Paul Jarvis is De Lane Lea's technical manager on remote editing.

Why is the use of remote editing technology growing?
Remote editing separates sound editing workstations from users in the studios, allowing sound editors to remotely control and switch between different audio processing workstations located in a separate machine room. With several editors working on the same project, this approach dramatically increases productivity.

What are the practical benefits?
The approach makes it easier to manage projects that use several editors and studios. The work-
stations are located in a central machine room, so control, reliability and security is improved. Set-up time is reduced and by simplifying the process of editing differentsections of a film simultaneously, remote editing helps facilities to meet tight deadlines. The approach also minimises the noise level in the studio. Post-production facility De Lane Lea has used the technique on films such as Hellboy II.

What issues do we need to watch out for?
The most important issue is latency: any delay between the workstation and the studio. If there is a delay, syncing audio and video becomes almost impossible. Quality of the audio and video is obviously another issue. However, there are some products available that do not suffer from these problems - such as HMX from Avocent, which is used at De Lane Lea.

What is needed to make it work smoothly?
This approach simplifies the processes and working practices that are needed. Editors can use any studio, directly accessing the workstation they require with the remote editing system.