MIAMI—With the need for video production on the increase due to the pandemic, many performance venues around the world have scrambled to upgrade their production systems. At New World Symphony, the past few years brought major upgrades to the large performance hall’s video system to full UHD.

Unlike many other performance halls and public venues, New World Center, home of NWS, was prepared to produce videos under pandemic protocols, including a recent CBS TV special featuring national performers.

Based in Miami, the New World Symphony, America’s Orchestral Academy (NWS), prepares graduates of music programs for leadership roles in professional orchestras and ensembles. The 33-year-old institution is led by its co-founder and Artistic Director Michael Tilson Thomas and Lin and Ted Arison.

UPGRADE TO UHD

Areas in the NWC that were scheduled to be upgraded prior to the pandemic included the symphony’s “SunTrust Pavilion," a very large performance space used for orchestral rehearsals, and home to our extensive distance learning video system. In the world of TV production, the STP would be the equivalent of a medium-sized TV studio.

During the previous year's upgrade to UHD, we designed a setup to bring in some of the portable hall cameras as well as Panasonic UHD PTZ cameras. A small control room was created specifically for the STP, but we could control everything from the main control room if needed.

Since the pandemic greatly increased the need for distance learning, we decided to do a major update to those systems as well. This involved replacing the existing HD system with a new 64x64 12G For-A router, adding another smaller For-A HVS1200 UHD switcher controlled from our IT control room, adding a few additional practice rooms to the system, plus four much larger practice areas. To bring everything up to New World’s current 12G system standards, more Panasonic UHD cameras were added, bringing our total count of these cameras to 22.

We used Panasonic controllers to control the PTZs, with two in the central production control room, one in the STP mini control room, and two in the distance learning control room. Shifting the controller to a different group gives the various controllers the ability to control any camera. The main control area also has full shading control utilizing UHD scopes as well.

LOOKING TO THE FUTURE

Our design for the STP was part of the original performance hall build but updated by Enlighten Digital of Orlando, when they did the design and integration of the distance learning system. Having worked on our previous performance hall upgrades in 2019, Jaime Gurevich, the lead designer for Enlighten Digital and Rob Ross (Enlighten’s president) provided invaluable assistance.

The total cost of the STP and distance learning upgrades were approximately $1 million while the entire UHD upgrade was north of $6 million. We’re still not quite done as the performance hall utilizes 14 Christie Roadie HD30k projectors and our outside projection system use three Christie Roadie 4K35 projectors, but we plan to replace all 17 projectors with RGB laser projectors of equal or higher lumen in 4K this summer.

The system was designed to accommodate direct routing of 12G video from our For-A router to each projector, plus utilize DisplayPort over fiber to link our immersive projection system to its server system. In addition, we’re now creating two smaller “living rooms” out in our park using two portable (12- and 9-foot) LED walls.

Dan Slentz is the chief video engineer for NWS.

Click here for a recent PBS News Hour report on NWS. 

MIAMI—New World Symphony’s mission is simple: to share the beauty of classical music as widely as possible. In today’s digital world where the traditional concert hall model no longer resonates with young modern audiences, it’s critical we make the symphony experience more dynamic and interactive to keep pace with the times.

More than a decade ago, NWS launched the WALLCAST series, using state-of-the-art audio and visual technology to broadcast live concert hall performances via simulcasts to thousands of fans at SoundScape Park in Miami. We recently celebrated our 100th WALLCAST simulcast in October 2019 and finalized upgrading our production to 4K HDR with a range of 12G-SDI technology from AJA. Moving to 4K HDR is critical to elevating the audience experience and enabling NWS to better reach both traditional and modern patrons and donors.

THE 4K HDR SETUP

Each 4K UHD simulcast is projected via three Christie 35,000 lumen 4K projectors as a 100x70-foot video. For video capture, we’ve tapped over a dozen cameras and a range of mini-cameras located throughout the concert hall and on-stage—most on robotic heads, but a handful manually operated or on a jib.

AJA 12GM and FiDO-TR-12G Mini-Converters are attached to each of the Panasonic and UHD micro cameras and transform their 3G-SDI signal outputs to single-link fiber 12G-SDI signals that are sent to the production control room. AJA FiDOs in the control room receive the 12G-SDI fiber signals and convert them to baseband 12G-SDI. Six channels are recorded to servers, with four additional recording channels sent to AJA’s Ki Pro Ultra Plus for ISO and backup records. Our upgraded setup is capable of running three versions of HDR content, though we typically simulcast in SDR.

12G-SDI SIGNAL CONVERSION

We have more than 40 pieces of AJA equipment integrated into our 4K UHD upgrade, and the 12GM Mini-Converters have proven to be an extremely affordable solution to an expensive problem. For our workflow, we chose 12G-SDI in part because of compatibility with our existing HD cable system and for 12GSDI and HD-SDI interconnectivity with simplified cabling.

To upgrade each of our 13 cameras from quad link to single-cable 12G-SDI would have cost upwards of $10,000 per device. For $895 per camera, we can get the same result by attaching a 12GM quad to 12G-SDI Mini-Converter, which combines and converts signals at the same quality level with no latency. Incorporating AJA’s 12GM Mini-Converters into the workflow effectively upgrades camera output to 12G-SDI at one tenth of the price, saving us nearly $120,000 without any loss of quality in the video output.

LIVE PRODUCTION AND BEYOND

By the time a WALLCAST is complete, my team of 10 video pros has spent nearly 300 hours to deliver 800-900 shots, excluding time spent prior to the show creating graphics and interstitial videos. Prior to each performance, we also review the conductor’s score to determine the final musician counts and precise musical arrangement for each piece, in order to create stage diagrams and storyboards to map out each shot’s framing and duration. With our NWS video systems upgraded to full UHD with Ravenna audio, we are taking video production to the next level and even traveling around the world to produce 4K content for concerts.

Dan Slentz is the chief video engineer at New World Symphony, America’s Orchestral Academy. He can be reached at Dan.Slentz@nws.edu.

For more information, visit www.aja.com or call 530-274-2048.

Cypress, CA, October 21, 2019 – With its live WALLCAST® simulcasts and concert auditorium surrounded by an immersive projection system, the Miami-based New World Symphony (NWS) features unprecedented integration of technology into its educational, rehearsal, and performance spaces. The New World Symphony prepares graduates of top music schools for leadership roles in orchestras and ensembles around the world. It combines teaching and technical innovation in a way that brings classical music into the 21 century and makes the music accessible to everyone.

When the leaders of NWS were looking to upgrade the already top-of-the-line audio and video infrastructure within the New World Center, their Frank Gehry-designed campus three years ago, they were set on a single-link 12G infrastructure as the backbone for the overall upgrade. They met with representatives from the Miami office of FOR-A to discuss FOR-A’s range of 12G 4K/UHD products.

“We determined early on that our specific needs would be best served by designing our new 4K/UHD upgrade project around a single-cable 12G infrastructure,” explained Clyde Scott, Director of Video Production, New World Symphony. “Most options were quad-link and 4K IP, but FOR-A was the only manufacturer to make a single-link 12G switcher large enough for our purposes. We demoed the switcher and were impressed with its capabilities and ease of use.”

After that, FOR-A’s Director of Latin Region Sales, Mario Rodriguez and Product Specialist Bob Peterson worked closely with NWS to identify several other key pieces of equipment in the company’s suite of 12G products that would work well in the new installation, including: a large 12G router, production servers, and terminal gear.

After a highly competitive review, NWS went all in with FOR-A, purchasing: a 4K/UHD production switcher, two routing switchers, 19 signal processors, integrated control software, a multi-viewer, four 12G/SDI servers, two 12G graphics systems, and nine modular universal system frames.

Among the FOR-A products selected is the recently introduced 3 M/E HANABI HVS-6000 12G-SDI production switcherOffering 12G-SDI capability on all inputs and outputs, the 3 M/E HANABI HVS-6000 uses a single cable link. Video signals are processed throughout as a single image. The HVS-6000 is a 12 RU switcher, with a maximum of 80 inputs/32 outputs or 64 inputs/48 outputs. It also offers frame synchronization, frame buffer, 3D DVE, and 4 keyers per M/E with DVE function + 4 DSKs. The switcher has an optional board-mounting SFP connector that supports an IP interface.

In addition to the HANABI main switcher panel, NWS is integrating a smaller 12-button HVS-2120ROU switcher panel into a remote control room for use with the main electronics for simultaneous use of the HANABI resources in multiple locations.

“We’re thrilled to support the New World Symphony in its incredible mission to enrich the Miami community with its classical music offerings and the organization’s progressive approach to the use of technology for education and performance,” said Rodriguez of FOR-A. “Everything at the New World Center is first class. We’re proud to be included with such high-end company. We’re confident that our equipment will more than meet their expectations, and we look forward to providing New World Symphony with our latest technology for many years to come.”

NWS presents approximately 70 performances each year, many of which include immersive projections and 12 of which are presented as live simulcasts on the 7,000 square foot exterior projection façade of its New World Center building (WALLCAST® Concerts). Inside, the concert auditorium also features a large complement of theatrical lighting, ten robotic 4K cameras and a full broadcast-style control booth, top-of-the-line audio recording and sound reinforcement equipment. The NWS system employs 1.8 petabytes (raw)/1.2 petabytes (useable) of R&S SpycerNode high performance media storage.

Every practice space in the New World Center is wired with connections for video and audio, as well as connected by miles of fiber to support the school’s robust distance learning program.

The following comprises the full FOR-A equipment rundown for NWS:

HVS-6000 video switcher with HVS-3355OUA and HVS-2120ROU
GearLink integrated control software

Insight 212 (12G-SDI) video server x 4
ClassX Pro 12G character generator x 2

MFR-6000 (144 x 144) routing switcher
MFR-3000 routing switcher
MV-4310 multi-viewer
FA-9600 signal processor x 18
USF-212AS universal system frame x 6
Modules:
USF-106UDC-12G 12G-SDI 4K/HD up/down converter x 2
USF-106DC-12G 12G-SDI 4K to HD down converter x6
USF-1100VEA 10-output analog video distributor x 2
USF-105DDA-12G 12G-SDI 5-output digital video distributor x 5
USF-111DDA-12G 12G-SDI 11-output digital video distributor
USF-101MDX4-12G 12G-SDI 4K audio multiplexer/demultiplexer with 8 channels of AES I/O x 2
USF-101MDX8-12G 12G-SDI 4K audio multiplexer/demultiplexer with 16 channels of AES I/O x 2
USF-105DADA 5-output unbalanced digital audio distributor

About FOR-A

FOR-A, a worldwide, industry-leading manufacturer, offers a wide range of broadcast and production products with a focus on cutting-edge technologies, including: HD, 4K and IP products. FOR-A continues to offer future-ready, cost effective, advanced technology solutions. Products include: video switchers, routing switchers, multi-viewers, full 4K high-speed cameras, IP encoders/decoders, multi-channel signal processors, 8K/4K/HD test signal generators, color correctors, frame synchronizers, file-based products, character generators, video servers and much more.

For a full range of HD and 4K production and processing solutions, as well as IP-based products, visit our web site at www.for-a.com.

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FOR-A CORPORATION OF AMERICA, 11155 Knott Ave., Suite G&H, Cypress, CA 90630 Phone: 714-894-3311, Fax 714-894-5399 Web site:www.for-a.com

CYPRESS, Calif.—The New World Symphony school in Miami incorporates high-end technology to help with its educational, performance and rehearsal spaces, and recently sought to update its audio and video infrastructure, with a goal of creating a single-link 12G infrastructure.

To do this, the school collaborated with For-A and implemented a number of the company’s 12G 4K/UHD products. Among the products selected were a 4K/UHD production switcher, two routing switchers, 19 signal processors, integrated control software, a multiviewer, four 12G/SDI servers, two 12G graphics systems and nine modular universal system frames.

One of the specific products installed at NWS is the 3 M/E Hanabi HVS-6000 12G-SDI production switcher. The unit uses a single cable link and offers 12G-SDI capability on all inputs and outputs. Video signal are processed throughout as a single image. The HVS-6000 is a12RU switcher with up to 80 inputs/32 outputs or 64 inputs/48 outputs. Additional features include frame synchronization, frame buffer, 3D DVE, four keyers per M/E and an optional board-mounting SFP connector that supports an IP interface.

Another product from For-A now being used by NWS is a 12-button HVS-2120ROU switcher panel, which is integrated into a remote control room with the main electronics for simultaneous use of the Hanabi resources in multiple locations.

The other For-A products in use are the GearLink integrated control software, four Insight 212 video servers, two ClassX Pro 12G character generators, MFR-6000 and MFR-3000 routing switchers, a MV-4310 multiviewer, 18 FA-9600 signal processors and six USF-212AS universal system frames.

MIAMI—New World Symphony is “America’s Orchestral Academy” and heavily involved in pushing the technology envelope. This entails everything from Lawo Ravenna audio to GrandMA lighting to advanced video production and display. Typically, concert halls aren’t necessarily associated with high tech, but the leadership of New World feels the way to give the audience a truly “encompassing” experience is to supplement the performance with technology.

Our primary in-house coverage includes concerts and “Wallcasts,” where we televise a concert live on the outside of our building using three 35,000 lumen 4K projectors on a portion of our front wall (100x60-feet). Besides archival purposes, we also stream concerts internationally, and even educational concerts nationally to classrooms around the country. Our external use of our video systems include everything from private events (which have included such luminaries as Bono, Katie Perry and former president George W. Bush) to public events like “The American Black Film Festival” and movie and TV premieres (“The Rock,” HBO’s “Ballers” season debut), to televised concerts (Gloria Estefan). Immediately after our 4K upgrade this fall, PBS plans to record a special event in our facility.

NOT READY FOR PRIMETIME

In 2016, we began evaluating 4K/UHD as we transitioned our HD into something more stimulating. We started by replacing our HD cameras with 12 Hitachi SK-UHD4000 UHD cameras and new robotics from Telemetrics in 2017. However the leap into full UHD production required technology that simply wasn’t ready for primetime. The quad-link (SQD/2SI) solution was wiring intensive, and switcher resources were reduced to a quarter of normal number of inputs and outputs under quad-link. The camera and robotic upgrades, under HD conditions, were noticeably better but not truly the exceptional experience we knew we’d see under UHD operation. We evaluated the idea of quad-link and even 4K-IP, but neither were desirable in our situation.

CLEARING THE PATH

Fast-forward to 2018. Last year manufacturers made some significant jumps in equipment that provide a single copper cable 12G solution. This didn’t resolve all of our problems but it did mean the path to UHD finally seemed attainable. In terms of what we needed, there were just two manufacturers with switchers big enough, and three manufacturers with routers that would work (note that 12G has yet to be accomplished on a router as big as 288x288 due to the bandwidth, chip manufacturing ability and RF-type properties of the 12G signal).

We began evaluating the equipment and spent countless hours going back and forth on options and, after a trip to Tokyo in November, were convinced that For-A had cleared our path to UHD with a significant amount of UHD gear. This included their Hanabi switcher, 12G 144x144 router and terminal gear. We also evaluated other manufacturers equipment to see if others had any better options, but soon were convinced that For-A had “nailed it.”

In December 2018, we did an initial RFP to evaluate additional costs and equipment. We took a “30,000-foot view” of the entire system, but certainly nothing as detailed as wiring diagrams. After some discussion, we hired Diversified to assist with the detailed UHD design of a significantly sized production system.

Our equipment list included:

• 64x48 For-A 12G Hanabi Switcher with 3ME panel and 1ME sub-panel (in second control room)
• 144x144 12G For-A Router
• 18 For-A FA-9600 Multipurpose Signal Processors
• Nine Frames of For-A terminal gear
• A variety of AJA 12G to Fiber/Fiber to 12G transmitters/receivers
• For-A 64x64 HD router (mainly for multiviewer router, but also for routing to our HD cable system)
• For-A 64x8 HD Multiviewer
• Six Panasonic AW-EU150 4K mini robotic cameras (for stage use)
• A dozen Hitachi SK-UHD4000 4K studio cameras (wired for 14)
• Nine Telemetrics robotic heads
• Two Telemetrics “televators”
• Four Telemetrics robotic controllers with SQL server
• Two ClassX 12G CG’s (through For.A)
• Four For-A dual-channel Insight 12G ProRes4444 Servers (one in/one out, two in, or two out)
• Four AJA KiProUltra PLUS UHD Rec/Players
• 1.8 PB storage system (TBD)
• Media Asset Management system (TBD)

This list is certainly not complete but includes most of the main gear under this part of our UHD upgrade.

Though multiviewer monitoring takes place in HD, the control room also has full UHD monitoring as well.

READY FOR THE FALL SEASON

All this equipment is used for recording and production, but also presentation systems that include 14 Christie HD 30,000 lumen “immersive” projectors in our concert hall, and three Christie 4K 35,000 lumen (overlapping) projectors, which hits one-third of the face of our building. Outside audio includes 139 Meyer speakers with 60,000W of support using the Meyer Constellation immersive audio system.

The integration/installation and final testing will be completed by mid September with plans for its public debut (a New World Symphony Wallcast) later in the month. Our “regular” configuration will include 18 UHD cameras (12 Hitachi and six Panasonic), along with three channels of CG, six UHD record channels and two UHD playback channels. We’ll have three different varieties of HDR at our disposal as well.

In 2020, we will replace our 14 concert hall projectors with 4K/UHD laser projectors along with immersive production system (currently “Coolux”) and hope to also upgrade our large practice area (the size of a medium-sized TV studio) with seven additional UHD cameras. When this is complete, our count will be 27 UHD cameras, two channels of UHD playback, 10 channels of UHD recording, two channels of UHD CG, all through a 144x144 12G router. All presentations and production will be in UHD/HDR.

When complete, outside of 4K production trucks, New World Center will have the largest in-house broadcast-quality 12G 4K/UHD live production capability in the U.S. Our Development Department has already confirmed a 4K production rental beginning in October 2019 (a month after the completion of the upgrade) for a recorded national event, and are beginning to schedule other events that incorporate 4K.

Dan Slentz is the chief video engineer for NWS. 

WOODBURY, N.Y.—Hitachi and the New World Symphony orchestral academy are teaming up to play beautiful music together in 4K. In upgrading its live and other productions to native 4K UHD resolution, New World Symphony has decided to go with a dozen Hitachi SK-UHD4000 cameras.

The addition of the Hitachi cameras, along with Christie projectors, is the first phase of an end-to-end 4K video infrastructure update at the orchestra’s New World Center campus. The multi-format capabilities of the cameras will allow for operators to use the cameras in 1080p HD mode until the remaining infrastructure is upgraded to 4K.

One event that NWS will utilize the Hitachi cameras for is its seasonal WALLCAST concerts. The cameras will capture performances from inside the performance hall and deliver the content to the Christie units for live projection onto a 100x70-foot section of the building’s façade for outside viewing. One hundred Meyer Sound loudspeakers complement the video simulcasts.

NWS plans to use the Hitachi cameras for additional activities, including educational concerts and webcasts; recorded master classes; experimental music videos; image magnification; business development events; third-party rentals; and NWS’ archival concert recordings.

See also: “4K is Becoming a Reality for New World Symphony”