The News Studio features a fixed pipe grid, and a new style of dropper called a Cranky Pole. This is a telescopic hanger that can be operated from the floor or the catwalk. The telescopic tubes have a square cross section to insure they do not twist like rod-type hangers. The Cranky Pole comes with a friction clutch winch allowing a safe working load of 55kg. Lighting for the News Studio utilizes a similar range of luminaires as the Product Studio, as well as the De Sisti Leonardo 1kW PO fresnels and Leonardo 2kW PO fresnels. Dimming within both studios is provided by Coemar De Sisti Australia's own homegrown TechART Series 5000 installation dimmers. A range of 5kW, 2.5kW dimmers and 5kW contactors will be provided, similar to those selected by the Australian Film, Television and Radio School in Sydney.
Control in both studios is courtesy of Compulite, using the powerful Micron 4D/ME (Moving Ethernet) console in both studios. Already used extensively by the ABC, Channel 9, and in the now migrated Channel 7 studios in Brisbane, the Microns were the consoles of choice for the operators at Channel 7. With full tracking back-up, DMX merging, and Remote control, the two consoles not only provide state-of-the-art control with the ability to handle all the dimming in the studios, they also allow unsurpassed moving light control from the makers of the original Animator. A full CAT5e and DMX distribution system is part of the installation.
