|
Archived Articles
Duke University Chapel Installs Remote Production System Built on Telecast’s Fiber Optic Systems
WORCESTER, Mass. — March 19, 2003 — Telecast Fiber Systems, Inc. today announced that its fiber optic transmission systems have been incorporated in an installation connecting Duke University Chapel to the nearby Duke Recording Studio (DRS) and Duke’s Office of Information Technology (OIT). The network enables remote production and live broadcast of chapel services over the campus cable system and the local CATV university access channel.
 |
"This project was a long time in the making, and it represents a significant enhancement of capabilities in Duke Chapel," said Scott Wells, manager of studio operations for Duke Recording Studios. "The ability to connect to fiber and utilize existing video production assets here at the studio really made this installation a success."
The installation incorporates eight Viper™ II systems. Three of these systems, TR5221 POV links located in the chapel basement, are linked to new Hitachi HV-D25 robotic cameras to carry video, reference, and CCU commands to and from the DRS, located next door in the basement of the Bryan University Center. These Vipers support two cameras facing the chapel’s pulpit and lectern from column-mounted positions on the sides of the sanctuary, and a third camera positioned in the gallery over the narthex for a view of the entire sanctuary from the rear.
One of the chapel-based Viper II systems also carries control data for DRS system matrices, control delegation and lockout, and power control for the entire chapel system via bidirectional Crestron control data. This includes position and lens commands for the three robotic cameras and full camera control for a fourth, fixed camera concealed in the woodwork above the pulpit.
Audio signals are mixed within the sanctuary and sent to the DRS over six full-bandwidth channels provided by a fourth Viper II, a TX5060 also located in the chapel basement. Two additional Viper systems provide bidirectional production intercom and an additional stereo path in each direction, along with mixed program video return, which DRS also sends on to OIT for cablecasting.
"An unusual situation applies at Duke," explained MHT President Chuck Henage, who designed and coordinated the integration of the chapel’s new remote camera system. "We needed new links to follow established paths, so they had to work on the existing multimode fiber. Telecast Fiber Systems offered a unique solution to this compatibility dilemma because much of its equipment, including the Viper II series, uses a dual-mode laser capable of operating on either single- or multi-mode fiber."
The fiber link between the Duke Chapel and the DRS was established via a 24 single-mode fiber bundle, which runs from one building to the other through the campus’ steam tunnel network. The final Viper II system, a TX/RX5122 installed during an earlier fiber infrastructure update, operates on existing multi-mode fiber to link the recording studio to the OIT for connection to outbound and inbound broadcast circuits. As a result, the studio can provide video news releases, broadcast conference origination, distance learning, and now chapel services via public common carriers.
"We’re quite pleased with the performance of the system. We look forward to the improved coverage provided by additional cameras positions and the reduced manpower requirements of multi-camera production via remote control," concluded Wells.
Telecast’s Viper II modular platforms are capable of carrying several digital video (SDTV or HDTV), analog video (PAL or NTSC), analog audio, and data signals. The Viper II transmits these signals over a single fiber optic cable that is just one-tenth the weight of coaxial cabling but able to cover 10 times the distance.
# # #
About Duke University Chapel
Dedicated in 1935, the Duke University Chapel serves the entire university, hosting regular worship services, as well as musical performances, weddings and funeral services, and convocations and baccalaureates for various colleges of the university. The Gothic structure has been host to renowned preachers including the Rev. Billy Graham, Archbishop Desmond Tutu, the Rev. Charlene Kammerer, the Rev. Dr. Peter Gomes, and Dr. Samuel Proctor.
About Duke Recording Studios (DRS)
Formed in 1980, Duke Recording Studios (DRS) is an active media production facility located in the heart of Duke University in the Bryan University Center. The Studios, part of Duke Technical Services, operates as a member of the "one-stop shop" service provided by the Event Management Department, a division of Auxiliary Services on campus. Originally established as an audio production facility, DRS has continued to expand its integrated range of services to include video production and post-production, project design, production equipment rentals, tape duplication, and computer graphics and animation to all elements of the Duke University community, as well as clients throughout the state of North Carolina and beyond.
About MHT of North Carolina, Inc.
MHT of North Carolina designs video and audiovisual systems with an emphasis on custom implementations of advanced technology. The company, founded in 1979, provides services including design and specification, turnkey installation, professional equipment service, special event engineering, equipment and system evaluation, and custom duplication/transfer/editorial services. North Carolina’s Research Triangle region comprises MHT’s primary service area.
About Telecast Fiber Systems, Inc.
Telecast Fiber Systems, Inc. is a leader in portable and fixed fiber optic systems for television broadcast production. The company’s video, audio, and communications systems are used worldwide by TV networks, teleproduction companies, telecommunications providers, and private and government institutions and facilities to extend range, simplify cabling, and reduce labor costs and set-up time. The company’s systems accommodate all television production signals, including NTSC/PAL video, 601 and HDTV SDI, analog and AES/EBU audio, triaxial wideband camera interfaces, and intercom and data signals. More information can be found at www.telecast-fiber.com.
Viper is a trademark of Telecast Fiber Systems, Inc.
Top of Page |
|
102 Grove Street