[Mike]

Fantastic so this will be the first English region to use the new set and be in full HD, it will be interesting to see how they tackle the moire on the screens and if HD actually can reduce the effects of it.

I think the cameras and distance of the cameras from the set are what affects it.

The camera output is HD regardless of whether or not it's transmitted in SD or HD (take Midlands Today's new cameras for instance) - the moire effect is ever so slightly still there as the cameras are pushed right against the wall of the studio.

Southampton has the advantage of being a medium sized studio (or large in English Regions terms) - so they can get the cameras further back and zoomed in to have the same shots.

I think it'll look good. It will be interesting to see how much wasted space there is in their studio though or if they've done anything 'different' (I highly doubt that given the 'user manual' they sent out to each site though).

As an aisde: People calling these 'ikea' sets aren't helpful; they're a standardised design that are a massive technical improvement for every site, sometimes big =/= better - the previous South Today set is not only old, but incredibly basic - driven by rear projection screens and a PBU of an empty newsroom that is backlit - while these served a purpose and were affordable in the late 00s when they were installed, they have aged like milk.

In theory these new sets, provided the technology lasts, can be reconfigured as and when things change with ease (new backdrops, new design backdrops, new desks/sofas.

[South]

There was a very small I assume accidental preview of the new set at the end of the 1 today during their celebrity squares piece.

[TVenthusiasm]

The new studio made it's debut earlier tonight at 6:30

up.metropol247.co.uk 

[South]

Having watched the evening bulletin tonight the extra space in the studio certainly makes the set look better than its counterparts.
There was no sign of the moire effect on the screens, but again that was down to more space.
Its good to see that like the Midlands Today set, they make use of the changing led lights on the desk panel.

[London Lite]

I'm glad that South Today hasn't completely followed the template of the other regions by allowing the weather and sports presenters on the sofa as they did before without Alexis having to walk across the set as the end titles played out.

[Stuart]

As an aisde: People calling these 'ikea' sets aren't helpful

It's just a harmless little joke about the 'flat pack' nature of their delivery.

I don't think anyone has ever suggested assembly instructions are in Swedish, or that screws are left over after the process.

Nobody is disputing the technical improvements for some regions with older sets.

[IanJRedman]

Just caught up with it. Whilst the set is slightly smaller than the old one (offset somewhat by the cameras being positioned so much further back at certain angles) the technical improvement is vast. The fact the entire backdrop can change means this is potentially a very versatile set. Looks great!

When in presenter closeup, the backdrop is a little granier than I'd hoped, and they seem to have totally done away with CSO for the weather, both in the 6.30 and 10.30 bulletin. Only noticed the tiniest amount of moire though.

A very low key launch, it only got the lightest of mentions at the end of the 6.30. I was starting to think they wouldn't mention it whatsoever. Compared to South East Today, which I think made a song and dance much earlier, and even previewed the new set the previous day! I assume this is an editorial decision in each region?

[London Lite]

The lower thirds appear to have been given the same tweak to the font as seen with Look East.

[IanJRedman]

The lower thirds appear to have been given the same tweak to the font as seen with Look East.

Oh, I didn't clock that. Before, I'd noticed the font (or the weight of the font?) on South Today's straps differed subtly from the network ones. Have they been brought closer in line? Will keep an eye on them tomorrow.

No change to the close of the bulletin, because we've had the amended version ever since the old set went HD.

[Rob Francis]

Here's the first Breakfast bulletin:

youtu.be