CHINA: Tongbo Illustrates the Art of Audio with CODA

CHINA

Tongbo Illustrates the Art of Audio with CODA

Zhejiang Tongbo Vision Technology Co supplied numerous CODA Audio system for an ambitious Chinese TV spectacular

Created by China Central Radio and Television, ‘Illustrating China with Poetry and Painting’ was an ambitious TV Programme created in conjunction with several artistic and cultural agencies in the country. The programme used classic Chinese paintings, presented in combination with poetry, music, drama, dance and other art forms, as a medium to illustrate the beauty of China and its rich history and culture.

The programme selected and screened 60 paintings and 300 poems against a backdrop of music, dance, drama, martial arts and other forms of artistic expression, employing XR, CG, naked eye 3D, hologram, and other technological means to bring the content to life for recording in a 3500 sqm TV studio. Audio reinforcement for the project was carried out by the team from CODA Audio China Operations Centre under Zhejiang Tongbo Vision Technology Co. This complex undertaking required a fully coordinated approach between teams from every section of the project. To achieve the maximum visual impact, the production used a substantial amount of 3D-level scenery that could be moved and rotated alongside a large amount of projection and lighting equipment spread throughout the studio. With the video system itself taking up almost all the screen space, a flown audio system was out of the question.

In order to ensure that the studio audience’s perspective was not compromised, the team installed a groundstacked main system positioned at the outer limit of the moving LED scenic film at the stage entrance. Using data obtained from CODA Audio’s System Optimizer software, the team was able to design a configuration that evenly covered the host discussion area, the

audience, and the main control area on the first floor, therefore, achieving a seamless integration of imagery and audio.

For the main stage area where there was a requirement for what the team described as a “majestic” sound. They deployed CODA Audio’s flagship compact AiRAY 12’’ 3-way line array loudspeakers. 6 x units per side were stacked on top of a single SC2-F sensor-controlled bass extension, with an additional 2 x SCP 18-inch subwoofers placed on either side of each SC2-F to provide a wide frontal frequency response. For sections of the programme where the main stage was not in use, this array was supplemented by a secondary ViRAY system (3 per side with SC2-F) which provided predominantly voice reinforcement for host/guest interactions.

So that the host and guests could enjoy precise nearfield audio in their stage area, the team installed 4 x concealed CODA Audio D5-Cube point source loudspeakers. A further 4 x HOPS8 8’’ point source acted as front-fills to enhance clarity for the audience. The audio picture was completed by 4 x HOPS5 in a gallery at the side of the upper stage entrance, with a combination of 2 x HOPS8 and 2 x HOPS5 providing monitoring for actors performing in the side stage area. The overall system was driven by 11 x CODA Audio LINUS14 DSP amplifiers with two CODA LiNET Master units for AES signal network transmission distribution.

David Webster, global director for CODA Audio Sales and Marketing commented, “This was an impressive undertaking which required incredible attention to detail. Tongbo designed a system which combined a wide range of CODA loudspeakers, from our most powerful line array units to the smallest point sources, to achieve stunning results.”

The recording of the show proved to be an overwhelming success, with the audio reinforcement praised by everyone present, including guests, experts and executives from China Central Radio and Television.

Webster concluded, “We’re proud of the fact that CODA systems are now a regular choice for such prestigious projects in China, and of the great work carried out by Tongbo and the team at their CODA Audio Beijing Operations Centre.”

CODA Audio