2002-08-14 CC Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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>Tiltrac Master Control Playback System We are at a crossroads, and this single grouping of equipment represents the previously mentioned "giant" step in the right direction. There are two reasons why I firmly believe we should invest in the Tiltrac playback system. First, according to my experience, Rick's technical expertise, and the expertise of our consultants most of our master control equipment is obsolete, unsupported, and unreliable and must be replaced with something soon. Second, a Tiltrac system will provide us with the options and versatility we must have to move forward with all of our playback plans. The Tiltrac serves as a tape storage unit, removes the need for staff to be physically present to change tapes, reduces the number of decks needed for expanded playback allowing for more varied scheduling, automatically switches graphics onto the channel when a problem with a tape develops, alerts staff via an internal modem when a problem has occurred, staff can enter data and fix problems from anywhere with internet access, it will allow us to move forward with digital tape playback, and the unit can include digital server and web casting capabilities. Both CTV in Roseville, and the Burnsvil/e/Eagan community television facilities have already purchased this system. It is an expensive unit, but savings are realized in reduced deck and monitor expenditure, smaller space requirements, and in saved staff time. What it can do, for the money, is amazing. >DVCPro Edit/Record Deck Kenton has been patiently waiting for a year and a half for a second OVCPro deck for the production truck. It is needed for slow-motion and A/B roll editing during van shoots. As we will have digital playback capabilities after the Tiltrac system arrives, it will also be needed for mastering programs. With the purchase of this deck, most of the programs produced at the facility will be done so utilizing OVCPro equipment. >Portable Two-Camera System This has been something we've been intending to purchase for some time. Unfortunately, something always came up that we needed more. We'd like to follow through this year and put together a simple, lightweight, studio in a box. It would be something the general public could check out or staff could use. It will include two cameras, a record deck, a switcher with audio control, monitors and a wireless communications system. This particular group of equipment has been identified as important to obtain by staff, surveyed access users, and by our consultants. >DVCPro Camera We currently have two OVCPro cameras dedicated to staff production. They were both purchased about five years ago and have experienced a good deal of use, and some abuse. They are still in decent operating condition, but are in more and more demand as more staff produce more programs. We would like to add another camera to the mix. It will slow down wear and tear on the other two cameras, and provide more opportunity for simultaneous shoots. >Computer Software/Hardware Upgrades Most of our office and production computers were upgraded in 2002. Three staff computers will need to be upgraded in 2003. As far as the production computers are concerned, we will need to replace the Video Toaster hardware and software (if it hasn't already died) in the SVHS edit suite. It would also be nice to be able to purchase Avid 20 Real Time FX package for the staff non-linear system, and add storage capacity to both the staff and public non-linear edit systems.