Continuity announcment on BBC1

Why couldn't the BBC Choice transmission team just ask the BBC1 or BBC2 announcer to make a quick announcement and pipe it over to Choice? Surely that couldn't be that difficult!!!

Now you've astounded me, Techy Peep.

Are the BBC World announcements really still off a Sonifex, and not an MP3 or a WAV off some computer somewhere?

And, don't tell me, they still keep the Sonifex in the Grams Room?

That would probably be more difficult than you think.

Also, the BBC ONE/TWO announcers aren't 'yoof' enough - too posh for CHOICE. Viewers would turn off in their thousands!

BBC World and Prime still play 'generic' anno's off a Sonifex hard disk recorder, and specifics off minidisk. Maybe a little old, but it works well.

UKTV use minidisks.

Public Service channels are in the throws of discarding minidisks in favour of a server based system.

And a word on breakdowns.
In channels without a live announcer it is a question of priorities. What is more important?
A) Rectifying the fault quickly and restore the schedule.
B) Worry about getting an announcer, then go find/fetch one back(assuming they are not near/in a junction or busy) explain the problem, set up the con booth, think of some words, hand audio to con etc. Then think about the fault.
Oh, and the same applies for Techy's frivolous remark about ISDN - just incase any of you thought he was being serious !

Is BBC World's continuity using old technology, because there are times when the sound coming from continuty is a bit weird, eg ident sound gets louder and louder, and then totally drops off leaving only the announcer with no ident sound.

Ah, a Sonifex hard disc machine, that's better.

When Techy said 'Sonifex', this old luddite here, immediately thought 'cart machine'.

Don't worry, it's my age, I'll call the doctor back, later!

BBC World presentation isn't that old. Infact, most of it's quite new as bit's have been added on. The equipment is full broadcast quality, and is probably - as proven on occasion - the most robust network along with Prime.

I suspect the sudden dip in audio is down to a certain network director's 'mix' ! I will make no further comment.

OK, then!

It has to be said the continuity at BBC World is quite good, and I didn't realise it was Adrian Finegan doing the continuity!