Project Overview
As part of a three-person leadership team, I managed the complete relocation and expansion of our broadcast control room from the third floor to the seventh floor of our building. This project involved comprehensive planning, network architecture design, equipment installation, and system integration to create a state-of-the-art broadcast facility capable of handling complex productions with redundancy at every level.
The project scope included designing and building a dedicated machine room, implementing a new networking infrastructure, establishing multiple production spaces, and integrating various broadcast systems for seamless operation. We outgrew our previous space and needed a facility that could support our expanding production capabilities while maintaining broadcast-quality standards.
Network Infrastructure
I personally designed and implemented the entire network architecture for the new facility, following the Core-Distribution-Access/Spine-Leaf model to ensure reliability and performance. The network was built with multiple layers of redundancy, including:
- Deployment of Ubiquiti and Cisco switches in strategic locations throughout the facility
- Configuration of dual UniFi Dream Machines in failover mode
- Implementation of separate VLANs to isolate production, office, and guest traffic
- Dual ISP connections with automatic failover for internet redundancy
- Our team also completed the installation of a completely separate Cisco-based network dedicated to Dante audio
This network design ensured that our critical production systems remained isolated from general office traffic while providing the necessary bandwidth and reliability for demanding broadcast operations.
Machine Room Build-out
Equipment Installation and Integration
We designed and built a dedicated machine room to house all of our critical broadcast and networking equipment. This involved careful planning of rack layouts, power distribution, cooling requirements, and cable management. The machine room became the central hub for all technical operations, housing:
- A NewTek Tricaster production switcher
- SNS EVO shared media storage server
- Blackmagic video routing and distribution equipment
- Network switches and patch panels
- Aximmetry/Unreal Engine rendering computers for virtual production
- Blackmagic Ultimatte green screen keyers
- AJA HELO encoding and decoding hardware
- SRT encoders and decoders
- A LiveU Solo encoder for a cell data-powered backup
- A GPS-powered Time Machines time server for facility-wide synchronization
- A sync generator for video timing
Control Room Setup
The control room was designed to support complex productions with multiple operators and systems working in concert. We installed raised flooring throughout the control room area, creating pathways for the extensive cable runs (SDI, Ethernet, Fiber) connecting Stage A, Stage B, the control room, and the machine room.
Key systems integrated into the control room included:
- Dedicated graphics workstations
- Autoscript prompter system with hand controller
- An NDI discovery server
- Multiple vMix systems for various uses (backup RTMP streams, backup SRT ingest, lower third graphics, etc.)
- A Behringer Wing digital audio mixer
- Three ZoomISO Mac minis for remote participant integration
- Unity Intercom for both in-studio and global communications
- Multiple monitoring displays, KVM systems, and operator stations
Studio Facilities
Stage A - Main Production Studio
We established a fully-equipped main production space (Stage A) with comprehensive technical capabilities:
- Sony FX9 cameras with teleprompter units
- Studio lighting grid with Chauvet Professional Ovation CYC and Nanlite MixPanel RGB LED Panels
- Obsidian NX P lighting console
- Wireless audio receivers and management systems
- Multiple SDI and network drops for flexible configuration
- Direct connection to control room systems via under-floor cable pathways
Stage B - Secondary Production Space
We also designed and implemented a smaller production space (Stage B) for additional shooting capabilities:
- Lighting grid
- Dedicated Ethernet and SDI connections
- Flexible space for smaller productions and overflow needs
Security and Access Control
To protect the substantial investment in equipment and ensure appropriate access control, we implemented comprehensive security measures throughout the facility:
- Ubiquiti keycard access control system for the entire floor
- Security cameras monitoring access points and critical areas
- Tiered access permissions for different staff roles
Project Management
Throughout this extensive build-out, our three-person leadership team maintained direct oversight of all aspects of the project:
- Coordination of equipment procurement and installation timelines
- Hiring and management of production assistants to support the build-out
- Budget management and resource allocation
Results and Impact
The completed control room and associated facilities have dramatically expanded Steady Now's production capabilities, providing a robust technical foundation for complex broadcasts. The redundant systems and thoughtful design have resulted in zero downtime during critical productions, while the expanded space has allowed Steady Now to take on more ambitious projects.
The facility now serves as the technical hub for all of Steady Now's broadcast operations, supporting everything from live events to virtual productions with exceptional reliability and flexibility.