Mediaset upgrades Virgin Radio studios with Lawo

Mediaset, Italy’s largest commercial broadcaster, has upgraded three of its Virgin Radio studios using a combination of ARET and Lawo broadcast infrastructure. Equipment includes three Lawo ruby audio broadcast consoles, a Power Core DSP mixing engine, and VisTool visualization and control software, which will be the backbone of a fully IP-based production unit. Also included are Lawo RƎLAY virtual radio solutions for hardware-independent on-air and production work.

ARET and Lawo worked together on this project to integrate the ruby console and the VisTool interface. Talent can manage the entire radio environment with just a few mouse clicks. Operators can use either the ruby hardware or the VisTool interface to work virtually in every studio control room. 

The three studios share resources like codecs, playout and program feeds via Ravenna, with pre-configured logic programming for easy, intuitive operation – a unique setup that delivers efficient, fast, and flexible workflows for all talent. Studio switching uses just two buttons – “Enable” and “Studio xx” – found on either the ruby surface or the VisTool display. The Lawo Power Core’s internal matrix switches the chosen studios to ‘antenna’ after analyzing the outgoing signal by DMS and internal logic. 

According to ARET, the new Virgin Radio studios have worked flawlessly since their commissioning earlier this year. “Since the new studios went live, staff have told us that their intuitive controls and seamless performance make producing their shows smoother and easier than ever. The advantages of an all-IP infrastructure are clear: better technology plus better workflow equals better radio!”