SOUTH AFRICAN BROADCASTING CORPORATION SOC LIMITED
TENDERERS ARE REQUIRED TO TREAT THE DETAILS OF THIS RFI ENQUIRY AS
CONFIDENTIAL.
REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI)
RFI NUMBER: RFI/NS11/15/01
RFI TITLE: REBUILD OF THE SABC TV NEWS STUDIO 11 FACILITY
Address:
SABC Auckland Park
Cnr Henley and Artillery Road
Auckland Park
2006
Telephone:
011 714 4764
Contact Person:
Mimi Lushaba
Tender office Supervisor
[email protected]
RFI Number: RFI/NS11/15/01
RFI Title: REBUILD OF THE SABC TV NEWS STUDIO 11 FACILITY
EXPECTED TIMEFRAME
TENDER PROCESS
EXPECTED DATES
RFI Issue Date
11 February 2015
Available on SABC Internet
11 February 2015
Briefing Session
19 February 2015
RFI Closing Date
18 March 2015
The Corporation retains the right to change the timeframe whenever necessary and for whatever
reason it deems fit.
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS (OPTIONAL)
1) Valid Tax Clearance Certificate
2) Valid TV Licence (Company’s and all Directors)
3) Valid BBBEE Certificate (from SANAS affiliated Agency)
4) Company Registration Document
5) Shareholders’ certificates
CONTACT DETAILS OF THE BIDDER:
Company Name: ________________________________________________
Physical Address: ________________________________________________
_________________________________________________
Contact person:
Name
: _________________________________________________
Telephone
: _________________________________________________
Mobile
: _________________________________________________
Fax
: _________________________________________________
E-mail address: ________________________________________________
2
RFI Number: RFI/NS11/15/01
RFI Title: REBUILD OF THE SABC TV NEWS STUDIO 11 FACILITY
REQUEST FOR INFORMATION (RFI)
USER REQUIREMENT / SPECIFICATION FOR THE:
REBUILD OF THE SABC TV NEWS STUDIO 11 FACILITY
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
SABC News has a requirement to have a studio that is flexible enough to accommodate
multiple Studio Sets for all its Current Affair Programs and additional enhancements to
incorporate Social Media, data and the Internet within its scope.
The News Studio 11 facility is based on the 3rd floor in the TV News building in Auckland
Park Johannesburg; it is the last existing Standard Definition digital video with analogue
audio news studio and needs to be upgraded to a High Definition facility. The TV News
Studio 11 facility is a dedicated news recording and live broadcast studio which will serve as
a multi discipline production studio. Although the proposed area of Studio 11 will
accommodate 6 areas the workflows and case studies can reinvent the design as better
insights from the RFI are obtained;
This document requests information from the market for new innovative solutions for the
supply of equipment, the system design, installation, commissioning, and assistance and
guidance in the form of training (operationally and technically); it also requests consultation
(workflow best practises) on the equipment and system/s;
News Studio 11 will be redesigned and refurbished to incorporate the latest technology to
enable a modern appearance with innovation in the form of a virtual reality set/s, augmented
reality, presenter interactivity, sets with video wall displays and new lighting techniques. We
request the required workflow concepts and best practises (case studies) needed to achieve
the functionality required to migrate our resources within the SABC to sustain whatever is
implemented. These include and are not limited to embedding social media, opinion/games
information tallying, Skype, Hangouts, Viber, Instagram, Storify, the internet, interactivity,
virtual and augmented reality and other graphical elements with data, animations and
graphical controlled features to our broadcasts.
By understanding the technology and skills that can enable such elements as mentioned
above we can understand the functional possibilities, workflows and resources required to
enable the necessities surrounding the technologies. The resources required are thus human
expertise, tools & their functions and risks and implication to achieve the above.
The recommendations, constraints, resources, skills and the relevant best practises for the
functions and workflows will be evaluated and tabulated to obtain a thorough User
Requirement to develop the Business Case to build the facility required.
3
RFI Number: RFI/NS11/15/01
RFI Title: REBUILD OF THE SABC TV NEWS STUDIO 11 FACILITY
Please note the drawings illustrating the design proposals below
4
RFI Number: RFI/NS11/15/01
RFI Title: REBUILD OF THE SABC TV NEWS STUDIO 11 FACILITY
REQUEST FOR INFORMATION
USER REQUIREMENT / SPECIFICATION FOR THE:
REBUILD OF THE SABC TV NEWS STUDIO 11 FACILITY
1
INTRODUCTION
This document requests information from the market for new innovative solutions for the
supply of equipment, the system design, installation, commissioning, and assistance and
guidance in the form of training (operationally and technically) and consultation (workflow
best practises) on the equipment and system/s; the final result will be the upgrade of the old
TV News Studio 11 facility from its digital SD (standard definition) video and analogue
audio to an HD 1 facility. It will be redesigned and refurbished to incorporate the latest
technology to enable a modern appearance with innovation in the form of a virtual set,
augmented reality, presenter interactivity, sets with video wall displays and new lighting
techniques and changes.
Background
The News Studio 11 facility is based on the 3rd floor in the TV News building in Auckland
Park Johannesburg; it is the last existing analogue news studio that needs to be upgraded
to a HD facility. The TV News Studio 11 facility is a dedicated news recording and live
broadcast studio which will serve as a multi discipline production studio.
2
PROJECT REQUIREMENTS AND SCOPE OF SERVICES
The SABC requests information regarding the supply of equipment, the systems design,
installation, commissioning and personnel training (operational and technical). We request
the required workflow concepts and best practises (case studies) needed to achieve the
functionality required to migrate our resources within the SABC to sustain whatever is
implemented. These include and are not limited to embedding social media, opinion/games
information tallying, Skype, Hangouts, Viber, Instagram, Storify, the internet, interactivity,
virtual and augmented reality and other graphical elements with data, animations and
graphical controlled features to our broadcasts.
If is necessary to assist us with training and transitional plans in order to put the required
functional concepts in place (i.e. workflow plans of the concepts/resources required and
migrations) and to ensure the roll-out to the facility is correctly established.
The equipment and their functional details within the scope will be listed in detail below.
The mandatory requirements are, where applicable, that the studio equipment needs to be
able to interface seamlessly with the existing systems and equipment. The existing systems
include and are not limited to the following: the new communication system, the central
MCR Snell Cygnus core routing switcher, the News Production System (Quantel News
servers), the Near-line editing System (Omneon Media Grid), the Newsroom Computer
System (ENPS) and the SABC IT infrastructure.
All interconnections will be done through the News Server Room based on the 3rd floor of
the TV News building. The project will not be seen as a turn-key project, therefore it is
recommended that vendors supply information on whatever equipment they can offer and
1
HD – High Definition (with reference to digital video)
5
RFI Number: RFI/NS11/15/01
RFI Title: REBUILD OF THE SABC TV NEWS STUDIO 11 FACILITY
support. All the building works will be done through a separate tender process with the
architects design; focused on the exact requirements
6
RFI Number: RFI/NS11/15/01
RFI Title: REBUILD OF THE SABC TV NEWS STUDIO 11 FACILITY
Information for the following is requested:
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY .......................................................................................................................... 3
1
INTRODUCTION ................................................................................................................................ 5
2
PROJECT REQUIREMENTS AND SCOPE OF SERVICES ...................................................... 5
3
GENERAL USER REQUIREMENTS AND FUNCTIONALITY ................................................. 10
3.1.
3.2.
3.3.
3.4.
4

Studio floor ........................................................................................................... 10

The Gallery (control room) area .......................................................................... 11

The Sound Room ................................................................................................. 11

The Sign-Language Interpreter area ................................................................... 11

The Live Graphics & Pre-preparation area ......................................................... 12

The Equipment Room .......................................................................................... 12
New Enhancements ............................................................................................................... 12

A virtual set; the plan is to make half of the floor virtual, ................................. 12

An interactive screen, .......................................................................................... 12

On-camera Displays and Video Walls................................................................. 12
Influencing Factors................................................................................................................ 13

Future considerations ......................................................................................... 13

Integration requirements ..................................................................................... 13
Additional considerations/functions ................................................................................ 14
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS ................................................................................................... 15
4.1.
7
Proposed infrastructural design ........................................................................................ 10
General Technical Requirements ...................................................................................... 15

Technical Information .......................................................................................... 15

Sustainability........................................................................................................ 15

Diagnostics of the system/s or devices ............................................................. 15

Administration of the system/s or devices......................................................... 16

Redundancy ......................................................................................................... 16

Software Licenses................................................................................................ 16
4.2.
Studio Set/s ............................................................................................................................. 17
4.3.
Studio Video Walls................................................................................................................. 17
4.4.
Studio lighting controllers with lights and dimmers .................................................... 19
4.5.
Virtual set, Interactivity and Augmented Reality ........................................................... 20
4.6.
Presenter Interactivity Illustration/Analysis Tool .......................................................... 20
4.7.
Play-out Devices..................................................................................................................... 21
RFI Number: RFI/NS11/15/01
RFI Title: REBUILD OF THE SABC TV NEWS STUDIO 11 FACILITY
4.7.1.
Graphical and Play-out/Playback Devices................................................................... 21

On-Air Graphics Play-out and Branding devices ............................................... 22

Graphical Display Control System for the Video Wall/Studio Floor Displays .. 23
4.7.2.
Recording/Capturing, storage and play-out devices ................................................ 23

Video Tape Machines/ Removable Media Device storage ................................. 23

Vision Mixer Clip Store – refer to “Production Switcher/Vision Mixing - Clip
Store” .................................................................................................................... 24

Audio Clip Player – capture/store/player ............................................................ 24

Studio Play-out Server ......................................................................................... 24

DVD/ blue-ray recorder/s ..................................................................................... 25

Internet interactive tools...................................................................................... 25

Picture/slide freezes required. Indicate tools that are available. ...................... 25

The Weather Central system (Existing system) ................................................. 25
4.7.3.
Studio Media Ingest and Play-out for the existing Media Servers ........................ 25

The News Production - Quantel sQServer system (existing - for you
information) .......................................................................................................... 26

The Near-line Omneon Media Grid system......................................................... 26
4.8.
Data/Content Moderator tools ............................................................................................ 27
4.9.
Multi-viewers for monitors................................................................................................... 27
4.10.
Video Monitors .................................................................................................................... 28
4.11.
Studio cameras ................................................................................................................... 29

Jib/Crane Camera ............................................................................................................. 29

Camera Chains .................................................................................................................. 29

Pan and tilt heads & pedestals ...................................................................................... 31

Handheld cameras RF and /or Wifi ............................................................................... 31

Beauty camera and Sign-language interpreter camera .......................................... 32

Camera cables ................................................................................................................... 33
4.12.
Production Switcher/Vision Mixing console built-in routing switcher ................ 33
4.13.
Routing Switcher ................................................................................................................ 35
4.14.
Audio mixing consoles ..................................................................................................... 36
4.15.
Sound/ Audio requirements/Accessories.................................................................... 39
4.16.
Measurement instruments for Quality Assurance .................................................... 41
4.17.
Integration (Same as under general user requirements above) ............................ 42
4.18.
Other Associated Hardware ............................................................................................ 43

8
Clocks – station clocks linked to the station time code .................................... 43
RFI Number: RFI/NS11/15/01
RFI Title: REBUILD OF THE SABC TV NEWS STUDIO 11 FACILITY

Up/Down Clocks ................................................................................................... 43

KVM units ............................................................................................................. 43

Patch Panels/ Jack fields..................................................................................... 43

Engineering Computer/s...................................................................................... 43

Systems Computers ............................................................................................ 43

Teleprompter monitors and PC’s ........................................................................ 43

Sync Pulse Generators (2X) ................................................................................ 44

Auto change over switcher required .................................................................. 44

Digital glue ........................................................................................................... 44

Communication System ...................................................................................... 44
5
TECHNICAL FURNITURE ............................................................................................................. 45
6
SYSTEMS DESIGN ......................................................................................................................... 45
7
INSTALLATION ............................................................................................................................... 45
8
COMMISSIONING ........................................................................................................................... 45
9
TRAINING AND ROLL-OUT PLAN .............................................................................................. 46
10
WARRANTEE & SERVICE AGREEMENTS ........................................................................... 46
11
BRIEFING SESSION................................................................................................................... 46
12
EVALUATION CRITERIA........................................................................................................... 46
13
CONSORTIUMS, JOINT VENTURES AND SUB-CONTRACTING REGULATIONS...... 47
13.1
SUB-CONTRACTING ................................................................................................................. 47
13.2
DECLARATION OF SUB-CONTRACTING ............................................................................ 47
14
DECLARATION OF INTERESTS ............................................................................................. 48
15
GENERAL INFORMATION ........................................................................................................ 49
16
NOTICE TO INTERESTED TENDERERS ............................................................................... 50
17
SUBMISSION PROCEDURES .................................................................................................. 50
9
RFI Number: RFI/NS11/15/01
RFI Title: REBUILD OF THE SABC TV NEWS STUDIO 11 FACILITY
GENERAL USER REQUIREMENTS AND FUNCTIONALITY
3
The News Studio 11 facility is to be rebuilt to convert the facility from an analogue to a digital
facility. Although the proposed area of Studio 11 will accommodate 6 areas the workflows
and case studies can reinvent our design as we come to better insights;
Please provide brochures and specifications for all proposed equipment. Also indicate
special connections, interfacing and protocols used where applicable.
Vendors are invited to offer information on items that they can supply and innovation on
ideas to enable functional efficiencies and possibilities that can aid in the studio design.
Please provide options with costing wherever applicable.
Proposed infrastructural design will consist of the following 6 areas:
1) the floor area,
2) the gallery (control room) area,
3) the sound room,
4) the sign-language interpreter area,
5) the live graphics and pre-preparation area and
6) the equipment room.
To elaborate on each area and what function each should house;
3.1.
Proposed infrastructural design
Studio floor
The design (size: 11,4m x 17m) will accommodate the following:
 A virtual set; half of the studio floor, against the one wall of the studio;
 An interactive video wall or large display;
 Two sets with video walls;
 A crane or jib with camera;
 RF handheld cameras;
 Beauty cameras remotely controlled;
 All cameras track-able to promote the virtual sets and Augmented Reality;
 Projectors feedback displays which enables image projections on virtual sets to
help presenters interact with content;
 Lighting and control, etc.;
 Floor LCD/LED monitors on stands;
Please note that the exact design parameters of the studio sets are not
incorporated in the RFI, we are aware that it has an impact on the exact sizes of
the video wall and the virtual tracking requirements.
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RFI Number: RFI/NS11/15/01
RFI Title: REBUILD OF THE SABC TV NEWS STUDIO 11 FACILITY
The Gallery (control room) area
will accommodate the following:
 Monitor wall
o Monitor wall frame/stand/fixture
o Monitoring displays – with/without multiviewer setup, indicate your suggestions
o Speakers for audio monitoring
o Tally control for Cue tally’s and monitor Identification
o Clocks, for up/down counters for the production secretary and for Real-time
clocks with off-set clocks as well.

control desks
o Production Switcher
o Routing Switcher (Router) V/A
o Graphics, CG, Branding, live on-air graphics
o Play-out/ Vision Control / Ingest
o Lighting Control
o Studio manager
o Autocue operator
The Sound Room
Needs to accommodate the following:
 Monitor wall frame/stand/fixture
o Monitoring displays – multi-viewer setup
o Speakers for audio monitoring
o Tally control for Cue tally’s and monitor Identification
o Clocks, for up/down counters for the production secretary and for Real-time
clocks with off-set clocks as well.

Audio mixing console/desk
 Standby scaled down mixing desk included emergency switch
 Audio equipment; effects generators, de-essers
 Audio capture and play-out unit; enabling content storage and GPI triggered
playlist play-out
The Sign-Language Interpreter area
will accommodate the following:
 Camera pan tilt head…..remotely controlled – beauty-cam
 Lighting
 Monitoring displays for program feed and autocue
 Audio capture equipment
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RFI Number: RFI/NS11/15/01
RFI Title: REBUILD OF THE SABC TV NEWS STUDIO 11 FACILITY
The Live Graphics & Pre-preparation area
will accommodate the following:
 Graphics template configuration setup tools and confirmation with animation and
element control for virtual and augmented reality.
 Data authentication./moderation preview capability
 Two systems for the pre-preparation of the editorial ENPS Running-Order setups
and Quality Assurance checks.
The Equipment Room
will accommodate the above equipment that need to be in a controlled air-flow and
temperature environment, in the racks:

Engineering PC – used for setup and programming configurations, backups and
some dashboard equipment monitoring (enabling SNMP for equipment and
including Air Con and Power monitoring via a LAN and web platform) .
 KVMs – to each Control Display on the Control Room Desks
 Patch Panels; audio/video
 Instrumentation
 All equipment hardware, etc.
3.2.
New Enhancements
News studio 11 will be rebuilt with new enhancements. The following functionality will
be implemented as part of the rebuild:
A virtual set; the plan is to make half of the floor virtual,
o
What is required to make it work from the start of the basic set design to the final on-air
product?
o
Human resources - expertise required
o
Number of months to plan and design a set
o
Implications and elements to take into account when designing,
o
Risks
o
Set change over implications and factors
o
Interactivity projector used with virtual sets.
An interactive screen,
o Aim presenter to interact with a. predefined interface with dynamic links & information
or /and media & data & internet pages or tools eg. Google maps. or triggering a media
server to playback media clips pre-set or moderated
o
The same or a similar UI is to be available on the internet for public consumption.
On-camera Displays and Video Walls
o A play-out system to drive the displays with a playlist with pre-set scheduled plan
templates, pre-built animations/effects with graphics/movies, sequences and live video
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RFI Number: RFI/NS11/15/01
RFI Title: REBUILD OF THE SABC TV NEWS STUDIO 11 FACILITY
source inputs with device/server playback control; the animations/templates etc. need
to enable variable, automated data and media updates etc.
We will therefore need to understand the technology and skills that can enable such
elements as mentioned above and understand the functional possibilities, workflows and
resources required to enable the necessities surrounding the technologies. The resources
required are thus human expertise, tools & their functions and risks and implication to
achieve the above.
Please recommend the relevant best practises for the areas, e.g. where is the best place to
house or accommodate the live on-air graphics? What is required for them to enable their
workflow that it remains efficient and effective? Please list any possible
constraints/hindrances that can affect the products use.
These include and are not limited to embedding social media, opinion/games information
tallying, Skype, Hangouts, Viber, Instagram, Storify, the internet, interactivity, virtual and
augmented reality and other graphical elements with data, animations and graphical
controlled features to our broadcasts.
3.3.
Influencing Factors
The information should also aid to look broader and accommodate other factors
neighbouring or that have an influence on the facilities:
Future considerations
It should be noted that following the studio 11 rebuild and equipment upgrades, the
two adjacent studios will also need their equipment upgraded to HD; in the light of
the future upgrade it may seem appropriate to indicate whether equipment or
equipment configurations can be shared amongst the studio facilities; e.g. buying a
bigger frame can accommodate two studios to work from the same router frame, etc.
Integration requirements
 The SABC uses the AP ENPS Newsroom Computer System, it is essential to
ensure the appropriate equipment is compatible and can be:
o
The appropriate equipment need to be MOS enabled with an ActiveX plug-in
for the user interface within ENPS;
o
Control of the play-list stack for the equipment from the ENPS Running
Order when activated;
o
Direct ENPS automated device control of device/s, setup integration;
o
Please indicate the level of integration the units/devices/systems have or
what will be necessary to enable them.
 Interactivity and virtual template controls or triggers to setup and activate Playout control from the play-out devices, the ENPS Running-order and /or the
display device/s required.
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RFI Number: RFI/NS11/15/01
RFI Title: REBUILD OF THE SABC TV NEWS STUDIO 11 FACILITY
 Internet to broadcast interconnectivity enabling:
o
Presenter transaction capability; devices that allow the presenter to
communicate with someone from the studio via an internet link, e.g. skype
etc.
o
Presenter calling up of a web page for discussion using the web page setup
for studio use in HD and having the same page as an on-line public
accessible web page.
o
Presenter interactivity, activating general material or pages from the internet
for information, analysis and discussion, e.g. google maps, web pages,
YouTube etc.
 Tablet/iPad control interconnection for studio device control, integration to video
walls and information sharing.
 Graphics integrations as required to build on-air graphics for the virtual sets and
the interactivity systems.
 Other, please specify.
 Data integration and data standards, xml and RSS
 Editorial and data/text moderation tool/s other than ENPS to moderate
media/data from SMS’s, Headlines, Facebook, twitter, Instagram transactions.
3.4.
Additional considerations/functions
The system shall consist of but not limited to the following infrastructure:
The technical detail will get more specific
Studio Camera Chains, Camera crane, RF handheld Studio Camera and remotely controlled
beauty-cams
Full HD monitoring bays for production and sound controls
Production Switcher
Audio mixer and standby audio mixing capabilities
General audio equipment; Microphones/earpieces, Effects Generators
Graphical play-out devices; for down-stream, up-stream use as well as on-camera graphics,
interactivity, tickers and branding etc.;
Redundant system for transmission purposes; assuring no-single-point-of-failure
Technical instrumentation
Communication systems shall be upgraded, but connected to the existing communication
system at the SABC
Full routing capabilities for audio and video signals
Integration with the envisaged news production and computer system, line record room and
graphics areas
Integration with the existing Broadcast Media Servers
New Lighting and dimmer systems
Video wall displays, the equipment and software
All peripheral equipment (Distribution amplifiers, “glue”, clocks, displays, etc), furniture,
monitor bays, installation equipment and labour for a fully integrated system.
14
RFI Number: RFI/NS11/15/01
RFI Title: REBUILD OF THE SABC TV NEWS STUDIO 11 FACILITY
TECHNICAL SPECIFICATIONS
4
Please specify the different options or configurations that can be catered for with the products,
e.g. the production switcher/mixer can be stand-a-lone with a certain required functionality
(DVEs, keyers, etc.), or it can include any combination of the following: a router, glue for
different inputs and outputs, multiviewer feeds for displays, several control panels/consoles
connected to a mainframe with shared configurable resources, clip stores, integrated graphical
enhancements etc.
Any combination or shared interfacing amounts equipment and graphic tools for e.g. needs to
indicate differing workflows and options and their benefits, whether cost or operations etc.
4.1.
General Technical Requirements
All software licenses need to be specified and included as part of the proposal and all
associated annual cost Needs to also be included (5 years).
Equipment that use the IT network needs to be included, specifications for unique requirements
need to be supplied as the SABC will free issue switches etc.
The following may be required on some of the systems please specify wherever applicable:
Technical Information
o The Facility will be an HD Facility using the 1080i/50 standard.
o
The video monitoring in the equipment room shall be capable of testing and
monitoring all HD, SD and analogue video and audio parameters.
o
Requirements for the equipment, size for rack, air-conditioner, power requirements
will need to be specified when the design is implemented.
o
All video equipment shall be capable of conforming to the HD standards.
o
Equipment that use the IT network needs to be included, specifications for unique
requirements need to be supplied as the SABC will free issue switches etc.
Sustainability
o A critical spares kit needs to be included as part of the costing.
o
Equipment support for any device supplied needs to be supported for a minimum of
10 years from the date of delivery.
o
Service level agreements please refer to the Section covering this point.
Diagnostics of the system/s or devices
Technical dashboard
15
o
System/ devices needs where applicable to have SNMP enablement to ensure a high
level overview of system diagnostics/error/fault analysis interface setup can be put in
place, these include power and Air-con monitoring.
o
The systems may need different levels of access into the administration of the
equipment.
RFI Number: RFI/NS11/15/01
RFI Title: REBUILD OF THE SABC TV NEWS STUDIO 11 FACILITY
o
These levels shall be password protected.
Administration of the system/s or devices
o Control/configurations/setups administration/ programming/development
o
There shall be different levels of access into the administration of the equipment.
o
These levels need to be password protected.
Redundancy
o The equipment whether mixers or the like need to have redundancy built into the
hardware and software. During a software failure or hardware failure, the equipment
or mixers need to recover and should not be “down” by more than 30 seconds. Ideally
this down time should be unnoticeable, i.e. the mixer should be able to detect
possible failures in advance and switch to alternative. Vendor shall give full
explanations of the redundant features of the offered.
o
PSU’s Needs to have redundant hot spares in the same rack.
o
Where possible all modules like the DSP card, router cards, control processor card,
etc. need to have redundancy or hot swappable spares.
o
Systems need to have built in hardware monitoring with automatic user notification
upon failure of PSU, DSP, Router, Console control, I/O and rack cooling fans.
o
Please specify the system power switch on and reboot time to the full functionality of
the system. Does system ensure full system configurations and media/clip storage is
maintained, if not what is required to ensure this is possible.
o
System needs to be able to return to previous operating settings upon re-boot
following a power failure with the configuration and set-up when the power tripped or
failed.
Software Licenses
o All licensing will need to be a once-off payment license, the SABC will not purchase
yearly license to ensure equipment is functional. Support as the SABC determines will
be ad-hoc as equipment fails or may be considered through an SLA agreement.
o
16
All software licenses need to be specified and included as part of the proposal and all
associated ad-hoc rental licences to accommodate additional features for special
events needs to be specified.
RFI Number: RFI/NS11/15/01
RFI Title: REBUILD OF THE SABC TV NEWS STUDIO 11 FACILITY
4.2.
Studio Set/s
The Studio 11 floor size is 11,4m x 17m and the design will accommodate the following:
The floor will have four presentation areas:
o Two physical sets with video walls; Sizes to be determined by the set designs, refer to
“Studio Video Walls”
o
one interactive screen; an interactive video wall or large display, Refer to “Presenter
interactivity illustration/ Analysis tool” and
o
a Virtual Reality (VR) set; half of the studio floor, against the one wall of the studio;
All cameras can be used with any of the sets;
 All cameras track-able accommodate virtual tracking to promote the VR2 and
Augmented Reality (AR);

All cameras need to enable the use of AR3 on each set;

Projector Feedback for use in the virtual sets to enable active real-time presenter
interactivity;

Jib/Crane and RF handheld cameras; Refer to “Cameras”

Beauty cameras remotely controlled; Refer to “Cameras”

Lighting and control, etc; Refer to “Lighting”;

Floor LCD/LED monitors on stands; -Refer to “Monitors”;
Please note that the exact design parameters of the studio sets are not incorporated in the
RFI; we are aware that it has an impact on the exact sizes of the video wall and the virtual
tracking requirements.
The studio set will not be part of the studio 11 rebuild project but will be designed by the
architect and installed as another project; the completion of the set will need to be a
dependency on the Studio 11 Rebuild project plan.
4.3.
Studio Video Walls
Video walls consisting of display screens or video cubes are to form part of the technical
installation. The video walls will form part of two of the studio sets. Please specify what is
recommended, available in the market and the possible combinations and options that can
be suggested.
A full controller to drive/feed the video wall is to be included as part of the functionality;
Refer to “Graphics Display Control System”
The video walls are to form part of the backdrop of the studio sets and will be on-camera /
in-vision during the news broadcasts. The video wall shall consist of:
o display panels/cubes or the like,
2
3
VR - Virtual Reality
AR - Augmented Reality
17
RFI Number: RFI/NS11/15/01
RFI Title: REBUILD OF THE SABC TV NEWS STUDIO 11 FACILITY
o
fixed stand/fixture system and
o
graphics controller driving the display cubes/panels.
The presumed video wall/s may be 5m wide and approximately 2.3m high. Exact
dimensions and recommendations needs to be suggested in order for the SABC to plan
their designs;
o Designs of the video wall are presumed to be HD 16x9 images and the highest
possible resolution needs to be specified
o
A fixing system for all the display units needs to be specified and needs to
accommodate the following:

Dimensions – sizes, gap of the seams if any and space used/required for the
fixture/s;

Details of fixtures, i.e. how can the displays be removed and replaced within
minutes by the SABC service technicians;

Details on air-flow requirements
o
No audible noise from the wall due to the Live Studio setup requirement;
o
Alignment details to ensure colour matching is achieved, how can this be achieved?
What will adjust the quality of each display unit automatically so that they appear
uniform in colour, brightness and contrast etc? How is this achieved with a probe?
o
Should there be a seam, the display driver software is required or be able to adjust
the video automatically or manually for the displayed video/graphics.
o
The system will be fed with 8 X HD SDI signals (1080i) or SD SDI video signals from
the main routing switcher in the studio. Please specify what is available or can be
suggested. In addition to the video signals, the system needs to be capable of
displaying images generated from a computer system. Please refer to “Graphics
Display Control System for the Video Wall/studio floor displays”.
o
The display unit/s shall have reduction of artefact noise such as compression noise,
“mosquito” noise, etc.
o
The system needs to assure that the system is maintainable and spares for at least 7
years for the system and the possibility of an upgrade or display replacement path to
ensure future-proofing into later technology display models.
Please specify the ideas and techniques to drive the displays and the operations workflows
recommended and a costing for the display units, the controller, the support system for the
monitors, delivery to the SABC, installation, commissioning and handover
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RFI Number: RFI/NS11/15/01
RFI Title: REBUILD OF THE SABC TV NEWS STUDIO 11 FACILITY
4.4.
Studio lighting controllers with lights and dimmers
The Studio needs its Dimmer systems replaced with a new system. Modern lighting techniques
using alternatives to tungsten are viable options; the impact will determine the best approach to
light up the virtual studio and sets required. Please specify your suggested solutions. The
installation will need to rewire approximately 100 light circuits.
Dimmer Control Unit
o
Please specify other alternatives that the LED environment opens as possibilities
o
New ETC dimmers can be quoted and installed
o
Dimmer racks – quote per unit or loose modules
o
Compatible with SABC lighting grid
o
Dimmer modules needs to be usable with mix of Tungsten, cold and LED lights
A new lighting control desk is to be installed.
o
Light console capable of controlling 512 channels for fixed studio lights
Studio Floor lighting - Variety of studio lights
o
5KW dimmers capable of reporting technical status of dimmers to console – quote per
unit
o
2KW tungsten – quote per unit
o
1KW tungsten – quote per unit
o
Selection of cold lights – quote per unit
o
LED equivalent of 2KW and 1KW – quote per unit
o
Monopoles capable of extending to 3 meter and carrying 5KW studio lamps – quote
per unit
o
Follow spot - quote per unit
o
A set of “cold” and normal incandescent luminaires with fittings are to be purchased
o
Lighting for the Studio set needs to also be incorporated to enable colour changes on
the set/s as required, additional DMX effects/control boxes maybe required;
Sign-language interpreter area
o
Lighting for the area which accommodates one Interpreter with one camera
(Robotically controlled) and a backdrop behind the presenter, the area is small
probably 2m x 3m.
Set Lighting
o
Lighting on the set is often Coloured LED lighting that is controlled from the desk with
remote DMX controllers; the lighting can be led strips or LED lights enabling colour
changes of the set. Recommend available options and ideas to best enable with
costing on these solutions.
Control Room Area Lighting
o
19
Lighting in the control room area needs a separate control to allow dimmer control of
the lights to the control areas on the desks; these down-lights, desk illumination
and/or wall branding lights need a central fader on the control desk to assume the
variable light controls.
RFI Number: RFI/NS11/15/01
RFI Title: REBUILD OF THE SABC TV NEWS STUDIO 11 FACILITY
4.5.
Virtual set, Interactivity and Augmented Reality
Please refer to the below technical requirements in conjunction with the mentioned “New
Enhancements” under section 1 “General User Requirements and Functionality” due to the
workflow and functional requirements specifications.
Several concerns need to be resolved and information should be forth-coming regarding the
sustainability of any virtual system.
o
Indicate Camera Tracking Technology (challenge with installation, calibration and
maintenance)
o
How are the graphical virtual elements, controls and rendering systems implemented?
o
Indicate redundancy on the required technology
o
Multi camera operation
o
Unrestricted camera movement
o
3D Movement around virtual and real objects
o
User creatable 3D objects/models using industry standard graphics applications
o
Indicate integration of tablets (iPads etc.)
o
Gen-lockable
o
Supports both HD/ SD video formats
o
Indicate if the system can be work as a standalone or as part of a full-on workflow
(integration with Automation Systems)
o
Indicate of Frame delay/s
o
Indicate preloaded/pre-set graphics as part of the solution
o
Indicate first line support and maintenance and what it may entail
o
Real-time 3D Graphic Rendering - Indicate the development of 3D model generation
development should it be required. 3D design…..tools for the AR and VR to add value
Basically what is on offer and what is the impacts, constraints, risks and best practises.
4.6.
Presenter Interactivity Illustration/Analysis Tool
Please refer to the below technical requirements in conjunction with the mentioned “New
Enhancements” under section 1 “General User Requirements and Functionality” due to the
workflow and functional requirements specifications.
Several concerns need to be resolved and information should be forth-coming regarding the
sustainability of any interactive system. The workflow for the systems is often reckoned to as
being similar to the implementation of a web page; please indicate how the system suggested
functions, the development around getting such a system operational and the requirements or
best practises to sustain and use the system on-air, i.e. how is it done? What resources are
involved to ensure the system/data/media is accurate before the presenter uses it live and onair.
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RFI Number: RFI/NS11/15/01
RFI Title: REBUILD OF THE SABC TV NEWS STUDIO 11 FACILITY
4.7.
o
103 “LCD/LED/OLED monitor or the like; please advise – all screens need to be
aligned with a probe or tool for in camera usage;
o
U-Touch or the like (similar) – Touch Screen tool to enable interactivity with the driver
device;
o
Integrated/controllable with/from tablet (Tab/iPads etc.)
o
Integrated /Functional with all types of web, databases and internet data/media/Social
media etc.
o
Gen-lockable
o
Interconnectivity/integration/control of:

Play-out control of the Media Servers; e.g. Quantel port/s; Indicate if/how it
integrates with Quantel Play-out server

Graphics devices;

ENPS control/integration
Play-out Devices
It is necessary to identify all play-out devices due to their over-all use amongst all elements
within the studios; several elements of the graphics, animations, video play-back,
illustrations with added data update need to mix together for the AR, VR, interactivity and
graphics systems.
The functions required:
o studio play-out of graphics for lower third graphics, Rolls, full screen graphics,
animations, templates, crawl/ticker, clock/s etc… the device/s feed the
production/vision mixer’s key and fill sources. . Currently the Character Generator is
doing this function……
o the Studio function to add branding, logos, the tool required is one that is setup for
automated data links, program branding, clocks, content info etc. the unit is useful as
a program DSK setup
o studio floor on-camera display/video wall play-out graphics system
o augmented reality/virtual sets graphics play-out system and development tools, please
specify
o Additional graphics capabilities are to be provided which may be required, please
specify what is believed to enable the graphical possibilities, but this will reside in the
Graphics area and not in the Studio 11 Control room.
o Identify the level of control/s possible for the devices, how can they control each other
or can they be controlled from the MOS ENPS integration?
4.7.1. Graphical and Play-out/Playback Devices
Graphical play-out devices; for down-stream keying, up-stream keying use as well as oncamera graphics, interactivity, AR & VR use with tickers and branding etc. is a requirement for
studio use;
The one can feed into the other and they can control on another.
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RFI Number: RFI/NS11/15/01
RFI Title: REBUILD OF THE SABC TV NEWS STUDIO 11 FACILITY
Although much of the graphics is done with the Adobe product range in the News Graphics area
it is essential to enable play-out within the studio to promote the brand look & feel and content
illustration by the use of the play-out graphics tools.
On-Air Graphics Play-out and Branding devices
These devices display live on-air Video Graphics, whether motion graphics, animations,
sequences, stills, pictures sequences, video movies, 3D animations, variables
(data/content) populated with graphics movies and/or data etc.
Although Character Generators have moved to be enabled to do enhanced graphics and
are known to be Graphical Play-out devices, it is still necessary to have these live
compositing devices, driven by pre-built templates for fast turn-a-round on-air use.
The Graphical Play-out devices are basically required to do the following:
o Windows based operating system with open platform
o Ability to capture live HD video/pictures including key if it is available.
o Ability to import graphic file formats such as jpg, tiff, .gif, tga, CIFS, etc. please state
available formats
o Network connectivity to be able to access internet data, databases, etc. if required
o Variety of fonts
o Management of templates and media please state possibilities
o Dual channel system each with Key and Fill outputs. i.e. each Channel output needs to
provide separate key and fill signals
o HD video inputs and outputs
o Gen-lock input
o Time code input to lock to the station clock
o Effects such as:
 Squeeze back
 Corner logos
 Crawl or ticker with per character timing
 Moving background
 Animation
 Rotating graphics
o Station clocks and digital clocks
o Integration with ENPS is essential, in ENPS and in the studio; The device/s need to be
controllable by MOS or automation system. Indicate partners with a proven track
record
o Data use/ links etc. e.g. can xml data be used? How is data managed in the system
and used effectively?
o tools for the AR and VR to add value
Please indicate the possibilities available with their features and enhancements, also
include comprehensive training offered on this item for operational and technical
personnel and the associated costs
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RFI Number: RFI/NS11/15/01
RFI Title: REBUILD OF THE SABC TV NEWS STUDIO 11 FACILITY
Graphical Display Control System for the Video Wall/Studio Floor Displays
The objective with this tool/function is to deliver on the function to drive the studio floor
displays and Video Walls with coordinated content from a sequenced playlist.
o On-camera Displays and Video Walls Control System
 The system may need to drive more than one video wall and several (possibly 4 to
6) individual displays;
 A user Interface is required with a playlist of predefined/ prepared sequences/
animations/ templates or the like with graphics, movies, data, tickers to be
displayed on the on-camera displays for any production. i.e. the composition of
objects, pictures, animations, movies, pictures (pictures of varying sizes with an
alpha cutout) variables (whether it is data or content or pictures) data triggered
variables/animations to (Key-frame) timelines
 A further benefit will be the enablement of triggered play-out from a play-out server
or the Quantel server.
 Added variables in the form of links to data that can be taken from different data
sources, enabling automated data and media updates etc.
 Enable video source inputs minimum of 8 with two enabling key and fill; e.g. if we
want to play a ticker or an update of social media we will need to key it onto the
screen, etc.
 Other play-out device control of the Display Control System for live played-back
video inputs form the play-out servers; these are listed below under “Recording,
storage and play-out devices” and “Studio Media Ingest and Play-out for the
existing Media Servers”; please list recommendations to enable this functionality.
 It will be beneficial if the system driving all the displays could have a built-in driver
that could enable tickers, layering like Picture-in-picture or DVE type setups
 Please give a description of the software that drives and controls the display, e.g.
ease of developing the playlists, sequences or scenes, changing the display from
single display to multi picture displays, etc.
 The system needs the capacity to feed all Video Wall/s and Floor Displays
simultaneously
4.7.2. Recording/Capturing, storage and play-out devices
Video and audio may need to be stored for studio use and may then be used as a play-out.
Some studio capture requirements have been mentioned above but this is not limited to
the above devices only.
The studio is required to capture video and audio media/ pictures in real-time with the
requirement to use the captured content within seconds; to do that a storage and playback system is required. In our case video and audio needs to be captured on one device,
audio on another and static pictures on another. All the devices need to randomly, as
required by the operation controllers to playback the content whenever required. Please
advise tools to enable our requirement.
Video Tape Machines/ Removable Media Device storage
o The Removable device will also require a Storage component to store clips that can be
played back when triggered, this storage can also be used to transfer Clips via the
network to and from other file store systems.
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RFI Number: RFI/NS11/15/01
RFI Title: REBUILD OF THE SABC TV NEWS STUDIO 11 FACILITY
o The VTR to capture store and playback the video; VTR needs Media Capturing of Clips
(static Pictures or Video clips ) Clip store….for video clips or pictures…and network
connectivity.
 HD XDCAM for HD recording of IMX files
 VTR to do HD Tape recordings that are able to playback Betacam SP tapes (e.g.
recording IMX50).
 A DVC Pro tape recorder/PB to record HD but will also be required to play existing
material DVC Pro 25/50 from tape with up/down scaling for use in the HD studio.
Vision Mixer Clip Store – refer to “Production Switcher/Vision Mixing - Clip Store”
o Media Capturing of Clips (static Pictures or Video clips with keys) Clip store….for video
clips or pictures…. E.g. Vision Mixer in Studio capturing and playing back
o Live store with trim facility is essential to enable quick turn-a-round clips for on-air use.
Audio Clip Player – capture/store/player
Today a media clip or audio clip can be played from a flash drive, e.g. an iPod, mp3 player
or similar device; there is no need to use a CD player but an audio playback device/PC
that enables a clip player; the Audio Clip Player requires the following features:
o Is required to capture broadcast quality audio (AES-balanced)
o Requires a simplistic audio trim function to clip captured audio as required
o It is necessary to be able to transfer audio files from a network or USB to the audio clip
player’s storage
o Requires a Playlist setup; needs to enable an audio track to be setup/ dragged to a
playlist and played;
o Requires that a clip is enabled to play back audio clips and pause or stop when the clip
is completed or setup to play in a clip repeat/loop mode.
o Manual and triggered play-out with fader-start and fader-pause control from Audio
Mixer is essential.
o The unit or device is also required to output AES (balanced) broadcast quality audio for
direct to air usage.
o Audio clip player– controlled by GPI?
o Please list two separated players, a player with the above features and then a player
that possibly could include the below ENPS enabled control.
o Can the Audio Clip Player be controlled by ENPS playlist to load the appropriate clip for
the next story?
o The device/player is required to lock to the studio to ensure synchronization.
Studio Play-out Server
The tool/function/requirement is to have a dedicated server for use within the studio for
video movie, motion graphics (rendered files), animations, etc. for ingest/capture, storage
and play-out.
o The play-out can be purposed to be used to feed individual displays triggered by the
“Graphical Display Control System for Displays and video wall” system as mentioned
above or wherever it is required
o Network connected to enable file sharing of content between servers
o Able to capture live video, trimmed and ready for use
o Ability to ingest removable media, e.g. USB, SD, etc.
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RFI Number: RFI/NS11/15/01
RFI Title: REBUILD OF THE SABC TV NEWS STUDIO 11 FACILITY
o Capability to setup a playlist sequence by operations User interface for controlled
playback
o Ability to playback clips in a loop or repeat setup
o Has the ability to browse media for preview on the desktop or user interface
o Has an ability to add tickers and graphics, linked to data if required.
o Video clip player – please specify how it can be controlled, by GPI, RS422, LAN? Can
this control be setup in the playlist setup? The Playlist is required to be MOS
controlled via ENPS?
o Allowing manual playback with the ability to have clip playback when cued (clip
ready/loaded) to display the first frame on the HD output and freeze the clip when the
clip has reached the end point in when it was played back.
o Minimum two channel play-out and one ingest required.
Please indicate available codecs and wrappers the system can accommodate for HD
Quality, include Audio.
DVD/ blue-ray recorder/s
o Play-back; Required for all regional format conversions to the studio format (1080i/50 )
use.
o Broadcast HD DVD recorder with embedded HD video output, gen-lockable
o Broadcast CD Player with AES/EBU output, gen-lockable
Internet interactive tools
o Ideally suited for Internet communication; e.g. for Skype, Google+ (Hangouts), Viber
etc.
o Please ensure the branding is enabled on same device for e.g. Skype, YouTube etc.
o The ability to display Web/internet pages viewed as full screen HD video or captured
movies/graphics for live on-air illustrations is essential for the presenters.
o Audio and video from the internet to allow Internet playback of e.g. YouTube clips etc.
Picture/slide freezes required. Indicate tools that are available.
Pictures captured will need to be played out in the studio and or the video wall/s; a
dedicated tool to do this and/or can it be accommodated in the Vision Mixer or the other
tools/devices already mentioned
The Weather Central system (Existing system)
o The system can be used using a Chroma key or on an interactive touch screen,
o Please indicate the added enhancements/ tools will be required like mapping, traffic
interactivity needs to be accommodated, etc.
o Please state all possible additional applications, tools, data features or enablement
possibilities or whatever is available.
4.7.3. Studio Media Ingest and Play-out for the existing Media Servers
SABC News has two existing News Broadcast servers:
 The News Production System and
 The News Near-line Omneon Media Grid System.
25
RFI Number: RFI/NS11/15/01
RFI Title: REBUILD OF THE SABC TV NEWS STUDIO 11 FACILITY
The News Production - Quantel sQServer system (existing - for you information)
The studio needs to integrate fully with the Quantel Production System;
Two sQPlay systems each controlling two channels from the different TX Servers.
i.e. 4 Play-out channels will need to be accommodated from the Quantel for each Studio.
o 4 play-out channels, i.e. (Play-out A&B from TX_A and C&D from TX_B) and
o Ingest channels. Capture from within the studio.
 Ingest into Quantel Server
 Minimum 2 synchronized input channel configuration
 Play back ability to view and trim clips on device itself; Audio and Video
 Ability to do a quick edit and have the clip ready for play-out use within minutes
The Clip Play-out needs to be done manually and under an automated system
The Near-line Omneon Media Grid system
Play-out is required from the Media Grid, this is currently not possible.
The requirement is to have a device to repurpose the content from the Media Grid for the
Graphics Display play-out system for the on-camera floor displays and to ensure Quantel
play-out redundancy.
o Two play-out HD-SDI outputs are required
o The play-out needs to enable loop play-outs
o The play-out is required to have a playlist
o Play-back: allowing manual playback with the ability to have clip playback when cued
(clip ready/loaded) to display the first frame on the HD output and freeze the clip
when the clip has reached the end point in when it was played back.
o The system needs to be controlled from the ENPS system, please indicate the level
of control possible.
o The Media Grid play-out system is required to be controlled by the Graphical Display
Control System for the Video Wall/Studio Floor Displays Graphics Play-out Display
system
o The Media Grid play-out is required to ensure that it can be used as a Quantel
redundancy play-out is ensured; the requirement for the Play-out from the Media Grid
is required, a clip player that allows media clips to be populated from an ENPS
Running Order (playlist) and manually as required
o System needs to have a seamless transfer between the Quantel TX server and the
Media Grid system of all Quantel published clips to ensure redundancy play-out is
guaranteed.
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RFI Number: RFI/NS11/15/01
RFI Title: REBUILD OF THE SABC TV NEWS STUDIO 11 FACILITY
4.8.
Data/Content Moderator tools
On-Air content needs to be moderated to ensure authenticity, accuracy and social
acceptability (e.g. avoiding profanity, etc.); to ensure this a tool is required to link to
different data sources and ensure the content/data usability to enable the moderated
content to be pushed via a xml stream, xml file or text file (or other) to a play-out device
for on-air play-out.
The data included would refer to but not limited to that listed below:
o Social Media; Twitter, Facebook, etc. (includes data message and pictures)
o URLs
o Xml files or streams
o RSS
o @ - emails
o Texting systems: SMS, Viber, “Whats App”, etc.
o Plain text
o Instagram (pictures & text)
o Whats App (text and pictures)
o Flickr
o Web pages
o Other content options – indicate other possibilities
o Other integration requirements:
 Database Connectivity, how can this be achieved/setup?
 ENPS integration and data pushes/pulls
4.9.
Multi-viewers for monitors
There are several areas where multi-viewers can be suggested, from the Monitor walls in the
control and sound area, the studio floor etc. indicate what is suggested, what options are
available referring to some of the tabulated points below:
27
o
Minimum output resolution 1920 X 1080
o
The system needs to accept HD-SDI with embedded audio. Please indicate visual 5.1
monitoring capability.
o
Display embedded AES audio groups, markers
o
Note the different number of sources/destinations or combinations that can be
suggested or even setups of feeds out of the router system.
o
Multiple HD video outputs? State quantity. Please indicate if output is DVI, HDMI or
HD SDI.
o
Indicate redundancy, setup/configurations required, pre-set configurations etc.
o
Under Monitor Displays (UMD’s)
o
Tally control/status
o
Setup via PC, web and/or LAN software?
o
Does it integrate with active UMD with local studio routing switcher
o
Specify input and output standards.
RFI Number: RFI/NS11/15/01
RFI Title: REBUILD OF THE SABC TV NEWS STUDIO 11 FACILITY
o
Required to be able to colour balance using a probe; Line-up probe for colour
balancing is essential for through-camera colour alignment
4.10. Video Monitors
Please quote per unit as listed below, specify all available options:
For Video wall Monitors please refer to the above.
Broadcast standard (size can vary slightly per category)
Please specify the monitors recommended:
o
103” LCD/LED/OLED display for interactive display
o
55” LCD/LED/OLED display
o
46” LCD/LED/OLED display
o
32” LCD/LED/OLED display
o
24 LCD/LED/OLED display
o
19” LCD/LED/OLED rack mountable broadcast monitor
o
HD (1920 X 1080 ) resolution
o
Indicate input standards i.e. HDMI, DVI-D, HD-SDI, SD-SDI etc.
o
Required to be able to colour balance using a probe; Line-up probe for colour
balancing is essential for through-camera colour alignment
o
Viewing angle > 170°
o
Markers – required please specify
o
Active live incoming SDI Audio needs to be displayed on the monitor; at least 8
channels need to be displayed simultaneously as an addition to the displayed video
Domestic standard (size can vary slightly per category)
o
46” LCD/LED Monitor
o
32” LCD/LED Monitor
Studio/Domestic monitor stands (size can vary slightly per category)
o
To be used on the studio floor;
o
Monitor stands with wheels, sturdy enough to carry monitors with height adjustment
capability;
o
Mount brackets also need to be specified
Several of the monitors will be used on the studio floor and need to be colour corrected for
the in-camera shots; Specify the in-camera display colour corrector alignment
unit/tool/converts to be used for/with the monitors.
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RFI Number: RFI/NS11/15/01
RFI Title: REBUILD OF THE SABC TV NEWS STUDIO 11 FACILITY
4.11. Studio cameras
Although the existing facilities have Grass Valley (GV LDK8000 Elite) cameras, additional
cameras are required to enhance the functionality.
This Broadcast Camera Chain will be utilized at the SABC in the news Studios. The SABC
purchased Grass Valley LDK8000 camera chains for the News Production Studios and the
additional cameras need to be the same or equivalent.
All cameras excluding the Beauty-Camera and the Sign-language interpreter camera is required
to accommodate the Virtual set elements to enable camera tracking on the studio floor. (Refer
to Virtual set section.) Please state any reservations/hindrances regarding camera tracking for
e.g. around the cameras using RF is it possible to maintain camera tracking?
Jib/Crane Camera
A Triax Camera will be required.
o Camera head and its weight
o Camera Lens Canon HD lens HJ17ex7.6B IASE or similar
o Lens extender (X2) Broadcast Spec Wide angle lens approximately 12 x 4.5
o Lens mechanical protector
o Camera Control Unit with Triax cable connector.
o Operator Control Unit – for colour balancing, Iris and black control
o Jib/Crane with Pan and tilt head, Triax
 Arm length approximately 4 m
 Pivot point height approximately 700mm – 1.2m
 Specify stand/dolly
 Control unit for pan and tilt of camera cradle for the operator
 Zoom and focus control for EFP type lens
 Jib controls - Zoom control for lens – Canon ZSD-300D or similar,
 Jib controls - Focus Control for lens – Canon FPD-300D or similar,
 Specify angle of rotation of camera cradle/head
 Mounting plate for the camera head
 Autocue and it’s placement with the camera; indicate possible display sizes and
weight
o Viewfinder monitor - LCD Colour or simular, to be mounted to the Jib/crane at the
controls,
o Jib Controls please specify,
o Include tally on air indications on controls and at camera head.
o Coms to jib from the camera head.
Camera Chains
o Camera head with Digital Triax Cable Connector.
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RFI Number: RFI/NS11/15/01
RFI Title: REBUILD OF THE SABC TV NEWS STUDIO 11 FACILITY
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
Camera Lens Canon HD lens HJ17ex7.6B IASE or similar
Mounting plate for the camera head
Viewfinder – LCD 5” Colour
Zoom control for lens – Canon ZSD-300D or similar
Focus Control for lens – Canon FPD-300D or similar
Camera Control Unit – with Digital Triax Cable Connector.
Remote Control Panel or Operator Control Unit
Setup terminal group camera alignment & memory storage, etc.
If the camera is not the same camera as the existing news studio cameras (LDK8000
Elite) as mentioned above please recommend Cameras with the following specifications:
o Camera Needs to be a small bodied broadcast spec TV studio camera
o 2/3” image sensor. Specify sensor type (CCD or CMOS)
o Indicate optical filter features
o Indicate sensitivity
o 1980x1020 chip resolution (minimum)
o 1080i/50, 720p/50
o 16 bit A/D converter
o 2 X External video inputs
o Teleprompter input
o Dual 5 pin intercom connector on camera head/cable adaptor (Prod and ENG)
o Low noise cooling system on camera head
o Variable shutter speed
o 2 X HD/SD video outputs
o Gen-lock input
o Fully Digital Triax adaptor preferred
o CCU Needs to offer adjustments for Gen-lock purposes
o CCU Needs to have EXT comms input
o CCU Needs to have Tally input
o OCP for professional studio operations; (OCP to CCU LAN or RS232 cable?)
o Master control panel
o Bayonet lens mount
o Remote White/Black Balance control
o Remote colour balance and black level control
o Manual and auto iris control
o Remote zoom and focus control
o Broadcast Spec Digital lens - 18 x 8.2 or similar with focus and zoom servos for remote
focus and zoom control
o Broadcast Spec Wide angle lens approximately 12 x 4.5 with focus control and zoom
control servos for remote focus and zoom control
o There Needs to be a local service representative for the proposed lens
o LCD viewfinder (approximate 8”) with tally indicator and mounting bracket
o Viewfinder to feature peaking and focus assist (indicate all features)
o Eye pieces for cameras (add to costing, may be required when camera is to be used as
a handheld camera)
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RFI Number: RFI/NS11/15/01
RFI Title: REBUILD OF THE SABC TV NEWS STUDIO 11 FACILITY
o Camera baseplate for pedestal mount
o Camera Needs to be capable of shoulder operations as well as on a studio pedestal
o Tally indicator
Pan and tilt heads & pedestals
The SABC News recently installed a number of Thompson GVG LDK 8000 cameras. The
cameras were installed on Vinten Pedestals. This RFI is for the supply of additional
pedestals and new cameras for the new requirements which need to include all options
and possible solutions to accommodate the virtual sets and/or robotics as proposed.
o Pedestal – should accommodate the weight of the cameras with all the accessories
required
o Spreaders and wheels Pedestals needs to be fitted with rubber wheels and adjustable
cable guards
o Although Fluid head are currently in use the heads should allow the virtual set
enablement and/or the robotics or camera control requirements – the heads needs to
be able to carry the camera, lens, viewfinder, prompter, LED camera number unit,
base plate and talent monitor
o Adjustable height; Minimum height = 66 cm, maximum height = 143 cm
o Should be capable of handling the camera, head and all accessories
o Arms for zoom and focus control units
o Lockable pan and track
o Steer and crab control with a steering ring
o Optional robotic pan and tilt head
o Optional robotic pedestal
Handheld cameras RF and /or Wifi
Please specify the possible constraints, warnings and workflows that could be of concern
regarding RF or Wifi cameras for use inside the studio floor and inside in the News
Building; Concerns could be: Battery Life, Camera Comms, Range, Camera weight with
RF Link, Loss of control operationally e.g. Iris, paint control, possible RF interference,
Virtual tracking problems
Ideally the same camera as above with an RF/WiFi back-end,
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
31
Camera Needs to be a small bodied broadcast spec TV studio camera
2/3” image sensor. Specify sensor type (CCD or CMOS)
Indicate optical filter features
Indicate sensitivity
1980x1020 chip resolution (minimum)
1080i/50,
16-bit A/D converter
2 X External video inputs
Teleprompter inputs possible….
5 pin intercom connector on camera head/cable adaptor
Make provision for COMMS to/from RF Camera
Low noise cooling system on camera head
RFI Number: RFI/NS11/15/01
RFI Title: REBUILD OF THE SABC TV NEWS STUDIO 11 FACILITY
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
Variable shutter speed
2 X HD/SD video outputs
Gen-lock input
CCU needs to offer adjustments for Gen-lock purposes
CCU needs to have External comms input
CCU needs to have Tally input
OCP for professional studio operations
Master control panel
Bayonet lens mount
Remote colour balance and black level control
Manual and auto iris control
Remote zoom and focus control
Broadcast Spec Digital lens - 18 x 8.2 or similar with focus and zoom servos for remote
focus and zoom control
Broadcast Spec Wide angle lens approximately 12 x 4.5 with focus control and zoom
control servos for remote focus and zoom control
There Needs to be a local service representative for the proposed lens
LCD viewfinder (approximate 8”) with tally indicator and mounting bracket
Viewfinder to feature peaking and focus assist (indicate all features)
Eye pieces for cameras or a pop-out display
Camera baseplate for pedestal mount
o Camera Needs to be capable of shoulder operations as well as on a studio pedestal
Beauty camera and Sign-language interpreter camera
The aim with the Beauty camera is to capture a studio shot required for orientation of sets
and staff for the virtual set.
The sign-language area is small and needs to accommodate a camera that is mounted
either from the roof on a bracket or mounted on the wall; it needs to be setup robotically
have the correct lighting and capture the sign-language interpreter visually.
The objective is to have the two cameras with the same specifications:
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
o
32
Camera needs to be a small bodied broadcast spec TV studio camera
2/3” image sensor. Specify sensor type (CCD or CMOS)
Indicate sensitivity
1980x1020 chip resolution (minimum)
1080i/50, 720p/50
14-bit A/D converter
Low noise cooling system on camera head
Variable shutter speed
HD video output
Gen-lock input
Fully Digital Triax adaptor preferred
CCU needs to offer adjustments for Gen-lock purposes
CCU needs to have Tally input
RFI Number: RFI/NS11/15/01
RFI Title: REBUILD OF THE SABC TV NEWS STUDIO 11 FACILITY
o OCP for professional studio operations, Master control panel; Robotic camera and Pan
and Tilt head remote control to be mounted in the control desk.
o Bayonet lens mount
o Remote colour balance and black level control
o Manual and auto iris control
o Remote zoom and focus control
o Broadcast Spec Digital lens - 18 x 8.2 or similar with focus and zoom servos for remote
focus and zoom control
o Broadcast Spec Wide angle lens approximately 12 x 4.5 with focus control and zoom
control servos for remote focus and zoom control
o Tally indicator and mounting bracket
o Camera mounting for pan an tilt head
o Robotic head, Pan and Tilt head for camera head mechanism
o There needs to be a local service representative for the proposed lens
Camera cables
o Cables for the floor Digital Triax costing please for a 10m, 20m and 30m as well as
wallbox mounted plugs with their wiring.
4.12. Production Switcher/Vision Mixing console built-in routing switcher
This Video Production Switcher or Vision Mixer will be utilized in a live news production and
broadcast environment and should therefore be suitable for on-air operation. The studio will be
equipped to allow broadcasts in standard HD SDI format (1080i/720p)
Back ground:
The recently purchased vision mixer is a 2.5 M/E4 set-up with several 2D/3D DVEs, two
downstream Keyers (DSK) enabling external key and fill inputs, transitional effects (matte fills,
wipes, chroma keyers for all cameras, DVE Effects (borders, crop, etc.) back grounds, Slide
captures, slide/clip capture capabilities allowing 8 simultaneous playbacks from the store.
It is necessary to understand all the available options the Vision Mixer/Production switcher can
accommodate to enable the correct enhancements and thereby the costing.
We need vendors to enable our operations with a vision mixer that can supply the following
capabilities:
Functional/ End User Requirements
o Operations simplicity,
o Indicate built-in routing switcher assignment capabilities; Switching with internal router;
o Backgrounds; Specify colour backgrounds in addition to black and white backgrounds.
o Transitional Effects; dissolves, wipes, patterns etc.
o Busses; Program, Preview, Mix Effect (M/E), Keyers, Aux etc.
o Monitoring;
 of the Busses, e.g. Program (PGM), Preview (PVW) and the same for the M/E
4
M/E – Mix Effects
33
RFI Number: RFI/NS11/15/01
RFI Title: REBUILD OF THE SABC TV NEWS STUDIO 11 FACILITY
o
o
o
o
o
o
 indicate multi-viewer capability for monitoring output
Digital Video Effects (DVE); 2D, 3D control, crop, borders etc.
 Minimum of 2 built in 3D DVE’s per M/E with variable squeeze back functionality
with additional effects e.g. page turn, page roll, ripples, etc.
Keyers;
 Matte, Up Stream and Downstream Keyers required to offer Self, Matte, External
and Chroma keys etc.
 Minimum of 2 Chroma Keyers – assignable to any keyer
 Minimum of 3 Downstream keyers
 Indicate the possible function keyers available per M/E
 Multiple external key inputs. Indicate number of Ext key inputs in the response
Clip Tool - Easy Capture tool of video for slides and video clips for play-back use
Clip store/s; A Still/Clip store is required and is required to be capable of playing out
animated HD clips
 Capture; video, stills, internal DVE outputs? Etc. Store (Several hours of content),
not lost with a power-down, Incorporates a digital slide/clips/video store capability
 The clips need to be scalable and crop able, i.e. changing the size of the video clip
to be used as an animated logo at the bottom or top of the screen.
 Play-out (loop capability), capability to simultaneous playback of minimum 8 x 10
minute looped movie clips.
 File Transfer; file up-load and down-load capability, Downloading clips and still
onto the store shall be user friendly and over a standard network connection.
Sources
 Number inputs; minimum 32 possibly expandable to 48 or 64
 Source glue/input converters per source; up-scale (bringing in different picture
sizes or different frame rates), up/down-convert, Aspect Ratio Converters (ARC),
IP Streams, etc. Needs to support SD, HD and 1080p inputs and outputs
interlaced as well as progressive scan
Destinations - Destination and Output configuration capabilities
 No. of outputs, expandability capable? Please specify.
 Glue per destination for the output converters; up/down-convert, Aspect Ratio
Converters (ARC), IP Streams, etc.
 Needs to have multiple clean feed and program outputs (state number of outputs)
Aux busses
 Internal and external feeds and monitoring; e.g. capture of CGs, input to Video wall
controller or Graphics Display Device.
 Aux busses with remote control panels – may needs to be able to share resources
in different venues for future expansion
 Number of Aux outputs, 16x state expandability as an option.
Console/Control Desk
o 2.5 M/E configuration - Control surface/panel needs a 2 x M/E
o Control surface/panel Needs to have a minimum 24 source buttons
o Active mnemonics that allows for personal configurable control surface/panel settings All M/E need to be fitted with mnemonic source displays for easy source identification.
o Any input needs to be assignable to any source button on the control surface/panel
o Indicate additional control surfaces/ consoles for future expansion
34
RFI Number: RFI/NS11/15/01
RFI Title: REBUILD OF THE SABC TV NEWS STUDIO 11 FACILITY
o User Interface (UI)
 Preferred availability of an integrated setup panel, please state the level of control
of the various functions;
 All setups shall be via a Colour Touch Screen Display. The menus shall be easy to
operate, preferably via touch screen.
 Touch screen setup; one key menu activation, e.g. if I’m working with the Keys on
the desk console the Control touch screen will follow.
 Operational requirement to Control the setups for Macros/ E-MEMs/ presets from
the control desk/console;
 Setup, configuration and control
Connectivity/integration
o Tally for studio equipment, indicate whether the presentation switcher is capable of
communicating tallies; the integration needs to accommodate the status transfer to
Multi-views, the existing TSL Tallyman controller, and the other studio equipment.
Please specify the additional interface that may be possible and specify these as
options for costing purposes.
o Indicate ability to remotely control equipment from the desk, what is possible? E.g. can
the remote pan and tilt heads for cameras be done (vendor to state which pan and tilt
heads are supported)
o GPIO or other please specify
Hardware
o Indicate expansion capability of the mixer mainframe
o All electronic frames and control panels shall be supplied with redundant power
supplies with built-in redundancy; no single point of failure should render the Mixer
unusable.
o All modules and power supplies shall be hot swappable.
o Power up with switcher presets storage
o State startup time of the mixer when “powering up”
o Exact sizes of the control panels and 19” electronic frames shall be included in the
tender response.
o Indicate whether the switcher should use Tri-level sync for the HD formats or whether
Colour Black would be sufficient.
o Remote monitoring and diagnostic support shall be possible on the switcher.
o A cost for a critical spares kit shall be included.
o Systems software should be upgradeable and configurations storable on USB or
similar devices.
Please specify all recommendations or possible options not mentioned above.
4.13.
Routing Switcher
As has been specify the different options or configurations that can be catered for with the
products, e.g. the router switcher can be stand-a-lone with a certain required functionality or it
can include any combination of the following: a router, glue for different inputs and outputs,
multi-viewer feeds for displays, several control panels connected to a mainframe with shared
configurable resources, etc. Please share all the available configurations/suggestions and
options with their advantages and costing.
35
RFI Number: RFI/NS11/15/01
RFI Title: REBUILD OF THE SABC TV NEWS STUDIO 11 FACILITY
Indicate if Glue is embedded, if multiview outputs are available
Requirements:
The router is required to have SDI and AES separated, i.e. not embedded, Audio and video
to be handled separately within the mainframe
Video - HD SDI
Audio - AES audio
o enable 8 Channels for each HD audio input,
o Enabling audio shuffling control on a control panel, is it possible?
Mainframe required
o 48x48 expandable to 128x128,
o Include the cost of additional cards e.g. to expand the frame from a 48x48 to a 64x64
frame.
Control panels - Specify your possibilities and what is available.
Redundancy: Power supply, one spare cross-point card and controller card
Please state Configuration setup, how is it done and what is required for the configuration.
Integration: what does the system integrate to and what does it require for that integration?
Please specify all recommendations or possible options not mentioned above.
4.14. Audio mixing consoles
The facility will need to control audio for live news and current affair productions. The
digital audio mixer within the studio is required to enable the user to control the below
functional requirements. The facility will be HD SDI with the Video (SDI) and Audio (AES)
controlled separately.
Two audio mixing consoles will be required, one main audio mixing desk/console and one
standby audio mixing desk.
Main Audio Desk/Console
o All broadcast critical adjustments to have a single touch design
o Needs to have a minimum of 48 faders, 36 for sources. State expandability and price
structure.
o Digital audio mixer will be utilized in an AES/EBU digital audio facility and will not
require MADI interfacing.
o Please indicate what operating system is used for the mixer as well as all user
interfaces.
Processors/Functions
o The mixer is required to have the following:
o compressor/limiter function on all channels.
o Indicate whether the mixer has in-built de-essing processors.
o The vendor shall indicate whether the mixer has any other audio processing
capabilities such as reverb, echo, etc.
o A minimum of 5 band E.Q. Is required on each channel. The vendor shall detail the
configuration of these filters.
36
RFI Number: RFI/NS11/15/01
RFI Title: REBUILD OF THE SABC TV NEWS STUDIO 11 FACILITY
Administration
o The mixer is required to have different levels of access into the administration of the
mixer.
o They need to be enable to setup their desk for differing productions and microphones
and switch between these as required.
o These levels shall be password protected.
Control or setup Panel/ Screen & Diagnostics
o LED indicators or LCD Screen/s is essential to indicate failed modules.
Mixing configurations
o Main screen shall be a Colour LED/LCD screen in the center section of the console. All
setups, routing and monitoring shall be done from this screen.
o Indicate details of the monitoring for all channels (e.g. LCD screens per bank of 8
channels and what can be monitored on the screens)
o The mixer shall be capable of automatically “ride” the mic channel faders during multi
microphone news shows
o The mixer should allow for group mixing, i.e. allowing operations to select all mics for
example to be selected through a group (Mix Channel)
o Indicate all other inputs and outputs not specified above
Technical Specifications
o Balanced Analog I/O
 All balanced analog inputs and outputs shall be on XLR connectors.
 Microphone inputs shall be on XLR - 48V Phantom Power
 Analog line level inputs and outputs shall be 0dBU
o Digital inputs and outputs to meet or exceed AES3-199x specifications
 At minimum, Digital audio sample rates of 44.1 kHz and 48 kHz shall be supported.
 All digital inputs and outputs shall be balanced AES/EBU
 Please indicate connector types for all digital inputs and outputs.
o Built in routing capabilities to route any input to any fader/channel (Soft-patching)
o All equipment for the mixer, excluding the control surface needs to be 19” rack
mountable (if applicable).
 Please indicate the details regarding the amount of rack/desk space required for
the entire mixer.
 The required depth of all rack mount equipment shall be supplied.
Inputs
o Microphone/Line inputs
o Needs to have a minimum of 24 x microphone/line inputs with switchable phantom
power
o Microphone/line level amplifiers with AES outputs;
The mixer shall have the capability to remotely amplify mic5 level to line level at the
source (on the studio floor) and distribute the line level to the mixer frame(s). An added
5
Mic - microphone
37
RFI Number: RFI/NS11/15/01
RFI Title: REBUILD OF THE SABC TV NEWS STUDIO 11 FACILITY
o
o
o
o
advantage would be to have a second output available for monitoring on the floor or for
the standby mixer.
Include an 8 channel microphone pre-amp with phantom as an option for the mic/line to
accommodate the standby mixer.
The studio will be enabled to accommodate inputs from HD sources, i.e. minimum
audio 8 channels per feed; the audio operator needs to be enabled to swap his
sources as required to achieve audio shuffling;
a minimum of 28 x AES/EBU inputs
Required to have some HD SDI inputs with built-in de-embedders,
Outputs
The outputs of the mixer shall be configurable, but a minimum of the following outputs are
required:
o Program Outputs
 Two x AES main program outputs, the mixer should allow for Mono configurability
 The system will also require two Analog Stereo output at line level
o Aux outputs
 Needs to have a minimum of 24 x AUX routable/mixed outputs; Indicate
AES/Analogue, specify both as required;
 Needs to have a minimum of 8 x group busses. Vendor to indicate expandability
o Mix minus outputs
 Each channel needs to have a mix minus output;
o Mixed Outputs
 24 x Mixed Outputs; external audio capture devices or feeds for the reverb or the
like units are also required to have direct feeds from the audio mixer.
o 5.1 output
 Although not required at present, the mixer needs to have 5.1 mixing capability if
required
Monitoring
o Stereo monitoring on the main output is required outside the Console.
o Additional nearfield monitoring shall be available.
o Mono monitoring shall be available.
o PFL/SOLO monitoring shall be available.
o The mixer shall be upgradeable to monitor 5.1 surround sound.
o Optional meter bridge with metering per fader
o Needs to have 5.1 analog control room monitor outputs (indicate number of outputs)
o Needs to have stereo analog monitoring outputs (indicate number of outputs)
o Needs to have the ability to display up to 36 stereo meters (with or without dynamics
information)
o Loudness control/measurement and Level Processor/s.
o Measurement of each fader channel please specify how this is achieved.
38
RFI Number: RFI/NS11/15/01
RFI Title: REBUILD OF THE SABC TV NEWS STUDIO 11 FACILITY
Control/integration/interfacing
o Remote fader-start and fader-stop control for external devices; these include and are
not limited to CD players, PC Clip Players, and other devices directly connected to
the fader channels.
o GPI triggers for on-air tallies, RAG light system/s.
o Audio level triggers for microphone fold back speaker cut-off.
o Other please state.
Redundancy
o The mixer is required to have redundancy built into the hardware and software. During
a software failure or hardware failure, the mixer needs to not be “down” by more than
30 seconds. Ideally this down time should be unnoticeable, please indicate
explanations of the redundant features of the mixer offered.
o A critical spares kit needs to be included.
o All modules like the DSP card, router card and control processor card need to have
redundant hot spares.
o All electronic frames and control surfaces shall be fitted with dual power supplies for
redundancy.
Redundant wiring
Each connection between stage box, console surface and processing rack is to have a
backup connection and the additional glue or connectivity to achieve this will be
implemented for both the Main Audio Mixing and the Standby Audio Mixing Consoles.
Standby Audio Desk/Console
o AES desk with analogue inputs; this desk is a smaller version of the above, limited to
16 channels with routable switching for emergency backup control of the audio.
Please specify all recommendations or possible options not mentioned above.
4.15. Sound/ Audio requirements/Accessories
The studio will be wired for AES stereo.
Please quote per unit
o For the broadcasts/recordings –
 Cable lapel mics
 Handheld mics
 Radio lapel microphones with the relevant diversity RF antennas (UHF range)
 Radio handheld microphones,
 Radio earpieces
o 2 X separate telephone hybrid devices
Hybrid System - 1
 6X1 with call screening
 Call Screening and conferencing capability
 Operational Control Panel
Hybrid System – 2
 Individual Hybrid 2 Telephone lines
39
RFI Number: RFI/NS11/15/01
RFI Title: REBUILD OF THE SABC TV NEWS STUDIO 11 FACILITY


Call Screening Capability
Operational Control Panel
o Audio clip player required; Refer to above section “Recording/Capturing, storage and
play-out devices”, subsection “Audio Clip Player – capture/store/player”
o A CD/ MP3 player in the sound control area with fader start on the audio console desk.
Refer to above section “Recording/Capturing, storage and play-out devices
o A DVD/blue-ray player will also be good with the same fader start facility. Refer to
“DVD/ blue-ray player/s” under section “Recording, storage, play-out devices”.
o Sound effects generator (harmoniser)
 All other studios are equipped with this device; this is mainly used with
recordings…. It is not necessarily used for live productions.
o Studio set - audio requirements
 Audio box – Snake enabling an extension of the wallbox for audio mic and
earpiece points
 Audio points on wall-boxes
 Mic-to-line amp within wall box
 Direct Inject boxes
o Emergency fall-back sound desk; Standby Audio Mixer
o Ensure audio synchronisation – please specify units required
o Sign language area audio requirements
 audio ear-piece
 audio speakers
 microphone/coms for talkback
o Any other recommendations - please specify additional possibilities.
Audio monitoring
o Speakers to monitor audio will be required in the following area:
 Production Control Room,
 the Sound control room (Centrally controlled with a Volume and stereo pan Control
Panel)
 on the studio floor (Foldback Speaker) and
 for quality assurance monitoring.
o Please quote for the following:
 Active control room monitors with balanced analog inputs - 100W RMS
 Active sub-woofer - 200W RMS
 Active floor monitor 15” - 100W RMS
 Monitor stands
 PA monitor for rehearse
 Loudness Level Processor
 Audio Quality monitoring allowing instrument quality checks for operations and
engineering. (also Refer to “Measurement instruments for Quality Assurance”)
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RFI Number: RFI/NS11/15/01
RFI Title: REBUILD OF THE SABC TV NEWS STUDIO 11 FACILITY
4.16. Measurement instruments for Quality Assurance
General:
o The video and audio monitoring in the equipment room and vision control is required
to be capable of testing and monitoring all HD, SD and analogue video/audio
parameters.
Instruments that may be required
o Instruments/rasterisers required for operational quality checks for the following areas:
 for Vision Control,
 Studio manager/coordinator and
 Sound Control
o Instruments required for the technical quality checks are to be housed in the
Engineering racks.
Operational instrument need the following capabilities of monitoring SD/HD:
o Video
 waveform in Line and Frame rate,
 colour vector,
 gamut,
 video picture,
o 2 x HD/SD-SDI selectable inputs
o auto identifier of source signal standard
o external sync input
o Display SDI signals
o Re-clocked SDI output for selected source
o Built-in CVBS to SDI converter
o CVBS output for selected source
o capable of monitoring embedded audio channels
o audio monitoring
 signal waveform/level
 Levels, Phasing, stereo, 5.1
 Audio Loudness, etc.
o Other – please specify available options.
Measurement instruments for Engineering
19” rack mountable engineering monitor capable of:
Instrument capable of:
o Minimum requirements Monitoring SD/HD SDI of:
 video waveforms in Line and Frame rate
 colour vector
 Gamut
 Video picture
 Embedded audio
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RFI Number: RFI/NS11/15/01
RFI Title: REBUILD OF THE SABC TV NEWS STUDIO 11 FACILITY
o
o
o
o
o
Overlay at least two video signals
External sync inputs
Magnification of time base and signal levels for technical evaluation
Error indication and monitoring
Audio
 Stereo LED bar graph level meters displaying VU, DBFS and PPM characteristics
 Phase indication for each metered pair
 Balanced AES inputs
 Balanced analogue stereo inputs
 Built in HD/SD-SDI de-embedders
 Selectable monitoring of de-embedded signals, AES and analogue signals
 Self-powered audio monitor/speakers
 Loudness
o Please include if at all possible QoS and QoE measurement tools.
o Other – please specify available options.
4.17. Integration (Same as under general user requirements above)
Integration requirements
The SABC uses a Newsroom Computer System (AP ENPS) integration is essential:
o the appropriate equipment need to be MOS enabled with an ActiveX plug-in for the
user interface in ENPS;
o Control of the play-list stack for the equipment from the ENPS Running Order when
activated;
o Direct ENPS automated device control of device/s, setup integration;
o Please indicate the level of integration or MOS integration the units/devices/systems
have or what will be necessary to enable them.
Interactivity and virtual template controls or triggers to setup and activate Play-out control
from the play-out devices, the ENPS Running-order and /or the display device/s
required.
Internet to broadcast interconnectivity enabling:
o Presenter transaction capability; devices that allow the presenter to communicate with
someone from the studio via an internet link, e.g. skype etc.
o Presenter calling up of a web page for discussion using the web page setup for studio
use in HD and having the same page as an on-line public accessible web page.
o Presenter interactivity, activating general material or pages from the internet for
information, analysis and discussion, e.g. google maps, web pages, YouTube etc.
Tablet/iPad control interconnection for studio device control, integration to video walls and
information sharing.
Graphics integrations as required to build on-air graphics for the virtual sets and the
interactivity systems.
Other, please specify.
Data integration and data standards, xml and RSS
Editorial and data/text moderation tool/s other than ENPS to moderate media/data from
SMS’s, Headlines, Facebook, twitter, Instagram transactions.
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RFI Number: RFI/NS11/15/01
RFI Title: REBUILD OF THE SABC TV NEWS STUDIO 11 FACILITY
Comms integration – where coms is required, specify level of integration possible where
ever applicable.
4.18. Other Associated Hardware
Please quote per unit/system and specify the available options or alternatives available.
Clocks – station clocks linked to the station time code
Up/Down Clocks
o
Production controlled up/down clocks; remote panels and clock displays on monitor
wall
KVM units
o
Extensions and switchers for HD resolution with USB and some may require audio
Patch Panels/ Jack fields
o
o
o
o
o
o
36 – way bantam digital audio jack fields half-normalized
0.8m, 1.2m and 1.8m digital audio patch cords
24 - way HD video patch panel housing
Normalized HD video inserts
Single HD video inserts
0.8m, 1.2m and 1.8m HD video patch cords
Engineering Computer/s
o
Engineering Setup Computer/s with possibly dashboard diagnostic software
Systems Computers
o
o
Computer to transfer files, e.g. the individual Clip-players will require files pushed or
pulled from graphics
ENPS Computers (to be accommodated as an IT purchase by the SABC ENPS
support team)
Teleprompter monitors and PC’s
o Camera Monitors
 Minimum 14” LCD Teleprompter display with mirror
 Needs to mount on the remote pan and tilt head
 Needs to be used with the cameras offered in the above
 Display devices will be used at a distance of approximately 4m
 Capable of mounting talent LCD monitor to teleprompter
 Teleprompter display on the Jib
 Separate Teleprompter display for the Sign-language interpreter
o Computers for the teleprompter system
 Needs to have PC with Microsoft Office compatible teleprompter software
 The teleprompter will need to be controlled by the ENPS system using the MOS
protocol
43
RFI Number: RFI/NS11/15/01
RFI Title: REBUILD OF THE SABC TV NEWS STUDIO 11 FACILITY



Each PC to provide 2 teleprompter outputs
Teleprompter software to include Edit as well as Prompt view
The system needs to have a remote scroll control
Sync Pulse Generators (2X)
o
o
o
o
CBLK Sync
Tri-level HD SPG’s
AES sync
Test signal outputs required, SD/HD SDI: Black(silence), Colour Bars , Other - Specify
outputs
o Gen-lockable to station sync
Auto change over switcher required
o Used with the above SPGs to ensure any signal loose on the primary SPG triggers
Automatic Change Over to the secondary SPG.
o The system needs to accommodate the change-over for the audio as well, i.e. AES
synchronization for the audio systems.
Digital glue
Please add the required Glue and other options even if the options were to be included
in other devices e.g. glue in router system; quote per unit/card etc.
o All Frames need to have
 A redundant PSU
 A networkable connection enabling LAN configuration and SNMP
o Specify all cards that could possibly be used in the studio even options that are
available
o Digital HD video distribution amplifiers
o include colour correctors cards for the on-camera floor monitor feeds
o include up/down/up converters, ARCs etc. with operator control
o Embedder/de-embedders
o Audio shufflers
o Dual cross converter to convert SDI to PAL and HD, PAL to HD and SDI, and HD to
PAL and SDI with audio shuffling and embedding of AES and analogue signals
o HD SDI to HDMI converters
 some with and some without colour correctors
o HD audio embedders and de-embedders with shuffle functionality, operationally
controlled
Communication System
o The existing communication Matrix in MCR will be used, but all new communication
stations, camera interfaces and floor manager units will be purchased as individual
quotes and installed.
44
RFI Number: RFI/NS11/15/01
RFI Title: REBUILD OF THE SABC TV NEWS STUDIO 11 FACILITY
TECHNICAL FURNITURE
5
Technical furniture and operators chairs will need to be provided but this will be procured as
an internal process.
The following will be required and some of the elements will be part of the architectural
design:
Control rooms monitor walls; one for the sound control room and one for the main control
room. Technical furniture will all be done as a design by the architect as equipment is
procured
Audio and video monitor stands.
Control desks; for gallery, sound etc.
Racks; 19” equipment racks will be used to house broadcast equipment.
o All racks to have 48U clear rack space.
o All racks to be 1000mm in depth.
o Some equipment racks with a height of 33U may need to be supplied for the sound
area.
Wall boxes for the studio floor will need to be put in place, (33U racks)
SYSTEMS DESIGN
6
The system design will be generated in more detail when the final proposed scope is
concluded with the drawings and cable numbering which will be required to be to in
accordance with the SABC standards documentation specifications.
INSTALLATION
7
Installation will be according to SABC standards.
Electrical standards for electrical works in the racks should conform to the ISO9000
specifications.
All electrical equipment supplied should operate at voltages ranging from 200V to 240V,
50Hz.
COMMISSIONING
8
Although the RFI does not require any commissioning documentation it will be a great help
for each unit/device or system that is implemented to include its function in the studio/facility
as a whole.
Comprehensive commissioning and test documentation will need to be provided as part of
the project delivery according to the Studio Technology Installation Standards.
45
RFI Number: RFI/NS11/15/01
RFI Title: REBUILD OF THE SABC TV NEWS STUDIO 11 FACILITY
TRAINING AND ROLL-OUT PLAN
9
Although the final details regarding the roll-out will be considered with the final design and
project plan it is necessary to determine possible skill sets for differing disciplines and
requirements prior to training; the experience of previous roll-outs with the technology
proposed to enable more effective roll-outs and migrations to the technology, e.g. virtual sets
has a whole workflow that needs to be in place before it a can be used.
Operational and technical training needs to be provided for each product/function.
o Operational training needs to be included for the relevant budget costings
o Technical training needs to be included for the relevant budget costings.
o On-air hand-holding & hand-over needs to be listed as a budgetary costing inclusion
10 WARRANTEE & SERVICE AGREEMENTS
Although SLAs are not always necessary for hardware devices a warrantee and product
support life needs to be clearly indicated from date of implementation. Specify the SLAs for
all or any option/s.
Support as the SABC determines will be ad-hoc as equipment fails or may be considered
through an SLA agreement. All licensing will need to be a once-off payment license; the
SABC will not purchase yearly licenses to ensure equipment remains functional.
Equipment support for any device supplied needs to be supported for a minimum of 10 years
from the date of delivery.
11 BRIEFING SESSION
A briefing Session will be held as per the details below:Date: 2015 February 19
Time: 10h00
Venue: K1 Auditorium SABC Radio Park, Henley Road, Auckland Park, Johannesburg
12 EVALUATION CRITERIA
The RFI will be evaluated based on the information received.
The following evaluation criteria will be used in next phase of the tender process.
Evaluation of responses will be done in three major categories, each consisting of several minor
categories and is based on predetermined weightings as follows:

46
BBBEE Information - (provide BBBEE certificate or a letter from the auditor confirming
your annual turnover)
RFI Number: RFI/NS11/15/01
RFI Title: REBUILD OF THE SABC TV NEWS STUDIO 11 FACILITY


Price Information - (Detailed Cost Breakdown to be submitted)
Technical Information – (Detailed Technical Solution to be provided)
13 CONSORTIUMS, JOINT VENTURES AND SUB-CONTRACTING REGULATIONS
13.1 SUB-CONTRACTING
13.1.1 A tenderer will not be awarded points for B-BBEE status if it is indicated in the tender
documents that such a tenderer intends sub-contracting more than 25% of the value of
the contract to any other enterprise that does not qualify for at least the points the
tenderer qualifies for, unless the intended sub-contractor is an exempted micro
enterprise that has the capacity and ability to execute the sub-contract.
13.1.2 A tenderer awarded a contract may not sub-contract more than 25% of the value of the
contract to any other enterprise that does not have an equal or higher B-BBEE status
level than the tenderer concerned, unless the contract is sub-contracted to an exempted
micro enterprise that has the capability and ability to execute the sub-contract.
13.1.3 A tenderer awarded a contract in relation to a designated sector, may not sub-contract in
such a manner that the local production and content of the overall value of the contract
is reduced to below the stipulated minimum threshold.
13.2 DECLARATION OF SUB-CONTRACTING
13.2.1 Will any portion of the contract be sub-contracted? YES / NO
13.2.2 If yes indicate:

What percentage of the contract will be sub-contracted....................%

The name of the sub-contractor............................................................

The B-BBEE status level of the sub-contractor.....................................

Whether the sub-contractor is an EME
YES / NO
_________________________
_________________
___________
SIGNATURE OF DECLARANT
RFI NUMBER
DATE
__________________________
___________________________________
POSITION OF DECLARANT
NAME OF COMPANY OR TENDERER
47
RFI Number: RFI/NS11/15/01
RFI Title: REBUILD OF THE SABC TV NEWS STUDIO 11 FACILITY
14 DECLARATION OF INTERESTS
14.1 Any legal or natural person, excluding any permanent employee of SABC, may make an
offer or offers in terms of this tender invitation. In view of possible allegations of favouritism,
should the resulting tenderer or part thereof be awarded to:
(a) any person employed by the SABC in the capacity of Tenderer, consultant or
service provider; or
(b) any person who acts on behalf of SABC; or
(c) any person having kinship, including a blood relationship, with a person
employed by, or who acts on behalf of SABC; or
(d) any legal person which is in any way connected to any person contemplated in
paragraph (a), (b) or (c),
It is required that:
The Tenderer or his/her authorised representative shall declare his/her position vis-à-vis SABC
and/or take an oath declaring his/her interest, where it is known that any such relationship exists
between the Tenderer and a person employed by SABC in any capacity.
Does such a relationship exist? [YES/NO]
If YES, state particulars of all such relationships (if necessary, please add additional pages
containing the required information):
NAME: …………………………………………………………………………………………………..
POSITION: ……………………………………………………………………………………………..
OFIFICE WHERE EMPLOYED: ………………………………………………………………………
TELEPHONE NUMBER: ……………………………………………………………………………….
RELATIONSHIP…………………………………………………………………………………
14.2 Failure on the part of a Tenderer to fill in and/or sign this certificate may be interpreted to
mean that an association as stipulated in paragraph 1, supra, exists.
14.3 In the event of a contract being awarded to a Tenderer with an association as stipulated in
paragraph 1, supra, and it subsequently becomes known that false information was provided in
response to the above question, SABC may, in addition to any other remedy it may have:
recover from the Tenderer all costs, losses or damages incurred or sustained by
SABC as a result of the award of the contract; and/or
cancel the contract and claim any damages, which SABC may suffer by having to
make less favourable arrangements after such cancellation.
_________________________
_________________
___________
SIGNATURE OF DECLARANT
TENDER NUMBER
DATE
__________________________
___________________________________
POSITION OF DECLARANT
NAME OF COMPANY OR TENDERER
48
RFI Number: RFI/NS11/15/01
RFI Title: REBUILD OF THE SABC TV NEWS STUDIO 11 FACILITY
15 GENERAL INFORMATION
Contact Persons for Tenderer Queries
Enquiries in respect of this RFI should be addressed to:
Mimi Lushaba – Tender Office Supervisor
Procurement Division,
Radio Park Office Block
Henley Road
Auckland Park
Johannesburg
South Africa
E-mail: [email protected]
Phone: 011 714 4764
49
RFI Number: RFI/NS11/15/01
RFI Title: REBUILD OF THE SABC TV NEWS STUDIO 11 FACILITY
16 NOTICE TO INTERESTED TENDERERS
a. REQUEST FOR INFORMATION DOCUMENTS
i. The Request for Information shall be used in preparation for the proposal; the SABC
assumes no responsibility for errors or misinterpretation resulting from the use of an
incomplete Request for Information.
ii. The SABC will avail/send copies of the Request for Information on the above terms,
does so only for the purpose of obtaining information for the project and does not
confer permission for any other use.
b. INTERPRETATIONS
i. All questions about the meaning or intent of the Request for Information shall be
submitted in writing to the SABC on the set closing date. Replies will be issued via
Addenda through electronic mail to all parties recorded by the SABC as having
received the Request for Information response. Questions received less than three (3)
days prior to the submission date will not be answered. Only questions answered by
e-mail via the tender office will be binding. Oral and other interpretations or
clarifications will be without legal effect.
ii. Interested tenderers should promptly notify the SABC of any ambiguity, inconsistency,
or errors which they may discover upon examination of the Request for Information.
17 SUBMISSION PROCEDURES
17.1.1 Final tenders in duplicate (plus electronic copy) must be deposited into the tender box
on or before the closing date. The tenders must be enclosed in a sealed envelope which
must have inscribed on the outside: The RFI number : RFI/NS11/15/01
17.1.2 Electronic Copy of Tendered Equipment List
Tenderers are requested to supply (in the tender response documentation) 1 (one) original
hardcopy, 1 (one) copy of the original and a soft copy of the tender document. The equipment
list and pricing schedule within the electronic copy shall be a Microsoft Excel 2002 or later
version (editable) compatible (or importable alternative) spreadsheet. Pricing submitted in
Acrobat is not acceptable. It must be submitted with the tender on CD ROM media as size
demands.
END OF RFI DOCUMENT
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