Churchill Downs Bets on Utah Scientific Routers
SALT LAKE CITY — June 19, 2007 — Utah Scientific announced
today that the broadcasting arm of Churchill Downs
Incorporated has chosen the UTAH-400 series SD/HD
routing switchers along with SC-4 routing control
systems for the digital upgrade of two of its production
trucks. The new installation will add capacity, ease
the transition from analog to digital, improve production
quality, and make the production crew’s job
easier.
Churchill Downs Simulcast Productions (CDSP) produces
live programming from five racetracks throughout the
country, including the famed Churchill Downs in Louisville,
home of the annual Kentucky Derby. CDSP programming
is distributed to more than 1,000 off-track betting
facilities across the United States and Canada.
CDSP chose the UTAH-400 routers to replace analog
routers as part of a broader upgrade that also includes
replacement of video servers. CDSP’s Mobile
Unit B (MU-B), based at Calder Race Course in Miami,
Fla., was first to complete the upgrade in March with
a complete UTAH-400 routing system configured for
48x40 SD video, 16x24 analog video, and 32x32 stereo
audio.
“We had very little time allotted for getting
MU-B up and running,” said Paul Kucharski, director
of engineering for CDSP. “So it was particularly
important that Utah could configure the router system
in the factory. That meant we didn’t have to
spend time reading manuals and looking up IP addresses.
The router arrived ready to plug and play.”
Meanwhile, CDSP’s MU-C production truck is
currently being upgraded for digital operation, though
it will continue to provide analog feeds to the Churchill
Downs closed-circuit system. The UTAH-400 includes
an option for internal format conversions, so CDSP
won’t need costly peripherals to accomplish
this. Kucharski says another benefit of the UTAH-400
is that it allows placement of router control panels
in remote locations, like edit bays within CDSP track
facilities, without the need to run additional cables.
“We’re proud to be associated with Churchill
Downs, and pleased to help the organization create
a streamlined, modern production and broadcast operation
across its five facilities and for horse-racing fans
across the world,” said Tom Harmon, president
of Utah Scientific.
Like all Utah Scientific products, UTAH-400 routers
offer reliable service in demanding applications,
and they come with the best warranty in the business
— 10 years — and 24/7 service.
# # #
About Churchill Downs Simulcast Productions
Churchill Downs Simulcast Productions (CDSP) provides
television/simulcast production services to Churchill
Downs Incorporated-owned and/or -operated racetracks,
as well as to a number of outside racetracks, including
the famed Del Mar Thoroughbred Club in San Diego,
Calif. CDSP was formed in January 2004 when Churchill
Downs purchased the minority interest in Charleson
Broadcast Technologies LLC.
# # #
About Utah Scientific, Inc.
Utah Scientific, Inc. is a leading manufacturer of analog, digital, and HDTV routing switchers, master control switchers, and related products including a full range of software for controlling and managing switching systems. The company has been serving the broadcast industry for 30 years with industry-leading products and best-in-class service and support as recognized by Frost & Sullivan with its 2005 Customer Service Leadership Award and demonstrated by the industry's first 10-year warranty. Additional information about the company can be found at www.utahscientific.com. |
