Sportsnet builds audio for its new studios around Calrec

Two Calrec Artemis consoles with AoIP ImPulse cores and gateway technology are the audio backbone of Rogers Sports and Media’s (RSM) new Sportsnet studios in Toronto.

The new Sportsnet facility comprises two SDI-based, IP-enabled spaces: Studio 31 and Studio 32. The studios feature technologies such as virtual reality, augmented reality, 22 set monitors, a 15-metre curved LED wall, 13 cameras and two IP-based production control rooms. Both spaces are managed from two audio control rooms with Calrec Artemis, from where AES, DANTE (intercom) and analogue signals are generated. The configuration is complemented by several Calrec stage boxes managed with an H2-IP gateway.

Calrec consoles are currently being used for all NHL broadcasts on Sportsnet; both pregame and game. Jim Morrison, strategic advisor, media architect and technical lead on the project, relates his experience with Calrec on this project: “We are familiar with Calrec from our first Calrec console installed at Rogers Sports and Media some years ago. We started down the SMPTE 2210 IP path back in 2017 and these innovative new sports studios were the logical next step. From a technical standpoint, Calrec supports AoIP very well, which fits within our media over IP strategy. Using Calrec stage boxes provides full flexibility when working in the non-IP environment as well.”

SC Media, the Calrec partner in Canada, also played a key role in the integration. Kypros Christodoulides, a member of the company’s sales and support team, details Sportsnet’s challenges: “Sportsnet’s requirement for native AoIP consoles with serious processing power and a distributed SMPTE-2110 I/O network led directly to Calrec. Its Artemis consoles, with ImPulse IP cores, are designed for this modern workflow. The installation and commissioning of this system was quite challenging, not only because of the new technology but also because of its scale and physical layout. And, of course, everyone adhering to Covid rules. Through Jim’s lead and everyone’s hard work, an eye-catchingly successful outcome has been achieved.”

Finally, Dave Letson, vice president of sales at Calrec, notes, “Having Calrec technology central to a space as sophisticated as Sportsnet Studios is a real honor and a testament to our Artemis consoles and ImPulse cores. Calrec kit is designed to support however broadcasters want to work, and this project illustrates this well as Sportsnet combines our new IP technology with older legacy products.”