In preparation for the 2020 academic year, Prosper Independent School District planned and approved the construction of their cutting-edge television broadcast studio inside the brand-new Rock Hill High School. The Hill Top News Studio, located in Frisco, TX, will function as a student-run daily live television show that will be broadcasted to over 1800 students, teachers, and administrators of Rock Hill High School.
The objective of this project was to provide Prosper ISD with a real-world media training environment that incorporated a newsroom computer system (NRCS) allowing students to create and deliver a daily newscast. This project provides students the opportunity to garner real-world and hands-on experience with equipment and systems used in professional studios. These opportunities will prepare students and give them a competitive edge in obtaining highly sought-after internships, college program acceptances, and employment from facilities that utilize audio and video productions. Students will have the chance to graduate from high school with an arsenal of knowledge in television broadcast and accompanying equipment functionality - which largely distinguishes these students from their counterparts.
The Control Room, Studio, Rack Room, and Audio Control Room were designed and built out with student success, budget, and functionality in mind. The design was a collaborative effort between Digital Resources (DRI), Prosper ISD, and Crux Solutions. The solution engineered by DRI was a complete IP/4k end to end broadcast system utilizing the most recent technology. Flexibility was a tenant of the design to accommodate the school’s changing needs and resources. The technology that was incorporated in the systems allows students to utilize all mediums to deliver content, including through social media outlets.
As a leading systems integrator, DRI has developed a special niche in helping design and bring the best in broadcast and AV systems solutions to our educational outlets. The experience and training the students will experience allows for advanced knowledge in future careers.
The heart of the system consists of complete Ross Video News and Production system. Main components are:
1. Ross Video 64x64 Ultrix Routing System.
- The router is the heart of the system allowing all video or audio signals to be distributed to any device or monitor. Software controlled frame synchronizers allow for maximum flexibility to handle non-synchronous sources.
2. Ross Video Ultra 2ME Production Switcher with CB-2s control panel.
- State of the art production switcher allowing students to create a network worthy, professional news cast.
3. Ross Video XPression graphics system.
- Professional graphics system which integrates seamlessly with the (NRCS) allowing content to be delivered directly to air.
4. Ross Video Tria+ playback server.
- Professional playback system which integrates seamlessly with the (NRCS) allowing edited news packages to be delivered directly to air.
5. Ross Video Inception News with Streamline Production. (NRCS)
- The heart of the news creation process. News stories can be created quickly, reviewed for contentment, and associated to video clips. Content can be delivered to social media sites in real time.
6. Ross Video openGear terminal gear.
- Reliable support gear for seamless operation. Easy component changeout and upgrade
Flexible and versatile production environment.
1. IHSE Draco Tera Compact KVM.
- Every user station can be assigned to any computer resource, allowing the system to adjust to the needs of the production and student resources.
2. Crestron DN NVX Video Distribution System.
- Every monitor, in the control room and studio, is connected to the NVX network. This allows for all routable content, up to 4K UHD, to be displayed on any monitor.
3. RTS ODEN Intercom System.
- Professional intercom system allowing for multiple IFB channels and point to point communication including 10 wireless IFB receivers. Intercom is also available for recording, allowing for review and instruction.
- Matrix system allows for reconfiguration for various control room setups.
4. Panasonic Studio Cameras with CueScript Prompters and Talent Monitors.
- 4K UHD studio cameras and prompting system with (NRCS) integration.
5. Allen & Heath SQ6 Audio Mixer with Dante’ and Shure Wireless Mics.
- Flexible audio environment with 32 Dante’ channels integrated into the Ross Ultrix router and RTS ODEN intercom. 12 wireless microphones provided for growth and versatility.
6. Libec Studio Pedestals.
- With both standing and seated set configurations, cameras can be properly set for best look and prompter visibility.
