“All-IP” is often framed as a clean modernization: fewer cables, more flexibility, and infrastructure aligned with mainstream IT practice. Inside real broadcast facilities, the experience has been more complicated. As media moved onto shared network fabrics, complexity redistributed itself into configuration, timing, segmentation, discovery, and the places where engineering and IT overlap.

Modern facilities blend IP-native and legacy equipment, and their behavior depends as much on commissioning decisions and vendor maturity as on the standards themselves. The result is an environment that looks simpler from a distance but demands a different kind of day-to-day understanding.

When Wiring Disappeared, Complexity Found New Places to Live
In SDI facilities, physical layout expressed most of the design. Signal flow could often be understood by following a cable between devices. Routing was predictable, and faults left visible clues in the rack.

IP systems compress those visible paths into a handful of fibers capable of carrying dozens of HD streams plus associated audio and metadata. The environment looks simpler from a cabling perspective, but the design logic did not vanish — it moved into configuration.

Address plans, multicast ranges, naming rules, VLAN boundaries, timing hierarchies, and orchestrator behavior now determine how a facility behaves. Small inconsistencies in any of these areas can produce wide-ranging effects that are difficult to interpret without a shared view of the fabric.

Responsibility for that fabric now sometimes resides with IT. Security policies often restrict direct switch access, leaving broadcast engineers working at the edges of systems they once controlled end-to-end. Diagnosing issues now depends on both groups and on how well system behavior is understood across teams.

Hybrid architectures sit on top of this reality. Many endpoint devices still process video and audio internally as SDI or HDMI. Cameras, monitors, playback servers, and audio processors often add IP interfaces only at the perimeter. As a result, most modern facilities consist of an IP core surrounded by SDI-to-IP gateways.

Those gateways are long-lived elements — frequently FPGA-based and later repurposed as converters, multiviewers, or audio tools as the environment matures. Hybrid operation reflects endpoint maturity, available budgets, and legacy workflows, not a lack of commitment to IP.

How Modern IP Systems Actually Behave — and Why It Often Surprises
Once configuration becomes the design, system behavior depends heavily on vendor interpretation. Two facilities built on the same standards can still act very differently.

Traffic models provide a clear illustration. Some fabrics rely on IGMP joins initiated by endpoints. In these environments, an endpoint requests a multicast stream and the switch forwards it, often applying bandwidth expectations based on address ranges — for example, one block for 1.5 Gb/s flows, another for 3 Gb/s, and a third for 12 Gb/s UHD.

Other platforms lean on controllers that explicitly authorize flows before the fabric forwards anything, placing the logic in software rather than in address plans. Both approaches are valid, but they require different troubleshooting instincts.

Device maturity introduces further variation. Common patterns include HD-only ST 2110 support with UHD still on the road map, a lack of redundancy, or inconsistent HDR support across levels. Discovery and NMOS behavior can deviate from orchestration expectations, creating situations where advertised capabilities exist but cannot be used as intended.

Earlier IP deployments often worked around such limitations by having external devices subscribe to the desired multicast and translate it to a single address that a problematic endpoint device could statically subscribe to — a pattern that can still surface when systems rely on older discovery implementations. Many of these gaps first appear during commissioning rather than design.

Timing follows a similar pattern of divergence. Traditional SDI systems relied on black burst — a single, stable reference that kept everything aligned in a straightforward way. PTP, by contrast, distributes timing over multicast and depends on the placement of boundary clocks, redundancy models, and a GPS source.

A facility may appear synchronized even as timing asymmetries accumulate. When they finally surface, the loss of alignment can be sudden and broad. Understanding what happened depends on visibility into how the switches handle timing and on coordination between engineering and IT teams responsible for the underlying network.

Where Hidden Complexity Emerges: Audio, Metadata, and Security Boundaries
Many of the thorniest issues in IP environments arise in places that attract less attention in early planning. Audio and metadata are prime examples.

Under SDI, video, audio, and ancillary data traveled together. In ST 2110 environments, they are carried as separate essences. A single video stream is paired with one or multiple audio multicasts, each carrying multiple audio channels within the stream, while a workflow needs only a subset.

Isolating those channels typically involves mixers, routers, or audio shufflers. Some manufacturers handle this automatically, which reduces operator burden but can obscure the paths signals actually take. Metadata introduces comparable decisions: Captions, multiple languages, SAP, and descriptive audio often require timing adjustments or reinsertion points to keep everything aligned. Early design choices determine how manageable these relationships become later.

Security and segmentation introduce their own hidden dependencies. Production VLANs must support performance while limiting exposure. Some segments cannot reach the internet; others must stay isolated from corporate networks. Contribution devices — bonded cellular receivers, remote encoders, cloud gateways — often require dual network paths to keep external risk from crossing into internal workflows.

WAN circuits add another dimension. Multicast contribution may share bandwidth with monitoring or file‑transfer workflows, and bottlenecks often appear only under actual load rather than during design.

As equipment is brought online, these layers surface most clearly. Commissioning becomes the point where theoretical design meets real system behavior. Discovery issues, timing mismatches, unsupported combinations, and vendor‑specific patterns emerge only when systems are exercised in practice.

Engineers present at this stage gain insight into why certain exceptions exist; those who join later inherit decisions without that context. Once a facility is live, operational caution limits the ability to revisit early changes. A small adjustment made under deadline can shape behavior for years if not examined before launch.

The Human Impact at the Center of the Transition
The shift toward IP reshapes engineering roles in uneven ways. SDI’s deterministic behavior created expectations that do not always match IP’s conditional, policy-driven workflows. Some engineers adjust slowly as long-familiar tools behave differently in an IP environment.

Others anticipate continuity and then face situations that require new diagnostic habits. Engineers newer to the industry often adapt quickly, while experienced teams bring operational judgment that remains essential even as the foundations shift.

Experience continues to influence outcomes, though its expression changes. As environments grow more interdependent, responsibilities expand toward interpreting workflow needs, coordinating across vendors, mentoring newer staff, and explaining why specific design decisions matter. Familiarity with on-air requirements provides context that purely theoretical knowledge cannot replace.

Organizational structure also shapes how teams adapt. Some facilities place most control within IT, reducing the level of direct access broadcast engineers once had. Others rely on engineering leads who serve as system stewards and primary points of contact for IT and security groups. Clearly defined responsibilities help teams navigate the shift with fewer surprises.

The transition to IP continues to redraw familiar boundaries inside facilities, and engineering teams absorb much of that change. Tools, standards, and roles will keep evolving, but the work of making systems understandable and supportable still falls to the people who stand between design and day-to-day operation. That is where the real continuity lives.

With accelerating technological changes and heightened viewer expectations, broadcast organizations face a pivotal decision: whether to prioritize scale or precision in selecting a systems integrator. Boutique integrators, with their targeted expertise and client-first ethos, have emerged as a strategic choice for projects demanding adaptability, innovation, and accountability.

A boutique integrator is a highly specialized partner that prioritizes selective, meaningful engagements over volume. These firms avoid the "one-size-fits-all" playbook, instead assembling teams of highly skilled in-house employees with deep, granular expertise in niche areas — whether it be in live sports production workflows, broadcast truck design, or legacy system modernization. Their model thrives on collaboration, reputational integrity, and solutions calibrated to each client’s unique operational DNA.

Boutique integrators deliver outsized value through specialization, responsiveness, and client-first principles. These traits ultimately enhance broadcasters' ability to adapt quickly to changing market demands while ensuring high-quality, customized solutions.

1. Cutting Through Complexity With Specialized Teams
Boutique integrators operate on a simple premise: mastery matters. Projects are led by professionals who have honed their skills within specific technical domains. For instance, these professionals understand not only the infrastructure challenges of large venues but also the logistical hurdles of live event timelines — from camera placement to real-time signal routing under pressure.

This specialization extends beyond technical proficiency. Teams develop an intimate familiarity with the unspoken demands of their niche, balancing budget constraints or meeting exacting standards. By aligning personnel to projects that match their expertise, boutique firms mitigate risk and accelerate execution.

The result is tailored problem-solving. Rather than forcing prepackaged systems, boutique integrators invest in understanding organizational goals. Such solutions emerge from dialogue, not templated proposals, ensuring they align precisely with client goals. This agnostic approach means boutique integrators aren't tied to pushing specific products, allowing for truly customized solutions.

2. Agility Rooted in Direct Relationships
Smaller organizational structures inherently foster agility. Without layers of bureaucracy, boutique integrators adapt swiftly to shifting priorities — whether recalibrating timelines or accommodating last-minute technical requests. In environments where last-second changes are routine, this flexibility ensures projects stay on track without compromising quality.

Direct access to decision-makers amplifies this responsiveness. Clients often have direct contact information for project team members, allowing for quick response times and immediate support. This transparency builds trust and accountability, as teams understand their work directly impacts the firm's reputation — its most important asset.

3. Reputation as the Ultimate Metric
Boutique integrators operate in a world where every project is a referendum on their credibility. Without the cushion of a large sales team, their growth hinges on client satisfaction. This dynamic creates a culture where excellence is nonnegotiable.

Reputation is cultivated through consistency and a focus on quality over revenue chasing. This philosophy contrasts sharply with larger integrators, where projects may be deprioritized based on revenue potential. Boutique integrators are passionate about delivering high-quality work, understanding that their reputation is their primary means of securing future business.

The emphasis on reputation also fosters long-term partnerships. Clients return because they value the reliability and pride of craftsmanship embedded in every deliverable. In short, clients get far more than just a vendor — they get a team that treats the client’s success as their own success.

4. Pioneering Innovation Through Shared Knowledge
Innovation at boutique integrators is a collaborative endeavor. Teams regularly share insights across projects, creating a feedback loop that accelerates learning. This often takes the form of regular team meetings where project insights are shared and collaborative problem-solving occurs across different projects.

This collective knowledge also fuels early adoption of emerging technologies. Boutique integrators often partner with manufacturers for beta testing of new products and systems. Clients benefit from access to cutting-edge solutions that are vetted through rigorous internal discussions and real-world application, balancing innovation with stability.

5. Growth Without Compromise
Scaling as a boutique integrator is an exercise in discipline. Growth is intentional, measured, and aligned with the firm’s core competencies. It's a common misconception that boutique integrators lack the resources to handle large, prestigious projects. In reality, their focused approach and efficient use of resources often allow them to tackle big jobs more effectively than larger integrators.

Rather than chasing revenue at all costs, these firms say “no” to projects outside their wheelhouse, preserving their ability to deliver exceptional results. This selectivity ensures teams aren’t stretched thin. By avoiding overcommitment, boutique integrators maintain the focus required for complex builds, ensuring timelines and budgets remain intact.

Client-Centric Evolution in a Dynamic Industry
The broadcast industry’s future belongs to organizations that balance innovation with executional discipline. Boutique integrators exemplify this balance, offering surgical expertise alongside operational flexibility. Their model — built on specialization, accountability, and relentless attention to quality — transforms technical challenges into opportunities for innovation.

For broadcasters navigating an era of disruption, boutique partnerships provide more than just technical solutions; they offer a strategic alliance with a team invested in the broadcaster’s long-term success rather than a mere transactional relationship. In choosing a boutique integrator, clients are gaining a partner whose reputation is inextricably tied to their own.

AUSTIN, Texas—Systems integrator BeckTV has completed technical design, facility planning, and integration for the "PBS News Hour" studios and production facility at WETA, the flagship public media station for Washington DC. The goal of the project, the company said, was “to create a modern, flexible, and scalable production facility” that could support the needs of "PBS News Hour," "Washington Week with The Atlantic," and other shows. The new control rooms and studio launched on June 10.

"PBS News Hour," public television's marquee news program, is a national nightly news show that has been broadcasting for nearly 50 years. The show moved from its old studios in an aging production building to a newly expanded part of the WETA headquarters and technical facilities a few blocks away.

"WETA started working with BeckTV six years ago to build a budget plan and a high-level review of technology options," said Vince Forcier, Senior Director of Engineering at WETA. "Their proposal stood out because, in every element of their response, we could tell they were listening and understood what we were trying to achieve. They continued to work with us through the design and construction process, ensuring that the facility met our technical and operational needs. From equipment evaluation and selection to facility design and final launch, working with BeckTV has been a great experience. This is our first full facility refresh in 17 years, and BeckTV was instrumental in making it such a success."

WETA hired BeckTV to build two control rooms, two audio control rooms, a comms position, a transmission room, a shading and robo room, four tape playback rooms, and 15 edit rooms, among other spaces—all on a SMPTE ST 2110 backbone to enable IP networking. BeckTV planned for all technical aspects of the space, including technical furniture, power, cooling, circuitry, cabling, wiring and RF for all the studio sets, and more.

The two control rooms are identically loaded with redundant resources for resiliency. WETA operations typically uses one control room to run the weekly show out of Studio A, the main studio for "PBS News Hour." The second control room is typically used to produce another nationally televised show, "Washington Week," as well as the weekend "PBS News Hour" and other miscellaneous productions. BeckTV designed the control rooms to be redundant and interchangeable for any production at any moment. In the event of equipment failure, all or parts of the operations can move to the other room immediately and leverage its resources to continue seamlessly, even in the middle of a live show. BeckTV also made sure that the fiber infrastructure was designed for a redundant SMPTE ST 2022-7 blue/red network switch if WETA decides to implement it.

At the core of the facility is Grass Valley's GV Orbit orchestration system. Grass Valley also provided multiple cameras, two production switchers, multiviewers, gateways, and an audio router. Other major components include Lawo audio mixers, RTS intercoms, G&D KVM systems, EVS tape playback systems, Jetwave Wireless RF distribution equipment, Cisco network switches for management and Nexus 9504 media fabric, Vinten robotic camera shading, and Providius network monitoring.

Because everything is network-connected and interoperable, all audio, video, and metadata are available on the network switches, ready to be sent to tens of thousands of multicast addresses in an endless combination of video workflows. Working with such a robust system requires a good strategy so that things don't become disorganized and overwhelming, especially for broadcast engineers who aren't familiar with SMPTE ST 2110 networks, BeckTV said, adding that it planned every flow before it got to the configuration stage and then trained the WETA production staff so they could support the system after BeckTV's involvement ended.

"An ST 2110 system is scalable in ways that an SDI system would not be. As the productions change and grow, WETA technicians have the flexibility to take audio and video from any source and send it anywhere very easily. This beautiful and robust technical facility will serve the popular 'PBS News Hour' show well for many years to come," said Brendan Cline, Managing Partner and Vice President of Engineering at BeckTV. "Special credit goes to BeckTV VP and senior engineer Paul Kast, who was the on-site project engineer throughout the whole build."

AUSTIN, Texas—Systems integrator BeckTV has announced that it will be showcasing its facility design, engineering, and installation expertise and services, with a particular focus on its work for sports venues and TV stations at the 2024 NAB Show. 

During the show in Las Vegas between April 13-17, BeckTV engineers will be on hand in Booth C4035 to review the newest technology and trends, along with best practices in system design and integration.

In announcing its NAB Show plans, the company said it offers complete space planning, design, engineering, purchasing, and integration services for nearly any budget — all available in a one-stop shop. The company also has extensive in-house metal, composite, and wood fabrication capabilities to create truly customized solutions.

"With the increasing adoption of SMPTE ST 2110 and AES67 and the push for ever-higher resolutions, broadcasting and sports facilities are looking to modernize their infrastructures or build brand-new ones to take advantage of the latest technological advancements," said Matt Weiss, vice president of business development at BeckTV. "I'm happy to say that BeckTV has been behind many of those projects. They are perfect illustrations of our skill and expertise, which will be on full display at NAB. Any broadcast or sports production engineer who's planning to upgrade will really like what they see."

Over the years, BeckTV has implemented innovative technology for nearly every type of installation, including broadcast and network television stations, cable and satellite facilities, network operations centers, sports and mobile trucks, professional and university stadium venues, and houses of worship, the integrator said.

The company's projects run the gamut in terms of size and technology — from sports stadiums and large network builds to the smallest call letter stations, and from classic baseband video systems to sophisticated SMPTE ST 2110 deployments.

In the recent past, BeckTV has been responsible for infrastructure upgrades and/or new builds for prominent sports venues and several broadcast stations. Sports projects include M&T Bank Stadium, home of the NFL's Baltimore Ravens; Lambeau Field, home of the Green Bay Packers; the UFC Apex; Citi Field, home of the Mets; Lower.com Field, home of the Columbus Crew; and Lucas Oil Stadium, home of the Indianapolis Colts. Among its many accomplishments, BeckTV has designed and built the most advanced 4K HDR 2110 deployments in sports and is responsible for the only installed 8K replay systems in NFL venues. 

The company has also worked with major station groups, including Hearst, Tegna, Gray Television, and Griffin Media, completing projects for stations from complete greenfield builds to major system upgrades.

Besides its work with on-site broadcast facilities, BeckTV is also known for its work on outside broadcast (OB) trucks, such as a recently completed flagship OB truck for Ross Production Services. 

As part of its OB work, BeckTV said it can manage an OB truck project and conceptualize and finalize design and documentation of all major broadcast systems, including every individual wire to be installed in the truck. BeckTV can prewire and label all cables at its facility for delivery to the project site. Then, after receiving an empty truck, a BeckTV installation crew can completely integrate all equipment, running the wires, racking the gear, doing all the power and cabling, and performing comprehensive testing to ensure the final system operates as planned. Finally, a BeckTV project engineer and a technician can be on hand to provide event support during the truck's first show, the company said. 

More information about BeckTV is available at www.becktv.com. 

AUSTIN, Texas—Systems integrator BeckTV has announced the hiring of Charles Kerman as a senior engineer. 

In the new role, BeckTV said that Kerman will handle all aspects of larger BeckTV projects from inception to client hand-off. Besides serving as the single point of contact with clients, Kerman will be responsible for managing schedules, design, on-site resources, vendors, general contractors, equipment lists, and commissioning of the systems within a project.

"Charles is a video subject matter expert and astute master of technology with experience in every step of the media supply chain, which is a big win for BeckTV clients," said Paul Kast, BeckTV's vice president NY region and senior engineer. "With Charles at the helm of a project, clients can be assured not only that things will run smoothly, but that they'll get expert advice and execution for their media network, control room, or any other project."

In a career that spans decades, Kerman has held senior roles for an impressive list of broadcasters and engineering labs. Before joining BeckTV, Kerman was the director of engineering and technology at WPHL-TV (Nexstar) in Philadelphia. 

He also spent nearly 20 years at CBS Corporation, first as affiliate systems manager and then as engineering director in broadcast distribution. He was the applications engineering director at Lucent Digital Video (now Imagine Communications), and he is credited with two patents, one for Matsushita (Panasonic) and another for Tektronix. Kerman holds a master's degree in electrical engineering with a concentration in digital signal processing from The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art.

AUSTIN, Texas—Systems integrator BeckTV has announced that BeckTV engineers will be on-hand in Booth C3840 at the 2023 NAB Show to review the newest technology and trends and to talk to visitors about the best practices in system design and integration.

During the show, BeckTV will highlight its complete space planning, design, engineering, purchasing, and integration services for nearly any budget — all available in a one-stop shop, the company said. 

"We'll be hosting a booth at NAB this year for the first time since before the pandemic, and we couldn't be happier about it,” said Matt Weiss, vice president of business development at BeckTV. “There's nothing like face-to-face time with colleagues and direct interaction with all the up-and-coming technology. We're especially looking forward to discussing how to build successful projects of all sizes with both new and repeat customers. Putting out the best possible media that connects with audiences depends heavily on a well-designed, well-implemented technology infrastructure. Choosing an integrator with the right expertise and reputation can make all the difference, and BeckTV is known and trusted throughout the industry for excellence in design, execution, and support."

The company noted that it has implemented innovative technology for nearly every type of installation, including broadcast and network television stations, cable and satellite facilities, network operations centers, sports and mobile trucks, professional and university stadium venues, and houses of worship. 

In addition, the company's projects run the gamut in terms of size and technology — from sports stadiums and large network builds to the smallest call letter stations, and from classic baseband video systems to sophisticated SMPTE ST 2110 deployments. 

Among its many accomplishments, BeckTV has designed and built the most advanced 4K HDR 2110 deployments in sports and is responsible for the only installed 8K replay systems in NFL venues, the integrator said. 

Visitors to the BeckTV booth will be able to meet with BeckTV engineers to discuss a variety of considerations for today's design-builds, including capital expenditure versus operational expenditure, cloud-based workflows, at-home remote production, and the broad range of approaches broadcasters can take when it comes to facility updates and greenfield projects.

For more information visit www.becktv.com.

AUSTIN, Texas—BeckTV has partnered with enterprise asset management technology provider Beam Dynamics, which will make the company’s Asset Intelligent Platform available to BeckTV clients.

The platform is a self-serve portal that enables users to track, manage, update and troubleshoot every product they have purchased from BeckTV until those products are due for an upgrade, BeckTV said.

Rather than managing technical infrastructure using spreadsheets, the Asset Intelligent Platform offers engineers a comprehensive overview of the technology used across their entire media organization. Engineers have access to detailed asset history, critical security patches, firmware updates, documentation and contact information from more than 5,000 vendors and 500,000 products in the film and broadcast industry via a single, web-based user interface, it said.

"Through the Asset Intelligence Platform, we are bringing data to engineering teams like it's never been done before, and BeckTV's clients will reap the benefits," said David Kaszycki, CEO of Beam Dynamics.

"BeckTV is the first integrator to come on board with Beam, which demonstrates the company's concern for what happens after they leave the client site. Instead of just handing over a spreadsheet like everyone else, BeckTV is handing over an intelligent tool that dynamically updates and has all the information clients could need. This helps engineers manage technology assets and keep critical production infrastructure up to date to reduce downtime and extend equipment life cycles."

When a project is complete, BeckTV will upload the client's asset list into the Beam platform to migrate the inventory data, where it will match to vendor data. The client can also add any assets not purchased through BeckTV via a simple upload process. The client will have free trial access to the Beam platform for 60 days from the on-air date, after which the client may proceed with a Beam subscription or continue managing inventory with a standard equipment list from BeckTV. This scenario applies to any new BeckTV customer and any company that has completed a project with BeckTV in the past two years, the company said.

More information is available on the BeckTV website.

OKLAHOMA CITY—After more than 60 years, Oklahoma City CBS affiliate KWTV and parent company Griffin Media decided it was time to move to a new home with more capabilities. To manage the move to downtown Oklahoma City, they called on design-build systems integrator BeckTV.

“Working with BeckTV was a natural choice,” said Jack Mills, director of engineer for KWTV. “We’ve worked with them since the 1990s on multiple projects through the years. I appreciate working with them because of the quality of their work and expertise, from changing out a switcher to now having a new building."

Discussions about moving to a new building started almost three years ago, with KWTV engineering and design work by BeckTV starting in 2021. “There are a million things going on when building a new TV station, so the relationship needs to be efficient and productive,” said Brenden Cline, senior engineer and director of engineering for BeckTV. “We have meetings with Jack on design, technical requirements, space planning, and workflow. Giving us that information up front means we get that efficiency with Jack and with the manufacturers we’re dealing with. Seeing eye-to-eye on the technology and agreeing on how things should operate—that was exciting and the kind of projects that you want to do.”

What Do We Take?
Working with the architect and general contractor, BeckTV could verify the space fit and furniture design, pathways for cabling and AC, and low voltage requirements, while simultaneously building the equipment list and specifying equipment a year ahead of time. FX Design Group was responsible for set and lighting design, while Digital Video Group handled the monitor layout and set technology. Onsite integration work began in June 2022; after five months, one month was dedicated to rehearsals, commissioning, and shadowing master control leading up to the cutover day. 

Some of the decisions to be made were focused on what equipment to bring over from the existing facility, what would be purchased, and what might need to be borrowed during the transition. “We brought over our recent purchases, items that haven’t been depreciated yet,” said Mills. 

For example, KWTV has three Grass Valley LDX 90 Worldcams still on the books. Those were brought to the new facility’s news set, with Mills getting loaner cameras for the original building’s news set during the transition. Also moved were KWTV’s Dejero bonded cellular field systems, Vizrt system, master control servers, and 800 kW diesel generator.

While some equipment made the trip, KWTV did replace a lot of gear, Mills explained, because it was time to do so, anyway. 

New equipment included:

• Evertz routing with an integrated enterprise multiviewer and TDM audio router with integrated de-embedding
• Evertz master control switcher and airpath
• Clear-Com intercom with SIP for phone lines over IP 
• G&D KVM 
• Avid video production servers 
• Imagine Communications master control playout and automation systems 
• Three Ross XY camera robotics 
• Two Ross ACIDCams for the newsroom and greenscreen
• Two smaller Ross PTZ cameras for studio ceiling beauty shots 
• Image Video tally system 
• Sony XVS-7000 3 M/E production switcher and ELC automation systems 
• Calrec audio console
• Custom BeckTV consoles

The design of the news set, which is the same size as the set in the older facility, and the two-story open ceiling newsroom include a lot of LED screens. The newsroom features a large Daktronics LED screen that rotates art images and photos. The news studio has Philips LEDs on the anchor desk, LG LEDs behind the anchor desk, and Neoti LED panels for the wraparound weather desk. 

IP plays an important role by interconnecting the two facilities, which are 10 miles apart. “We kept a portion of the old building,” Mills explained. “We were able to keep those IP addresses, which was very helpful, with four dark fibers between the buildings, one for satellite, one for STL, and two for a 10-gig IP pipe.”

Strategic Communications
One of the keys to a successful live cutover is communications involving hours of strategic planning, coordination, installation, testing, training, and rehearsals. To ensure a smooth transition, BeckTV maintained a crew of two engineers and six technicians at the new site to install, commission, and support all new and repurposed systems. 

The project team, led by project engineer Abel Sassehagen, systems engineer Christian Ramirez, and lead technician Travis Peterson, with management assistance from TJ Beardsmore, met with Griffin Media and KWTV on a weekly basis to review and discuss the project schedule, focusing on BeckTV and KWTV deliverables and goals. “We were using so much gear from the old facility that we had to move,” Cline said. “We had to deal with loaners, new equipment with the scheduling of manufacturers’ commissioning, how and when to transition. But with great communication, everyone knew the status of the station.”

A simple homeowner moving task would become invaluable for the transition: tagging the status of the original equipment. “We had separate giant lists for master control and production control equipment," Cline explained, "with each piece and any dongles tagged as to when it would be removed from the rack and transported to the new building—specifically by week, day, hour, at cutover or after cutover.”

When the equipment arrived at the new building, the crew knew exactly where to start to stand up the gear. “Of course, getting integrated into the new system sometimes meant bypassing with barrels,” noted Cline. “Master control was first, with GPIs triggering all sort of secondary events so that it could mirror the original master control. Then we would focus on production control. Once stood up, production control gets fairly vetted with all the rehearsals.”

Cutover in 3, 2, 1...
During the transition period on Nov. 12-13, KOTV, KWTV's sister station in Tulsa, handled the Saturday night and Sunday morning newscasts. This gave Cline and his crew the opportunity to transport almost all of the rest of the gear, a big part of which was the weather system with its independent audio and storm trackers. Cutover was scheduled for the Sunday 10 p.m. newscast.

“We did it during the day and on-air, and it was really just switching a switch,” said Cline. “Since we were running in parallel and then switched to the new building, it was seamless to KWTV’s viewers—but we could also fall back if we needed to. That takes a lot of planning.” Additionally, KWTV’s new master control system is designed to be a master control hub to include KOTV in Tulsa.

“This was a fun project,” said Mills. “Of course, there were little fires, but all in all, a very enjoyable experience with BeckTV and all the other groups. It was interesting keeping everything running with all the contractors involved in the new building.”

Cline added that it’s “a little bit rare to work with people you worked with in the past and understand the process. Our product is delivering a good experience for the customer—typically the biggest project in their careers. We want them to feel comfortable and appreciate our people. But this one was special. I had a good time doing it.” 

This article originally appeared in TV Tech sister publication SCN.

OKLAHOMA CITY—BeckTV assisted KWTV with its move to its new Century Center building here, providing design, engineering and installation services. The Griffin Media station went live from the new facility Sunday, Nov. 13.

"What a year, starting from a blank slate to now operating in a world-class media center — Griffin Media," said Trevor Wiseman, KWTV vice president of technology. "From project management, design, procurement [and] logistics… to integration, the BeckTV team provided their world-class expertise across multiple disciplines and navigated us through many challenges smoothly without disrupting on-air operations.” 

At its original facility for more than 60 years, the station’s move to downtown Oklahoma City involved upgrading what in some cases was decades-old broadcast systems and upgrading to a new state-of-the-art studio set design, BeckTV said.

Besides serving as the new home of the station, the facility now serves as the headquarters for Griffin Media. The station went live with its new news production system four days after going on-air from its new master control, it said.

Daily broadcast operations started immediately, and over the following days some existing equipment in the old facility was fully shut down and transitioned to the new facility.

The transition was complicated and involved hours of strategic planning, coordination, installation, testing, training and show rehearsals. To ensure it went smoothly, BeckTV maintained a two-engineer crew with six technicians on site to install, commission and support all of the new and repurposed equipment, it said.

BeckTV’s engineering and design work for the new facility began in 2021. Onsite integration work started in June 2022, it said,

The new facility includes:

• Evertz routing with an integrated enterprise multiviewer and TDM audio router
• Evertz master control switcher and airpath
• Clear-Com intercom
• G&D KVM
• Avid video production servers
• Ross camera robotics
• Sony production switcher and ELC automation systems
• Calrec Audio console
• Imagine Communications master control playout and automation systems
• Custom BeckTV consoles

"Moving from an existing broadcast facility across town to a new station with brand new technology is always a challenge," said Brendan Cline, BeckTV director of engineering. "Ongoing, productive, focused communications are key to executing a successful project, especially on such a massive scale.”

More information is available on the BeckTV website.

AUSTIN, Texas—BeckTV has hired TJ Beardsmore as director of program management. In this newly created position, he will be responsible for making sure projects are progressing on schedule and within budget.

“TJ's depth of experience with broadcast system integration makes him the perfect fit for BeckTV," said Matt Weiss, BeckTV's vice president of business development. "With so many broadcast installations back-to-back and schedules shifting all the time, we needed someone with TJ's skills to track and coordinate projects and ensure everything and everyone is operating efficiently.”

Beardsmore will work closely with Weiss, Director of Engineering Brendan Cline and Director of Operations Paul Nijak.

Beardsmore has spent 26 years working in the information technology and services industry, with a focus on technical operations; profit maximization; and project, product, account and vendor management. His background includes systems integration for broadcast centers, sports and live entertainment facilities, and corporate digital signage and security systems. For most of his career, he was responsible for managing high-value broadcast and stadium integration projects for the likes of NFL teams and major national broadcasters.

AUSTIN, Texas—Tegna recently partnered with systems integrator BeckTV on the design, installation and integration of all systems for a new master control operation, the Tegna Stream Center. This new facility uses a cloud-based hub-and-spoke approach to serve all Tegna stations.

The Tegna Stream Center is located in Charlotte, N.C., and supports more than 225 channels across the country, with more than 50 spoke-racks deployed at distributed locations (Tegna owns 64 TV stations in 51 markets).

The hub-and-spoke master control approach enables group-wide monitoring and multicast streaming over the Tegna private WAN. More than 500 originating multicast streams travel on a private LAN to facilitate monitoring and operations of all stations, BeckTV says.

Additional features of the Tegna Stream Center include redundancy of all streams to prevent internet connectivity and equipment failures, and design homogeneity across station types and requirements.

To build the Charlotte facility, BeckTV integrated equipment like Evertz baseband and IP routing and control systems; Crispin automation control system, file ingest and distribution systems; a Harmonic master control playback server, graphics system and switcher; TSL hub audio monitoring equipment; and a Clear-Com IP-based intercom.

“With the growth of our company and station lineup over the last several years, it was time to build a next-generation technology infrastructure that could support our current and future needs," said Bill Nardi, vice president of station operations, Tegna. "Thanks to our longstanding partnership with BeckTV, we knew they would be the perfect choice to help us take on this project. BeckTV has been instrumental in helping us build the Tegna Stream Center, a best-in-class master control facility that creates streamlined workflows through a centralized operation.”

For more information, visit www.becktv.com.  

AUSTIN, Texas—The opening of Rocky Mountain Public Media’s (RMPM) new broadcast and operations headquarters got a big hand from BeckTV, the company has shared.

The Buell Public Media Center is being called the “State Capitol of Public Media” and is located in Denver’s Arapahoe Square neighborhood. BeckTV played a role in providing essential systems design, installation and integration for the facility, including upgrades to prior technology by BeckTV.

Among the new technologies included in the Buell Public Media Center are an HD video core from Evertz with AES67 and Dante audio, IP-based Axia Audio consoles from Telos Alliance and HD PTZ cameras from Panasonic. Also, PBS network programming and NPR audio services are downlinked from 4.5m and 3.8m rooftop antenna packages from Efficient Antenna Systems.

In addition to its broadcast facilities, the Buell Public Media Center features the Colorado Media Collaborative, a new-era newsroom designed to support 100 local journalists. There is also a 124-seat Masterpiece Studio, a green screen studio, a broadcast studio for live performances and a learning center.

RMPM began utilizing the Buell Public Media Center in May.

For more information, visit www.becktv.com.  

AUSTIN, Texas—Brock Raum joins systems integrator BeckTV as a project engineer, following his time at University of Notre Dame, where he served as director of live production and broadcast technology for the school’s athletics department. The company said his experience helps bridge the gap between broadcast operations and engineering.

“Brock has carved out an illustrious directing career within the sports production realm while simultaneously earning an excellent reputation as a sports engineering professional,” said Brendan Cline, senior engineer and director of engineering. "His comprehensive skill set includes an in-depth knowledge and understanding of live control room operations, production equipment and broadcast system integration.”

Raum was previously supervising producer for Notre Dame Athletics, where he oversaw live broadcast productions as well as the university’s launch of the ACC Network. Prior to joining Notre Dame, Raum served as lead producer for the Kansas City Chiefs, where he created and maintained broadcast workflows and technical systems for the team’s live productions.

Raum is part of the board of directors for the Sports Creative Community and co-hosts Creativ (on iTunes and Spotify), a podcast focusing on the sports production industry. He holds a journalism degree with a concentration in broadcast production from the University of Nebraska, and a minor in business administration.

AUSTIN, TEXAS—The latest addition to Notre Dame’s campus brings the university one step further into the IP world, as BeckTV helped the school design a live production media center with an all-IP routing infrastructure. The Rex and Alice A. Martin Media Center is a production facility that is designed to support Notre Dame’s capacity and agility in supporting live broadcasts and postproduction.

The Martin Media Center, which is adjacent to Notre Dame Stadium, includes one large studio, one teaching studio, two nine-position production control rooms, two audio control rooms, a camera shading room, a slow-motion replay room and eight fiber-connected editing suites. The center has an Evertz EXE IP video/audio router to connect spaces in the media center to three additional control rooms and one studio located in the Joyce Center. This allows for any of the five control rooms to be used as a remote production room for any venue on campus equipped with fiber connectivity.

BeckTV also supplied the Martin Media Center with Riedel Communications’ AES67 intercom panels and Riedel’s Bolero AES67 wireless intercom. Axia Fusion mixers utilizing AES67 have been deployed in the audio control rooms for sharing of audio between the router, intercom and mixer while remaining within the IP network switch environment.

SEATTLE—From the way Dick Trumbo, technology manager for KING, KONG and NWCN TV stations in Seattle, puts it, the old offices offered everyone their own makeshift space, but the tradeoff was having to pack a snack for the trek to any other part of the building. “The facility was ginormous,” Trumbo said.

KING's new studio is located near the Seattle sports stadiums.

The old headquarters of KING Broadcasting Co. housed all three stations, but after KING Broadcasting was sold and the stations eventually landed with Tegna, the building, which KING had owned, was too spacious. Located in prime Seattle real estate, the building was sold and KING located a smaller location that would allow for better collaboration, as well as updating the full stock of broadcasting equipment. KING turned to a previous collaborator to help with this project, BeckTV.

“A big part of what broadcasters are doing now is being more efficient in less space,” said Brendan Cline, project engineer for BeckTV. Moving from an entire five-story building that it owned to three floors in a leased office building was in line with that strategy.

It wasn’t just space that KING wanted to upgrade in the move.

“Because the building had been in existence for so many years, it was like a museum timeline of evolution of technology,” Trumbo said. “You could literally walk in to the central equipment room and see equipment that was installed in 1972 working side by side with state-of-the-art equipment that was installed six months ago.”

Getting on a common platform was key for KING. The heart of this new system is an an Evertz EQX 288x288 router. The router can provide access to multiviewers in all control rooms while also switching inputs to the switchers. BeckTV set up the router and switcher similar to a truck design, allowing for easy rerouting for whatever show being produced. The Evertz Xenon was also installed as a subrouter.

Other equipment brought in included a Logitek mixer; Grass Valley Vertigo and Intuition for graphics; an Abekas Trio for clip playing in control rooms; an IHSE KVM system; Sony ELC switchers and a Sony Media Backbone Production system that KING used in its previous location; an Image Video tally system; Sony HDCP1 box cameras for the studio; and Ross Cambot system for camera robotics.

“We tried to build it to be versatile and to have future growth overhead in the router; we built future air paths that once they add dot-three channels, or add another air path for commercial split, they have that available to them,” Cline said. “In 10 years time, I guess you can look back and say we can do a few things to upgrade this, but I think a large part of that infrastructure is not going to need to change.”

KING, KONG and NWCN have been in their new home since Feb. 13, and while the space still needs some getting used to, the fact that the stations are no longer “living in this 40-year-old timeline of technology” has been a big lift as Trumbo described it.

AUSTIN, TEXAS—KETV has been operating from its new studio inside Omaha, Neb.'s historic Burlington Station since October, and part of the station’s move was the installation of its broadcast system for the facility, courtesy of BeckTV. Using Evertz end-to-end infrastructure, BeckTV installed a state-of-the-art broadcast system for the Hearst Television-owned TV station.

KETV Omaha Production Control Room

Among the gear BeckTV used for the engineering and production staff are Evertz’ EQX10 hybrid video/audio/IP router, distribution amplifiers, frame synchronizers, conversion systems, VIPA and VIPX multiviewer platforms, and a fiber optic transport system. The MAGNUM control and orchestration unit, featuring a VUE interface, is also part of the new installation, allowing for all major components to fall under a single point of control. BeckTV also utilized the building’s fiber infrastructure to electronically isolate the central equipment room from the outside of the building.

BeckTV is a design-build system integrator with offices in Denver, New York, and Austin, Texas.