexible
and reliable intercom system that not only works as it should, but enables
Birmingham City University students to accurately experience the use of intercom
systems in a professional environment.’
The Gemini intercom matrix installed at Birmingham City University is comprised of 22
16-key control panels and five eight-key desktop panels across the four studios. The
Trilogy-supplied system also includes several rings of two-wire belt packs for floor
managers and lighting control.
System configuration is performed using Trilogy’s Gateway software which operates
in a simple Windows environment and provides limitless ability for Birmingham City
University to build, modify and save multiple databases to suit any operational
requirement.
Currie added: “All of the Birmingham City University trainees have commented on the
Gateway software’s easy-to-learn functionality, which greatly accelerates the
learning process. Trilogy has clearly thought Gemini through and built in ease of use
from the start.’
Video timing is provided by a pair of redundant of Trilogy Mentor XL master reference
generators that are locked by GPS to ensure accurate timing. Both units include HD
and SD test, and NTP server support to enable all PCs within the facility to be
accurately timed via IP network.
