Special technology for the Swedish qualifiers for Eurovision Song Contest 2009
Every year since 1959, songwriters and artists have been competing to become Sweden’s selection for the Eurovision Song Contest. In 2002, the Swedish qualifiers became a travelling show with a number of contests in different Swedish cities. The final round is traditionally held in Stockholm’s Globen Arena.
This new way of carrying the competition through meant increasing demands for the broadcast technology. This is why Prisma, part of Mediatec Group, has been contractor of the OB technology for the past five years. This year, competitions are hosted by Gothenburg, Skellefteå, Leksand, Malmö and Norrköping. And Stockholm for the final round. On each of these occasions, Prisma will supply one OB trailer with nine cameras, one audio trailer and staff for all venues.
All image technology is handled inside the OB trailer. The audio trailer guarantees the sound transmitted to the viewers is perfect in both stereo and 5.1. In addition, Prisma Mobile Links is the supplier of links from the venues and from National Swedish Television, with the assistance of Prisma’s fibre network which is installed in certain arenas. SNG will be supplied where there is not a fibre network.
The first competition takes place on Saturday, February 7, although preparations are already at a late stage. As usual Henric Wilsson, Prisma, is in charge of the technology used in the production. He is trusted by Swedish National Television to carry the complicated production through. This year he has developed a solution of his own to handle signals for 30 monitors spread out over the venues.
