An effective cue system performs a crucial role in coordinating broadcast activity, keeping directors, production crew and camera operators informed and in control. Data gathered from vision mixers, routers and other production path components generates tally information that can be displayed on under-monitor displays (UMDs) and multi-screen viewers. It is also used for the control of camera cue lights to alert operators when their feeds are live. This information is extremely effective in preventing on-air errors.
Cue systems are often used in studios, although the most complex set-ups are typically to be found in OB trucks due to the large number of cameras being controlled. For example, coverage of a major golfing tournament could require 4 interconnected OB trucks, with each truck controlling 20 cameras. The cue system needs to configure and communicate the on-air, record and preview paths between all 4 OBs.
One of the biggest challenges facing cue system manufacturers is that of having to accommodate the increasing number of ever-changing protocols required to communicate with a wide variety of disparate production path components.
Rotronics Systems CueDirector was conceived from client requests for bespoke-design cue systems that are flexible and expandable as well as being easy to configure and use. Cue Director was launched at IBC in 2008 following development by a team with more than 20 years of tally systems design experience.
Rotronics also offers optional 12-character LED UMD modules to accompany their cue systems, which are believed to be the only UMD available at this time with a depth of 10mm, designed to be conveniently located in front of the controls on standard monitors. The UMD employs industry protocols, has 8 brightness levels and is available in green, red and yellow cues.
Rotronics Systems Ltd is a UK-based company founded in 1994 by Managing Director Bob Head. Over the years it has gone from strength to strength, developing a range of broadcast industry-related products and providing engineering solutions to a wide variety of blue-chip, government and SME clients.
Originally conceived as a broadcast installation company, Rotronics has steadily diversified and increased its electronic engineering capability. Nowadays, while maintaining its own product range the company also uses its extensive hardware and software engineering abilities to provide bespoke design solutions for customers covering almost the entire industrial spectrum.
Rotronics is extremely proud of the high level of support it offers to its clients and this is a key reason why our customers keep coming back.