Gearhouse Broadcast completes HD upgrade of London Stock Exchange studios

Gearhouse Broadcast, supplier of the technical equipment, facilities and services used to capture the world’s most watched content, has completed the HD upgrade of the studio complex at the London Stock Exchange (LSE).

The systems integration project included the design, supply, installation, test and commissioning of all the broadcast equipment and interconnections required to upgrade the studios to a fully HD production facility. It includes the first UK installation of a Ross Ultrix routing system which has been combined with a Ross Carbonite production switcher. Completed on time and within budget, the upgrade process was carefully managed to minimise the impact on day-to-day operations at LSE.

Located in the heart of the City of London, the broadcast facilities include four studios, all of which are available to hire. They are primarily used for the reporting of live financial and business news for television and radio, the production of video content, as well as media training.

Studio 1 can accommodate up to five people and comes with a wraparound video wall, LED colour changing set and four Sony HD Cameras, three of which are mounted on pedestals. Studio 2 is a chroma-key green studio complete with a remote operated HD camera, ideal for down-the-line interviews with broadcasters. Studio 3 offers a live view of London’s Paternoster Square that can be captured through a remote operated HD camera, while Studio 4 is a flexible space ideal for pre-recording content. The facility has direct incoming and outgoing fibre lines to BT Tower for enhanced connectivity.

David Phillips, business development director for systems integration at Gearhouse Broadcast said: “The SI business is changing so vendors need to be more flexible in their approach to projects, both operationally and commercially. The scale of our business meant we were able to provide temporary solutions to LSE during the installation process to keep them on air. It also enabled us to be able to deal with any potential delays from third party equipment suppliers by temporarily bringing in stock from our own inventory if necessary.”