As part of its commitment to providing a top tier educational experience to its student body, Cameron University revamped the school’s television studio with a FOR-A production switcher, server and graphics system.  A public university in Lawnton, Oklahoma, Cameron University prioritizes real-world experience, and the new system significantly expands the school’s production capability and educational opportunities afforded its students. North Carolina-based SCMS, Inc., served as dealer and installer for the upgrade.

As part of their studio operation and television program creation classes, Cameron University Journalism and Media Production students now receive hands-on training on the new FOR-A HVS-490 production switcher, Odyssey Insight server and ClassX graphics system. In addition to classes, students produce up to four television programs a week for broadcast on the campus television station, CU-TV, and content that streams on Cameron’s digital news platform, AggieCentral.com.

The FOR-A upgrade creates an extensive list of new video production capabilities at CU-TV. Among the highlights are an increased number of I/O’s and DVE channels, NDI^® support, event and macro recall, web GUI interface and network control. It has eight channels of 2.5 DVE as standard and can be expanded to a maximum of 16 channels. In 4K, the HVS-490 switcher allows 10 inputs/six outputs, nine inputs/six outputs or eight inputs/seven outputs.

“This is an elegant solution heads and shoulders above our previous set up,” said Dr. Mattison Jenkins, professor, Department of Communication, English, and Foreign Languages, who runs the university’s journalism and media program. “We had zero issues getting up and running with it. It’s extremely intuitive, much easier to use than our last system, and we’re happy to report that our first live production went very smoothly. We were blown away with our ability to make changes on the fly. Students and faculty have already remarked on the improved look. But most of all, we’re thrilled with the improved experience this offers our students.”

 

Among the new capabilities Jenkins is most excited about are the 10 NDI^®/streaming inputs in the ClassX system’s LiveBoard.  In addition, the LBconnect app allows control from the HVS-490 panel. “We can insert any NDI^® source for dynamic PiP DVE transitions and stream our field reporters using any of the major videoconferencing platforms. With that, we can produce a graphic look that rivals a network station – for all our programs. The difference in our studio before FOR-A and after is night and day. We couldn’t be happier with the result and what we can now teach our students.”

Other benefits Jenkins noted were the ability of the HVS-490 switcher’s web GUI to load the VRAM (Video RAM) and stills from a PC directly to a still store with the simple click of a mouse and VDCP (Video Disk Control Protocol) of the Insight server for start/stop playlist control.

“Together, the HVS switcher, Insight server and ClassX graphics offer an unbeatable solution, and we can’t wait to see what the Cameron University students produce,” said Satoshi Kanemura, President, FOR-A Americas. “With additional NDI ^® options coming on board, the system is also easily expandable and will be ready for them, no matter what type of production they have in mind.”

NDI® is a registered trademark of Vizrt Group.

About FOR-A

FOR-A, a worldwide, industry-leading manufacturer, offers a wide range of broadcast and production products with a focus on cutting-edge technologies, including: HD, 4K and IP products. FOR-A continues to offer future-ready, cost effective, advanced technology solutions. Products include: video switchers, routing switchers, multi-viewers, full 4K high-speed cameras, IP encoders/decoders, multi-channel signal processors, 8K/4K/HD test signal generators, color correctors, frame synchronizers, file-based products, character generators, video servers and much more.

For a full range of HD and 4K production and processing solutions, as well as IP-based products, visit our web site at www.for-a.com.