Bunch, Smart Fellows of SMPTE

Peter Smart, Director of Engineering of FOXTEL, and Roger Bunch, Head of Engineering for industry body Free TV, have been promoted to the grade of SMPTE Fellow, effective immediately.

The Fellow Grade of membership is awarded to individuals who have, by proficiency and contributions, attained an outstanding rank among engineers or executives in the motion-picture, television or related industries.

Peter has earned his ranking in a career that has extended through regional TV in South Australia, Imparja in the Centre, Aggregation with Prime, and most recently building one of the largest and most complex subscription TV platforms in the world at FOXTEL, a facility heavily reliant on standards-based technology.

Roger heads Free TV Australia's Engineering Committee which has been a standing committee of the Commercial Television industry's representative body since 1965. Free TV Australia was formerly known as Commercial Television Australia (CTVA) and the Federation of Australian Commercial Television Stations (FACTS) during its long history as part of the Australian television industry.

The committee's major roles are developing common operational practices for the industry; co-ordinating member station input to technical planning and standard setting bodies; participating in national and international negotiations about the development of the broadcasting system; and related technical matters, such as technical and safety standards.
The Free TV Australia Engineering Committee maintains a number of Operational Practices, Engineering Guidelines and Recommended Purchase Specifications relevant to analogue and digital television broadcasting.

AN INSPIRING EVENING AT FOX STUDIOS FOR SMPTE MEMBERS

By John Walsh, Board Member, SMPTE Australia Section

On June 8th Fellow SMPTE Members were treated to a fascinating night at Intercolour, located within Fox Studios Sydney. Members packed the intercolour production theatre, experiencing a live, detailed demonstration of some of the companies’ capabilities.
Warren Lynch, award winning Colourist and industry Doyen gave an insight to his skills during a presentation over several hours, revealing the procedures in the preparation of Commercials, Music Clips, Telemovies and Feature Films. Warren’s most recent success as the colourist includes the ‘Lord of the Rings’ series.
The evening another excellent example of the unique advantage for SMPTE members, gaining access to production facilities, Studios and TV Networks observing technology and trends first hand. Refreshments are served before and after such events.
Keep abreast of world trends by becoming a member and taking advantage of the benefits that membership can offer to our industry.
If already a member, don’t miss out on our next planned invitation.

International Engineering Committee to Meet in Australia

The international SMPTE Engineering Committee will meet in Australia at the Australian Film, Television and Radio School during the week prior to SMPTE2005 (11-15 July 2005). Around 45-60 people will be attending from the USA and most will stay for SMPTE Conference and Exhibition the following week. Local attendees are both welcome and encouraged.
Here is an opportunity to become acquainted with the work done by the SMPTE Engineering Committee, and to get involved. There will be an orientation session for those of you who are attending the Engineering/Standards meeting for the first time.
This event is especially relevant to senior and Executive Engineers in the Australian Motion Imaging and Television industry.
Watch this space for details from Peter Symes, SMPTE VP of Engineering, and information on how to get involved.
Meanwhile, put this in your diary!

SECTION MEETING

SMPTE Australia Members Enjoy a Night On the Tools!

On March 8th, 2005, 200sqm of The Century Sydney Novotel at Darling Harbour was transformed into an operational studio, post & distribution facility, with six of the world’s leading broadcast suppliers integrating new-for-2005 techniques & technology. During the evening SMPTE secured an exclusive session of the event to allow a greater interaction for SMPTE members and guests.
This Industry Standard Toolbox showcased end-to-end workflow solutions which allow users to produce, package, encode, deliver and display HD and SD programs. Suppliers involved include Avid, EVS, Miller, ProVideo, Sony and Tandberg.
Phil Sandberg of Content & Technology Magazine hosted for the evening which included a presentation by Avid on news workflow and a trivia session. Taking out the title of Industry's Biggest Tool for his outstanding technical knowledge was Chris Patten. The Least Able Tool Award was taken out by Section Chair John Maizels for coming last.

For pics, click here.

Pasadena 2004 - Technical Conference & Exhibition

In Pasadena, California, for the 146 SMPTE Technical Conference & Exhibition were (from left) Australia Section Immediate Past Chair/ International Governor Gerry Brooks, Thomas Scott International SMPTE Engineering Director - Motion Pictures, International SMPTE Editorial Vice-President Edward P. Hobson, and the IBC's Peter Owen. Pic - Phil Sandberg

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