Landmark Theatre in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Receives First Major Renovation in Its 50-Year History
GLENDALE, Calif. -- July 9, 2014 -- Bittree today announced that its high-bandwidth video and programmable audio patchbays were chosen for a major A/V upgrade for the Homburg Theatre, a 1,102 seat performing arts venue in Charlottetown, Prince Edward Island, Canada. Bittree's Canadian reseller, Solotech, provided systems integration and installation for the project, which wrapped up in April. Trizart Alliance were the consultants on the project.
Originally constructed in the 1960s, the Homburg Theatre has been remodeled to conform to modern theatrical practices and codes. Confederation Centre of the Arts, Canada's national memorial to the Fathers of Confederation, contracted Solotech to source and install A/V equipment and equipment racks, patch panels, cabling, and faceplates. In addition to the new A/V system, improvements include two new aisles, several catwalks, all-new seating, and state-of-the-art acoustic paneling, lighting technology, and ceiling panels.
"Bittree provides truly great patching solutions that are very well-designed and manufactured to the exacting standards demanded by the entertainment industry," said Ron Morrisette, corporate development at Solotech. "We selected the Bittree audio and video patchbays for their ease of installation, high quality, and long-term reliability, and the availability of custom configurations was very convenient for our client. Bittree's five-year warranty was also a key factor, not just for the client but also to provide Solotech with greater confidence in the selected products."
The Bittree patching equipment installed in the Homburg Theatre includes 2x48 programmable audio TT (Bantam) patch panels (Model B96DC-HNALT/ID M20U12B), half-normalled with punch-down rear interface; and 1x32 high-bandwidth mini-WECo video patch panels (Model B32S-1MWNHD), non-normalling and non-terminating.
"The Homburg Theatre is a landmark arts facility on Prince Edward Island and we are very pleased that Bittree solutions have played such a key role in this major renovation project," said Glenn Garrard, CEO, Bittree. "This installation proves once again that Bittree is the patching system vendor of choice for some of the world's most prestigious audio and video installations."
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About Solotech:
For over 35 years, Solotech has been developing technological expertise that it lends to artists, producers, and events in Québec, Canada and around the world. Clients include Céline Dion, Cirque du Soleil, André Rieu, Bruce Springsteen, Britney Spears, Michael Bublé, Leonard Cohen, the new Justin Timberlake tour, and the Sochi winter games. This vast expertise has enabled Solotech to permanently outfit some of the most prestigious major venues and amphitheatres around the world. More information is available at www.solotech.com.
BittreeGlendale, CA — Jan. 15, 2014 — Bittree today announced that The Systems Group LLC has just completed a major deployment of Bittree’s BNC, RJ45, and E3 feed-through panels in the New York operations center of a leading international news organization. Installed on two floors of the building, the panels give the customer the flexibility to move video and computing equipment between floors without having to run long cables, as the company consolidates its operations in a new main data center.
“The Bittree coaxial panels have proven to be the ideal solution for our customer, offering a fast and easy means of providing temporary connectivity for equipment as the company re-structures its data center and video resources,” said Matt Marino, integration supervisor at The Systems Group. “Like our other projects that require leading-edge patching equipment, we didn’t hesitate to recommend Bittree solutions for this company. Bittree’s large line of products guarantees that we’ll find what we need for our customers’ requirements without having to go to multiple vendors.”
The Bittree feed-through panels serve as demarcation points on two floors of the customer’s North American operations center, one housing a new data center and production studio and the other containing IT and production equipment that will eventually be migrated to the data center. Altogether, the panels provide connectivity for 96 video and 96 data feeds, carried on coax, twisted pair, and Cat6 cable via BNC, E3, and RJ45 connectors respectively. Rather than the extra-long cable runs that would be required to connect equipment directly, the customer simply plugs the equipment on one floor into the panel for that floor for instant connectivity with equipment elsewhere in the building.
Bittree’s coaxial BNC feed-through panels are built with the highest-quality BNC connectors, rated to 4 Ghz. These high-bandwidth connectors were a major selling point for the customer, which has used Bittree patching systems in its control rooms for more than 10 years. In addition, the feed-through panels are HD SDI-compatible and are available in 1-RU or 2-RU configurations of 1 x 16, 1 x 24, 1 x 32, 2 x 16, or 2 x 24.
More information about Bittree’s full range of video and audio patching systems is available at www.bittree.com.
About The Systems Group
The Systems Group, with offices in Hoboken, N.J., and Burbank, Calif., is an internationally recognized broadcast systems design and engineering firm. Its consulting and design teams have developed and deployed some of the most progressive systems to date, leveraging robust broadcast-LAN architecture, file-based workflows, centralized SNMP monitoring and control, IPTV distribution, multichannel origination, and 3G infrastructure across a wide range of news, sports, entertainment, and network operations.
About Bittree
Bittree is dedicated to offering state-of-the-art patching systems that streamline signal routing and troubleshooting in media and entertainment operations of all sizes. The company offers an innovative line of audio, video, and data patchbays for use in broadcasting, postproduction, and pro A/V operations. Designed and manufactured to rigid quality standards based on consistency and performance, Bittree’s patching solutions are renowned for their long-term functionality and dependability — especially for mission-critical operations. Based in California, Bittree serves high-profile media and entertainment customers around the world. More information is available at www.bittree.com.
Advantage Video Systems to Showcase Bittree Audio and Video Patchbays at SMPTE 2013
BY WIRE OCTOBER 8, 2013
BittreeGLENDALE, Calif. — Oct. 8, 2013 — Bittree today announced that systems integrator and reseller Advantage Video Systems will feature Bittree’s family of state-of-the-art audio and video patchbays in booth #114 at the SMPTE 2013 Annual Technical Conference & Exhibition, Oct. 22-24 at the Loews Hollywood Hotel in Los Angeles. Bittree products on display will include the company’s 2×32 Mini-WECO Video and high-density 96 point 1RU Micro-Video patchbays. Bittree’s new BNC feed-through panel will also be on display showing an example of a modular system solution.
“As many of our customers migrate to next-generation production capabilities such as 4K, one of their biggest considerations is cost — especially in the realm of cabling and signal routing,” said Jeffrey Stansfield, owner, Advantage Video Systems. “Bittree’s line of high-quality, high-density patching equipment offers an extremely effective means of offsetting the additional cabling costs by providing a centralized and convenient location for engineers to rapidly patch audio and video signals. We’re looking forward to sharing these benefits with SMPTE 2013 attendees.”
The Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers (SMPTE) is the worldwide leader in motion-imaging standards and education for the communications, media, entertainment, and technology industries. SMPTE 2013 is the premier annual event for motion-imaging and media technology, production, operations, and the allied arts and sciences. The event draws elite and world-renowned technology thought-leaders from motion picture studios, broadcast and distribution networks, production and postproduction communities, software companies, systems integrators, manufacturers, display technologies, distribution providers, over-the-top providers, and other leaders of the evolving motion-imaging industry.
More information about Bittree’s full range of video and audio patching systems is available at www.bittree.com.
About the Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers (SMPTE)
The Oscar® and Emmy® Award-winning Society of Motion Picture and Television Engineers (SMPTE), a professional membership association, is the worldwide leader in developing and providing motion-imaging standards and education for the communications, technology, media, and entertainment industries. An internationally recognized and accredited organization, SMPTE advances moving-imagery education and engineering across the broadband, broadcast, cinema, and IT disciplines. Since its founding in 1916, SMPTE has published the SMPTE Motion Imaging Journal and developed more than 650 standards, recommended practices, and engineering guidelines. SMPTE members include motion-imaging executives, engineers, creative and technology professionals, researchers, scientists, educators, and students from around the world. Information on joining SMPTE is available at www.smpte.org/join.
About Bittree
Bittree is dedicated to offering state of the art patching systems that streamline signal routing and troubleshooting in media and entertainment operations of all sizes. The company offers an innovative line of audio, video, and data patchbays for use in broadcasting, postproduction, and pro A/V operations. Designed and manufactured to rigid quality standards based on consistency and performance, Bittree’s patching solutions are renowned for their long-term functionality and dependability — especially for mission-critical operations. Based in California, Bittree serves high-profile media and entertainment customers around the world. More information is available at www.bittree.com.
GLENDALE, Calif. — Sept. 11, 2013 — Bittree today announced that its patching solutions are playing a central role in a state-of-the-art new audio/visual installation for the landmark Union League of Philadelphia. The Bittree patchbays and patch cords enable fast and easy signal routing for a complex array of microphones, projectors, and monitors in the Union League’s historic Lincoln Ballroom.
With a rich history dating back to Civil War days, the Union League of Philadelphia is one of the city's oldest and most venerated civic institutions, and has been ranked as the #1 city club in the United States. When it undertook a major renovation of the Lincoln Ballroom’s A/V capabilities, the Union League hired Philadelphia-based Metropolitan Acoustics to provide A/V design and consulting. RTS Unified Communications installed Bittree’s 969S programmable, switched ground audio patchbays as the system integrator for the project.
“This was my first project using Bittree equipment, and I found the 969S very straightforward and easy to configure. Since this installation requires several different signal types with wide voltage differences, the 969S offers the cleanest signal and best grounding structure for protection against noise,” said Brian Dempsey, project manager, RTS Unified Communications. “Since it’s programmable, this builds more flexibility into the system and allows us to make quick changes while enabling future repurposing of the product.”
An important consideration for the Union League’s new A/V network was to preserve, as much as possible, the historic architectural features of the Lincoln ballroom including ornate woodwork and lighting fixtures. The Bittree 969S patchbays facilitated this by enabling a design for very small wall plates located in four different spots in the ballroom, and accommodating up to six microphone connections. From those patch pointswall plates, the patchbays handle patching of each mic into an analog audio console and then to audio distribution amplifiers. The patching equipment also enables audio signals to be patched to recording equipment in other areas of the room.
“Termination using the Bittree E3 rear interface connectors was extremely easy; we could do 16 of them in five minutes. This was a big cost-saver since we were using union labor,” said Dempsey. “Also, Bittree’s support services are first-rate. On very short notice, the support tech was able to provide me with an electrical schematic as well as a spreadsheet for labeling the system. This might seem trivial but it saved us several hours of effort having to figure out the various connections.”
“For an organization as prestigious and steeped in history as the Union League to be using our equipment is a major accomplishment,” said Glenn Garrard, CEO, Bittree. “We’re glad our patching systems are playing such an integral role in supporting the Union League’s ability to put on high-quality A/V presentations for its members.”
More information about Bittree’s full range of video and audio patching systems is available by visiting www.bittree.com.
Crosscreek Television Productions is continuing to upgrade its fleet of mobile production vehicles with Bittree’s state-of-the-art programmable audio patching systems. Crosscreek’s newest project with Bittree is Voyager 11, an all-HD, 53-foot expando trailer that offers the largest production area of any truck in the company’s fleet.
“Our partnership with Bittree goes back to the 1990s, and every truck in our fleet depends on Bittree patching systems,” says Butch Mueller, director of engineering, Crosscreek. “Since live sports production is our primary focus, there’s no room for error and equipment changes often have to be made on the fly. The Bittree patchbays are highly reliable and we have complete confidence that they will always perform as specified.”
Mueller adds that Bittree’s unique programmable patching means Crosscreek’s team can quickly change the normalling with a single jumper, “a highly valuable capability as we adapt our trucks for different types of productions over time.
The latest addition to the Crosscreek lineup, Voyager 11, is a complete rebuild of one of the company’s original SD trucks to equip it for full HD production. Voyager 11 features a Grass Valley Kalypso switcher, eight Sony HDC cameras, a Calrec Artemis Light audio console and PESA Jaguar routers. The audio production chain is tied together with 24 Bittree high-density TT Bantam patchbays with an E90 rear interface.
Bittree Solutions to be Featured in Sion Media Booth D341
GLENDALE, Calif. — May 6, 2013 — Bittree today announced that it will showcase its latest innovations in audio and video patchbays and patching solutions at the KOBA 2013 show May 13-16 in Seoul, South Korea. Bittree will be exhibiting with its South Korean distributor, Sion Media Co. Ltd., in booth D341.
“At Bittree, our focus is on developing patching solutions that help integrators and audio/video specialists achieve greater flexibility in rapidly changing media environments. Bittree patching systems are now standard gear in many popular, high-profile productions media centers throughout the Asia-Pacific region,” said Glenn GerrardGarrard , CEO of Bittree. “At KOBA 2013, we’ll be introducing several new product families to the Korean marketplace – including our line of highest-density, high-bandwidth Micro-Video patchbays, our newly launched fiber and data feed-through panels, our line of highest-density, high-bandwidth Micro-Video patchbays and cost –effective patching solutions for coaxial digital audio and component video.”
Shown in Korea for the first time at KOBA 2013, Bittree’s Micro-Video patchbays meet all SMPTE 292M and 424M specifications and features DIN 1.0 / 2.3 rear terminations – with a design that maximizes rack wiring organization and saves space. Also, Bittree’s new line of fiber patch and feed-through panels are the industry's first to provide optional designation strips. With the addition of this new fiber product line, Bittree now provides a single source for resellers and integrators to purchase both copper and fiber patching systems.
In addition, Bittree will demonstrate its unique integrated patchbays that combine the three main patching requirements – audio, video, and data – into a single integrated unit. Another Bittree product family on display at KOBA 2013 will be the company’s 3 x 32 Mini-WECO monitor patchbays, with an innovative design that adds an additional monitor row without exceeding the 2-RU panel height.
“We are proud to partner with Bittree to showcase its industry-leading patching solutions at KOBA 2013. Bittree delivers the top-quality, high-performance, high-density solutions required by media operations of any size, anywhere in the world,” said Johnny Lim, sales director, Sion Media. “Integrators and systems designers alike specify Bittree because they trust the high quality of Bittree patchbays as a reliable backup system for signal routing. It's our pleasure to include such a versatile, high-demand product family in our portfolio.”
Complete information about Bittree’s full range of patchbays and data system panels is available online at www.bittree.com.
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About Bittree
Bittree offers a complete line of patching products, including audio, video, data, and integrated patchbays, as well as a variety of patchcords, tools, and accessories. Tailored for use in the postproduction, pro A/V, systems integration, and radio and television broadcasting fields, Bittree’s patching solutions are rigorously tested to ensure long-term functionality and dependability, especially for mission-critical operations and live events. To ensure consistency, performance, and adherence to rigid quality standards, all of the company’s patching products are designed, manufactured, and tested in its state-of-the-art facility in Glendale, Calif. More information is available at www.bittree.com.
http://www.theiabm.org/article.php?group_id=8656
GLENDALE, CALIF. — Patch system specialist Bittree unveiled a new set of product builders on its website that simplify the product specification process. With just a few mouse clicks, customers can create patching systems that are tailored to their project requirements.
Users can access the product builders directly from the Bittree home page by selecting products from video and audio patchbays. By clicking “Shop Now” in one of the product areas, users are taken to a page with all of the products in that series. Next, users can choose from a list of popular patchbays in the series, or they can select the “Build Your Patchbay” option, which allows them to select the options they need, including panel height, number of patch ports, and normaling method, as well as a range of other specifications. From there, the system builds the product based on the input specifications and also suggests accessories, such as patch cords, tools, and adapters that are suitable for that exact patchbay configuration.
Within its booth at the 2013 NAB Show, Bittree will feature a product builder kiosk that will enable users to test the new system directly from the show floor. Bittree’s knowledgeable sales consultants will be available to assist attendees with the new website’s various features.
http://www.tvtechnology.com/news/0086/bittree-launches-new-online-product-builders-/218711