05-11-2016, 08:30 PM
I do recall working with SABC On the audio side of their TV engineering. In general terms, they chose to work with Neve 'because that's the BBC choice'. In some ways, however, their technical specs were more critical than BBC or IBA, owing something to German (IRT) or Dutch standards. As ever, one sought a technical compromise to avoid an unaffordable design problem. Compromise, however was not part of the SABC approach in the mid- 1970s, which was a bit of a struggle.
The paradox was that, whilst their high technical standards were clear in the transmitted programmes, the production standards were way way behind. Every evening's programming was transmitted sequentially in English and Afrikaans, alternating with either English first or Afrikaans first on alternate evenings. Apart from imported recordings, the production would have disgraced the average village amateur dramatic society - there was a problem that SABC had a policy of not employing members of the professional Equity performers' union, with predictably amateurish results!
So disappointing!
Martin
Martin
The paradox was that, whilst their high technical standards were clear in the transmitted programmes, the production standards were way way behind. Every evening's programming was transmitted sequentially in English and Afrikaans, alternating with either English first or Afrikaans first on alternate evenings. Apart from imported recordings, the production would have disgraced the average village amateur dramatic society - there was a problem that SABC had a policy of not employing members of the professional Equity performers' union, with predictably amateurish results!
So disappointing!
Martin
Martin
BVWS Member
