Mobile Production Extends the Innovation Hub Across Campus

The Digital Media Team at the Teaching, Learning and Technology Center (TLTC) has developed a mobile production system that brings many of the Innovation Hub Production Studio’s capabilities to events and programs throughout campus.

Designed and built by the Digital Media Team, the self-contained system supports professional-quality production for live streaming and video recording. It can operate independently in an event space or connect to the University’s existing production rooms when a larger setup is needed. The mobile system gives the team greater flexibility when filming around campus. Rather than assembling separate pieces of equipment at each location, the team can bring a complete production environment directly to the venue.

“Designing and assembling the mobile production cart gave the Digital Media Team an opportunity to work through a series of technical and practical challenges,” said Michael Pisciotta, multimedia production coordinator. “Every decision, from selecting and integrating the equipment to developing a flexible workflow, became an exercise in collaborative problem-solving. The result reflects the team’s ability to evaluate production needs and build an effective, adaptable solution.”

The cart combines cameras, video switching, graphics, audio mixing, wireless microphones and crew communications in one mobile platform. Its cameras can be operated remotely and, when appropriate, can track presenters automatically. A wireless camera can also be added for productions that require greater movement, audience interaction or coverage across a larger venue.

The cart brings the primary tools of a production studio together in one mobile system. Its equipment includes:

• A Roland V-80HD video switcher for managing cameras, graphics and recorded content
• Two Sony SRG-A40 cameras with remote operation and automatic presenter-tracking capabilities
• A Yamaha DM3 audio console and Yamaha Rio stage box for managing microphones and other audio sources
• Sennheiser wireless microphones and a Clear-Com wireless intercom system
• A Hollyland wireless video receiver for adding a roaming camera
• A Lenovo workstation and production monitors for controlling graphics, presentations, video routing and system settings

These capabilities allow the system to accommodate productions of different sizes. A smaller team can use the cart’s onboard equipment for a guest lecture, while more complex events can incorporate additional cameras, audio sources and other resources from the University’s production spaces. Wireless communication tools help directors and camera operators coordinate while moving throughout the production. The system also gives operators centralized control over video, audio, graphics, presentations and streaming, helping the team maintain consistent production quality while simplifying setup and operation.

“The new mobile system will streamline the work the Digital Media Team has long carried out across campus, producing high-quality videos and live streams for the University’s YouTube channel and website,” said Christopher Petruzzi, director of design and digital media. “By bringing capabilities similar to those of the Innovation Hub Production Studio directly to campus events, the cart enhances what the Digital Media Team and the Innovation Hub can continue to produce.”

Categories: Science and Technology