RTNDA@NAB Show floor was sparsely populated with exhibitors. Photo: Dak Dillon/NewscastStudio

Although NewscastStudio is taking an alternative approach to coverage this year, we did take some time Monday to visit the set, graphics and lighting companies at the RTNDA@NAB convention exhibit floor in the Hilton Pavilion.

On the set design side were FX Group, Broadcast Design International, Park Place Studio, Devlin Design Group and Erector Sets. Graphics was limited to just VDO, while music companies included 615 Music, Non-Stop Music and newcomer Aircast Music.

Noticeably absent were Stephen Arnold Music and Inergi, though Stephen Arnold had a small booth on the NAB side and retained some involvement with RTNDA.

In making the rounds, exhibitors seemed like they were trying to remain positive despite the weak economy and a common sentiment was that sets, graphics and music are luxury items that many stations just can’t afford right now. However, most folks seemed to have some optimism and said jobs are still out there but just require some more leg work to find and win.

VDO, Devlin and 615 teamed up to provide KOMU-TV in Columbia, Mo. (our hometown) with a new set, graphics package and music in a floor-to-ceiling makeover. BDI recently wrapped up a project in India and is planning to share photos of additional projects with us soon. Park Place has wrapped up some projects that aren’t quite ready for the public eye, but we’ll be working to get images once it’s debuted. FX meanwhile was showcasing some concept designs as well as its work for CNN International, among others.