Do you broadcast live? In the latter is Video Toaster used to broadcast?

We rarely broadcast live, but when we do we use the Toaster switcher with 3 cameras and 4 mics. We use the DDR to play any intros, links or animated titles during the broadcast.

For studios recording you seem to use a green screen. Do you use Video Toaster’s Chromakey or any external tool?

For the best results we key live using the switcher, once the subject is lit correctly the key is perfect. All this requires is a bit more preproduction to get the virtual background finalised before the shoot.

How many people have been trained on Video Toaster?

Over the past year about 10 people have been trained to use VT-Edit.

What were their respective jobs (journalists, reporters, editors, playback)?

We are multitask, so all of our staff edit, produce and do their own camerawork if needed.

What differences in productivity have you noticed since you started using the Video Toaster?

It allows a much faster turnover in programming compared to other non-linear editing packages. The timeline is so open, once you’ve learned the basics there is no restrictions. We could not return to using any other editing packages.

What is the configuration of the Video Toaster machine? What cameras do you use?

The machines are set up to finalise programmes as mpeg2, we then play these files on a server which can be viewed around the locality.
We use the canon xl1s and we have provided the canon xm2 to two of the local schools.

Which tools in the Video Toaster suite do you use most?

VT-Edit, the Switcher, VT-CG (Character Generator), LightWave Modeller/layout and Aura.

What, in your opinion, can be improved in the Video Toaster? What sort of new tools would you like to see?

The sound editing tools in VT[3] need more development; I have not used VT[4] which I hear has much improved sound tools.

What are you currently working on?

We just finished a number of keyed interviews for an education website and we are presently working on a programme documenting the stories of the elderly people in the area regarding the old textile mills. This week we also begin night-time courses for disadvantaged young people, teaching them camerawork and editing skills. So we expect to have many more Video Toaster editors on the way.

Thank you for your time Shane and good luck for your next shows !
For more information about BLTV you can check their web site on www.bltvonline.com