Panasonic LED presents the news with SBS in an Australian first!

Panasonic worked closely with SBS to manage the entire process, from initial consultation, to reviewing and testing potential solutions within the studio, through to final installation.

Using Panasonic technology, SBS has enhanced the delivery of the flagship SBS World News broadcast with the Artarmon news production studio now featuring a large format LED screen to display high-resolution graphics during broadcasts. Digital content ranges from maps and weather, to finance and property reports, as well as displaying breaking news.

The solution is the first Panasonic Full HD LED display of its kind to be installed in Australia. Noel Leslie, Chief Technology Officer, SBS, said:

“The previous 3 x 3 interactive news screen wall became outdated and no longer serviced the needs of our news production. The new LED display provides SBS with significantly enhanced technology to further integrate interactive motion graphics and high resolution images in the news and current affairs offering for our audiences.”

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Consultancy, design and collaboration with Panasonic

Delivering seamless moving images and graphics

SBS required a solution to produce map graphics and showcase real or moving images on screen to support its news reporting, which the screen is able to deliver seamlessly. The new LED display complements the studio’s Full High Definition upgrade, with a 1920 x 1080 Full HD resolution as well as a 1.4mm pixel pitch to support extra fine detail. The screen spans an impressive 2.8 x 1.6 metres, and is able to provide up to 800 nits of brightness, which can be adjusted to suit the broadcaster’s requirements.

Panasonic worked closely with SBS to manage the entire process, from initial consultation, to reviewing and testing potential solutions within the studio, through to final installation. The solution is backed up by a support and maintenance agreement and component warranty with annual reviews designed to keep the panel looking great and well-maintained.

Custom installation to suit unique SBS requirements

The display has a surprisingly slim footprint and has been installed as a free-standing structure suitable for the studio installation where space is limited. As well as looking impressive, it has a number of features that offer both convenience and longevity. All components can be serviced from the front, and because it is comprised of smaller LED modules, individual sections can be replaced within seconds, while the screen is still operating. The modules are attached to the front of a magnetic frame, meaning there is no need to install expensive customised brackets, and the screen can easily be reconfigured as required.

Grant Stewart, National Manager, Professional Services, Panasonic said:

“We’re very proud to support SBS and the SBS World News broadcast with the latest in LED technology. SBS provides a respected service to millions of Australian viewers, and our screen is designed to complement this with reliable and flexible operation for many years to come.”

Boosting SBS news, current affairs and social media

The new screen has been in operation for a few weeks and is used in a variety of news and current affairs programming. This includes: the 6.30pm weekday edition of SBS World News hosted by Anton Enus and Janice Petersen, and the SBS World News Late Edition. Ricardo Goncalves delivers most of his finance report standing in front of the large screen. The screen is seen on Monday night’s football wrap-up ‘The World Game’, and is also being used for social media interaction for National Indigenous Television’s (NITV), The Point.