Understanding innovation in a local channel of a Latin American city as someone who knows how to appropriate the technologies that are available in the market according to their realities and needs, in the local channel Telemedellín they are considered an innovative channel.
Carlos Duque, technical director of Telemedellín, told TVyVideo+Radio that the Channel has had its entire operation in HD for five years and has just finished a sound post-production system. In 4G transmission they were pioneers and today they have multiple equipment. For signal distribution, they have air signal, satellite, streaming, new platforms such as OTT, and every day they look for how to expand the distribution of the signal, being in all possible technologies.
"Telemedellín's engineering team covers the area of systems and IT. A few years ago they were two different worlds but today it is one world, there are five engineers in charge of the area. For the adoption of technology, in the Canal it is essential to know the brand and the support they provide. They have always been open to knowing about new developments and adopting the best solutions, without necessarily having to be linked to a particular brand," he said.
Ongoing projects
For 2018, one of Telemedellín's most important projects is the installation of its first coloring room, a new theme for television channels. "Today we already have a room working with a color editing system, the idea is to have solutions that are transversal to technology. Having good audio and a good video is going to work deliver as you deliver the signal. It is a commitment to the improvement of the product, "said the technical director of Telemedellín.
Another project is that they now work with cinema-type cameras for special productions, such as documentaries and promos. This is a new challenge because it changed the way of working from a detachable optics to a professional way to apply it to the subject of cinema.
Tour Telemedellín
At the end of 2015 Telemedellín opened its new headquarters, located in what was the former municipal nursery of Medellín. In addition to having a large headquarters equipped with the latest technology for television production, the place was designed with a large space around that works as a public park, which has had a great reception by citizens.
From the design of the Canal Parque, as the new headquarters of Telemedellín is known, it was thought of the creation of a space that would allow a tour of the Canal, so that the public could know how television is made. The Telemedellín Tour began operating in December 2017 with a tour that allows interactive visits. During the first month and a half of operation, the tour had been carried out by more than 3,500 people in groups of 10 people.
"On the tour you can get to know the whole Canal. There are equipment that are available for people to try, from studios, lighting control, editing, broadcasting and even makeup, that provide a comprehensive view. The tour is focused on children and adults, everyone can enjoy it. There is a lot of information available and the intention is that people want to come back. Although these issues do not have a direct relationship with television production, they get people to appropriate the Channel and prefer it among so many options," said Carlos Duque.
A digital decade
In 2009 the Canal began with its digital area and today it is an important bet. In Telemedellín the digital area is the one that grows the most, today there are about 15 people who are dedicated to digital media, generating content, making their own productions for the web and other media.
With the tragedy of a Brazilian soccer team coming to play a match of the final of the Copa Sudamericana at the end of 2016 in Medellín, the Canal had a record followers on Facebook Live with more than 500 thousand people following the live broadcast.
"We are innovators and we are proud of what we do. The goal is always to look forward, where the industry is going and do it for ourselves," concluded Carlos Duque.
