The University of New Haven (UNH) Department of Communication, Film & Media Studies teaches highly sought-after television and film production skills for an evolving media and entertainment industry, not only teaching students how to frame a message but also to master the technology that delivers it. When renovating their Communication Center, it was the perfect opportunity to also increase the square footage of its broadcast studio space and upgrade the technology. “We had to replace virtually every piece of equipment and update and upgrade it to current standards,” said Paul Falcone, UNH Director of Media Services. “Students need to learn in a state-of-the-art environment. Furthermore, the school must demonstrate to prospective students that [we are] on the cutting edge of broadcast technology and can offer a curriculum designed to emulate the way broadcast businesses actually work.”
The current studio was outdated, with SD rather than HD cameras, old broadcast switchers and aging recording gear. With considerable expertise within the department, UNH came to Diversified with a list of requirements for a new and larger broadcast studio including a control room, audio booth and machine room. In addition, they needed a streamlined post-production system to manage data traffic and storage. Diversified focused on the size of the control room and quality of equipment, the lack of HD standardization and the need for additional post-production data management.
The broadcast set was centered on a video wall consisting of four 46” NEC monitors. New cameras, control units, remote-control units, a new server in the control room and editing suites, video monitoring solutions to analyze data streams and waveforms, a control room console, graphics equipment and prompters were all installed. A video server manages feeds, live acquisition, content production and play-to-air demands. With the Broadcast Center’s post-production suites connected more efficiently to the newly designed control room and studio, students are given a new hands-on learning experience as they master broadcast production workflows from start to finish and prepare for their future in the industry.
