WSDG helps with QTV acoustics
Published: MEA
QATAR: The Walters-Storyk Design Group (WSDG) has aided Qatar Television (QTV) with the acoustic design for its three primary studio sets. QTV required precise acoustical measurements and specific recommendations for reducing reverberation time on the sets.
WSDG first got involved with the project at the Broadcast & Film Africa 2012 Conference in Kenya. Here, the consultancy’s project engineer Marc Viadiu met with QTV Support and Development Committee audio chief, Xavier Massard and began discussing the project.
‘In Kenya, Marc Viadiu provided Mr Massard with examples of WSDG’s testing procedures and expertise in broadcast production facility design in Europe, South America and the US,’ said WSDG partner/director of international relations, Sergio Molho. ‘I made an initial site visit in mid-October and returned with Marc in November to perform acoustic measurement and simulation tests. We made a third site visit to present our evaluation report and recommendations.’
QTV has three permanent program sets. The 1,373 sq-m, 12m high News Show and 1,000 sq-m, 12m high Evening Show sets are both within the TV Production Complex. The 300 sq-m, 8m high Morning Show set is situated within The Pearl mall. WSDG’s mandate was to fine tune the interior room acoustics, and resolve disparate isolation issues for all three studios. A primary condition was that the work needed to be completed within a two-month, time frame to enable the station to begin scheduled broadcasting.
‘WSDG worked with leading acoustical material manufacturers in Europe to provide the requisite isolation treatments,’ said Mr Molho. ‘We had the necessary custom acoustic absorption panels fabricated to international broadcast industry standards. And, we met the 60-day deadline.
‘Additionally, WSDG supervised the design, construction and certification of two 2.75m high, 1m wide custom acoustic doors for the Evening Show studio,’ continued Mr Molho. ‘Those doors, each weighing a full ton, were installed during the second phase of the project.’
Working closely with Xavier Massard and with Kinan Massard, QTV, chief of video, WSDG focused on providing highly effective acoustic solutions, including 1,250 sq-m of Melamine foam, (61 cubic meters) and 700 sq-m of polyurethane foam (21 cubic meters). As per client directives, the installation is completely undetectable to viewers.
‘The success of this initial project has led QTV to engage WSDG for a second project, a new audio post suite,’ smiled Mr Molho. ‘We are very pleased to have established a productive working relationship with QTV, and we look forward to being of additional service to them in the future.’