Taking Your News Team to the 21st Century

Chris WalshBoone County Schools

How we started

What is needed to produce a 21st century news cast?

What is needed to produce a 21st century news cast?

• Video Switcher• Audio Mixer• Computer(s)• Lights• Cameras• Microphones• Software• Graphics & Video Playback• Chroma Key (Green Screen)• Sharing your Video(s) & Streaming

Video Switcher Considerations

• Do you really need one? Pre-Record vs. Live• Future Compatibility• High Definition vs. Standard Definition• Number and types of inputs.• Effects (Chroma Key, Digital Video, etc.)• Other required items for functionality (included

audio mixer).• Output method.• Cost - $500 and up!

NewTek - TriCaster

Pros• Easy to transport• LiveType (Built in Graphics)• Single device for graphics,

video, and some audio

Cons• Cost - $5,000 and up!• Base model is analog only• One Point of Failure• Only 2 audio inputs• Only 4 Video inputs

Our Choice:Black Magic Design ATEM 1 M/E

Cost: $2350

Runner Up:Black Magic Design ATEM Television Studio

Cost: $975

Video Mixer Recommendation

Audio Mixer Considerations

• Do you really need one?• Number / type of inputs.• Type of outputs.• Compatibility with other equipment.• Cost - $50 to ???

Audio Mixer Recommendation

Our Choice:Behringer Euro Rack Pro RX1202FX

Cost: $219

Runner Up:Yamaha MG 102

Cost: $99

Computer Considerations

• Do you need a computer?• Laptop vs. Desktop• How many do you need?• Can you use what you have?• Cost - $500 - ???

Computer Recommendation

Our Choice:Use What We Have/Repurpose Older Machines

for Specific duties.Cost: $0

Runner Up:Buy the Best you can Afford

Cost: ???

Lighting Considerations

• Do you need lights?• Are you going to use a Chroma-Key? Then,

most likely YES!• How many?• Cost - $50 to ???

Lighting Recommendation

Our Choice:Try going without first

Cost: $0

Runner Up:Buy the cheapest kit (Lights, stands, diffusers)

you can findCost: $200

Camera Considerations

• High Definition vs. Standard Definition• How many do you need?• Compatibility with other equipment.• Do you need any special connectors/cords?• Do you need a microphone?• Can you hook an

external microphoneup to it?

• Cost - $150 - ???

Camera Recommendation

Our Choice:Canon Vixia HFR 20 (no longer made)

Cost: $250

Runner Up:Canon Vixia HFR 300

Cost: $250

Microphone Considerations

• Do you need them?• Can you connect them to your

camera directly?• How many inputs do you have on your

soundboard?• How many microphones do you need?• Hand held vs. Lavalieres• Wired vs. Wireless• Cost - $50 - ???

Microphone Recommendations

Our Choice:Wireless

Audio-Technica ATW-T701 (no longer made)(Replaced with PRO-501)

Cost: $220

Wired Shure SM58 - $80+ Cords

Graphics & Video Play Back

• Live vs. Pre-Recorded• iMovie vs. Windows Movie Maker• Computer running one of the following:– Cam Twist Studio – Mac – Free– ManyCam – PC – Free– *Window Media Player – PC - Free– *Quick Time – Mac – Free– *VLC – Mac/PC – Free– PowerPoint/Keynote – Graphics, Video, etc.*Can only do video playback, no graphics.

Chroma Keying

• Live vs. Pre-Recorded• Appropriate Background• Good Lighting• iMovie has it built in Free w/Mac• Chroma Keyer on Video Switcher• Paid alternatives• Virtual Sets

Sharing Your Video

• Internal vs. External• Internal - playback via Video Distribution

System (Vbrick, computer to VCR), drop video in a shared folder, etc.

• External – Live, see streaming. Pre-Recorded YouTube, School Tube, Vimeo, own server, etc.

Streaming

• Do you have enough bandwidth, particularly upload?

• Do you have a powerful enough computer to encode? (If not, check out the Black Magic Design H.264 Pro Recorder)

• Capabilities depend on device; most support Flash Media Live Encoder (FMLE).

• Service selection – Ustream, Justin.TV, LiveStream, etc.

• Dealing with ads and inappropriate content.

Streaming Applications

• Adobe Flash Media Encoder – Works with most video streaming websites.

• MXLight designed for BMD ATEM Products to use any service that supports FMLE format.

• LiveStream’s ProCaster – Easy to use application and LiveStream’s ad supported model supports unlimited viewers for approved channels.

• NEW - YouTube & Google

Miscellaneous Items

• Don’t forget about wiring; microphone cables, HDMI cables, etc.

• Green Screen fabric/paper.• Tele-Prompter(s).• External hardware encoder.• File Storage.

Recommend Vendors

• Audio Video Equipment – B&H Photo– Fast Service– Low Prices– Huge Selection– Jewish Calendar*

• All wiring – Mono Price– Low, Low Prices– High Quality– Excellent Warranty– Slow, Slow Shipping

Funding

• PTA/PTO• Grants• Donations from businesses, news stations, etc.• Fund Raisers (Little Caesars pizza kits, book

fair, etc.)

How Our News Team Works

• Entirely student run with the exception of the upload to our distribution networks.

• 20 minutes per day.• 4 computers, 4 microphones, 2 cameras, 2

lights. • All “extra” content such as commercials,

special announcements, etc. are pre-recorded.• News cast recorded one day in advance.

Goodridge News Sample Video

DEMO

Contact Us

• Chris Walshemail – chris.walsh@boone.kyschools.usTwitter - @Chris_M_Walsh