Creative desktop unleashed

Ariel online: 6 September 2005

A major stride towards tapeless tv production takes place in October when the BBC starts rolling out the Creative Desktop.

The development gives programme-makers the opportunity to access a range of audio, video and graphics tools via their desktop PC. Featured software includes Apple's Final Cut Pro Suite and Avid Xpress.

Broader adoption of these powerful production tools has been made possible by the increasing capabilities of desktop computers along with more affordable off-the-shelf software.

Paul Cheesbrough, head of technology - production, said: ‘We've tested the hardware and applications on a variety of programmes - from feature length dramas shot in HD to short documentaries shot in DV.

‘The production teams have found the tools easy to use and from a technical perspective they have proved to be extremely open and versatile.'

Following the successful live trials, Siemens will deploy and support the Creative Desktop more widely across the BBC.

‘Importantly, it will facilitate a better approach to the preparation of material before it enters post production, saving us time', says Dorothy Prior, controller of production resources.

The project, some five years in the making, marks the first major technology roll-out since Siemens took over BBC Technology a year ago and is part of a first phase in the drive to institute digital-only production by 2010.