Objective
As the University of Texas (UT) at Austin prepared for its highly anticipated move to the Southeastern Conference (SEC), it faced both new challenges and opportunities. Joining one of the most competitive and high-profile collegiate conferences required more than just a new patch on their jerseys—it demanded a complete transformation of their broadcast approach.
Historically, the university outsourced its productions, but the quality no longer aligned with evolving media expectations. Transitioning to the SEC meant they needed to bring productions in-house, retire the Longhorn Network, and meet the rigorous SEC/ESPN broadcast standards. Their mission: build a cutting-edge production hub capable of handling increased broadcast demands, delivering top-tier content to fans, and keeping pace with the ever-evolving world of live sports production—all while providing students with hands-on production experience.
Solution
To make this ambitious vision a reality, the Longhorns at UT at Austin turned to the team of experts at Diversified. From concept to execution, UT and Diversified worked closely together to develop a cutting-edge, future-ready production environment.
5
IP-Based Control Rooms
Playing the long game:
UT Austin and Diversified evaluated alternatives, including continuing to use ESPN’s production trucks, but quickly realized that renting external resources would exceed the new system’s budget within just a few years. While the upfront investment in Texas Studios was significant, the long-term benefits—including cost savings, student development, and control over production quality—made it a clear winner. Now, content is created by people who bleed burnt orange and are passionate about Texas athletics, ensuring a higher level of quality and engagement.
3
Audio Control Rooms
Central Command Production Control:
At the core of Texas Studios is a fully IP-based infrastructure, designed to seamlessly manage multi-camera productions across various venues. With five ST-2110 networked control rooms, each is capable of supporting multiple athletic venues, including football, baseball, track, soccer, and volleyball. This centralized approach enables more efficient workflows, allowing operators to direct, switch, and produce content from any location with precision and ease.
250+
Sq Ft LED
Preparing students for the big Leagues:
Instead of relying on external freelancers, Texas Studios Powered by Dell harnesses the talent of the university’s theater and production students from The Moody College of Communication, providing them with hands-on experience in a state-of-the-art facility. To bridge the gap between classroom learning and real-world production, the studios feature a unique mock show capability, allowing students to simulate live productions, refine their editing skills, and perfect their craft before going live.
By training students on industry-standard production tools—such as 2110 network IP core, switchers, cameras, and replay systems—Texas Studios sets UT Austin apart as a premier university for aspiring broadcast professionals, giving them a competitive edge after graduation.
