Today we finished 90% of the install for the new switcher.
This new switcher eliminated the need for almost half of the equipment in the rack and gave us a couple more inputs all with much much lower power consumption. Along with this the switcher brings us the following advancements:

• 6 Inputs: Camera’s 1 to 3, a 4th camera, the computer, and a special feed.
• Live Green-Screen
• Live Virtual Sets
• Quick and Easy Titles
• Easy Auto-Cue playback of digital media (pictures and video)
• Much more, too much to list here

Along with the switcher we still have the media computer that has been in place for a few years with 4 monitors. This computer allows playback of DVD’s, Music, Powerpoint, and allows for websites to be brought up on-air along with the capability to record and burn a DVD of the show.

We also have the new CG that was just installed right before our old switcher died, this CG allows for editing and easy management of titles and graphics in a completely 3D environment. While the basic use of this CG is duplicated by the title functions on the new switcher there are some advanced items that are accomplished easier on this CG machine such as editing while live, changing or adding names to lower thirds or pulling scrolling information from websites all real-time.

Between the three of these advanced machines there should be nothing that can’t be accomplished in our new studio, tutorials of most functions will be posted on the website sometime in the future.

Also, all of our public computers including these three studio machines and our edit bays are now locked down to a set configuration that is restored every time the systems are booted. It is recommended that you bring your content and save all of your files to external drives or they will not be kept on the system after the next reboot.

You will also notice a lot of new LCD monitors arranged in 2 rows, they are set up as the following.
Computer 4, Computer 3, Camera 1, Camera 2, Camera 3, Camera 4.
Computer 1, Computer 2, Switcher Control, Program Out, Special Input, and CG Control.

All producers who are familiar with the old system will need to arrange to come in and take a course to be brought up to speed with the new system. To find out more information check the online class schedule or contact Terry at 343-1100.