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The sales division of GearBox has recently supplied and installed fifteen Apple Power Mac G5 based Digidesign Pro Tools|HD Accel systems to world-renowned Pinewood Shepperton Studios. To date this is believed to be the largest installation of its kind in the Europe.

Thirteen of the systems have been installed in Shepperton's Orson Welles complex, which specialises in dubbing for major film companies.

Each of the four Munro Associates designed, Dolby-certified mixing theatres in the Orson Welles complex has two systems per room; comprising an expanded Pro Tools|HD6 Accel ‘Master’ system with 32 channels of 192-I/O and a Pro Tools HD2 Accel ‘Slave’ with 48 channels of 192–I/O. Five editorial suites support the theatres – each equipped with Pro Tools HD2 Accel systems

All systems are running sound-to-picture using the new Avid Mojo non-linear video accelerator option, which allows DV picture to be used in conjunction with the audio tracks. In addition, each mixing studio is installed with a 32 fader Digidesign ProControl. Two editorial suites have also been upgraded with 8 fader ProControls.

GearBox sales and marketing manager Andy Brooks said: “This is a fantastic start to the year for us. Last year was a record year in sales at GearBox, with a 50% increase in business. To begin 2005 by gaining such a large-scale contract from one of our most valued clients puts us on a very strong footing for the rest of the year.”

Giles Farley, facility manager of the Orson Welles complex at Shepperton, commented: “This installation enables us to maintain the technical and competitive edge that we need to attract international clients. We chose GearBox as our supplier because we have a long-standing relationship with them, and their service and support have always been excellent.”

A key factor in the GearBox approach to service is that the organisation offers hire and sales as an integrated service. As a result, it has operated 24/7 from day one. In addition, the sheer size of its rental inventory means the available numbers of any given item are far greater than a sales-only organisation could hope to support.

“Our reputation for consistent high quality output in volume has only been made possible by providing an ultra reliable service to our clients. Which in turn is only possible through proven backup,” said Farley of the GearBox service. “On the rare occasions we have had hardware failure, Gearbox have made replacements available immediately. We've never been let down.”

GearBox is an accredited Digidesign Audio/Video Professional Dealer, as well as an approved Apple Solutions Expert for both audio and video systems. Pinewood Shepperton Studios has a reputation for excellence spanning more than half a century and continues to house some of the most comprehensive film production facilities in the world.

For further information please visit:
Pinewood Shepperton Studios