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

MV: We organise production around "La Quotidienne". The DDRs allow us to start clips directly from the RS-8 thanks to the CUE function. The director only has to switch to the dedicated bus and the clip starts - that's magic! We always use the same compression codec (DV type 2), which ensures a good quality broadcast signal. In addition, the Proc Amps allow us to correct any small problems with lighting.

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

MV: Two video hard drives (a SCSI 60GB drive for DVEs and a Medéa 250GB RAID for video). In the production suite a cameraman controls Sony BRC 300s, sound is mixed on a Yamaha 01V.

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

MV: In order: the switcher, the DDRs, the CG (for creating and playback) and Edit for some post-production. We rarely use 3D or Aura (because we haven't been trained on it).

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

MV: Have a CUE control on a DDR that goes through to the DSK! That's to say being able to overlay one video on another using the DDR controls.
Being able to control a title scroll in Live more easily.
Revising the workflow of the CG player and improving its stability.
Being able to assign your own keyboard shortcuts.

How do you produce your live programme?

KM: Before the live feed:

An operator digitises all the clips from the DSR 80 and brings the titles into the CG. The clips are placed in one or more DDRs following the play order.
(The operator will edit and post-produce certain clips directly on the Video Toaster).

During the live feed:

The director mixes the video tracks and launches the clips from the SX-8. Another team member sends the results from the CG. Titles (the DSK) can be activated from the T-Bar, but using keyboard shortcuts gives more possibilities (changing sources and activating or deactivating the DSK simultaneously thanks to the S key for example).

A director of photography directs the three cameras on stage.

A script acts as a tape controller to launch certain clips directly from a DSR 80.

Thanks for taking part and answering our questions Karim and Matthieu, and good luck for the next "Quotidienne".

You can see "La Quotidienne" Tuesdays to Thursdays live at 10:30, and repeated at 12:30, 18:30, 19:30 and 22:30.

All news reported by Delta TV, reports and archives are available on their web TV stream.