Toronto, Ontario, Canada–Turner Broadcasting System Inc., a Time Warner company based in Atlanta, has confirmed the purchase of a Lawo mc290 digital audio production console–the first in the U.S. Installation of the console is slated for the week of August 1, with first productions using the new system scheduled for late August.

The 64-fader mc290, the newest addition to the Lawo product range, was selected for its ability to significantly increase the number of channels available to production staff producing Inside the NBA, a studio sports show aired completely in 5.1 surround sound on Turner Network Television.

The new audio console, including a Nova73 HD digital audio routing system, will greatly expand the local I/O infrastructure and provide a higher level of redundancy for this live-to-air show. The console is able to meet the requirement for larger productions when two operators are required at the same control surface and is also able to offer features for music tracking sessions.

Herbert Lemcke, president of Lawo North America, believes the broadcaster‘s choice of the mc290 reflects an extremely high level of confidence in the very latest digital audio technology from Lawo. “The mc290 is seen as part of a system-wide solution,” says Lemcke. “Broadcasters are looking for ways to effectively link together all the elements of their production process, especially in 5.1 surround sound. Lawo is able to meet these requirements. Our digital audio network technology is now being used throughout the world in many on-air-critical locations. Lawo is delighted that Turner Broadcasting System is the latest in a growing number of users throughout North America.”

The proposed configuration will provide 288 fully configured DSP paths, plus 144 summing buses. It will also include up to 96 mic/line inputs using two stage boxes, with full networking and system redundancy.

More information is available on Turner Broadcasting at www.turner.com; Lawo can be found online at www.lawo.de.