02-22-2016 Council Packet - Laserfiche WebLink

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After working with Alpha Video, and talking with other vendors, we have formulated a comprehensive list of replacement systems that would make NMTV a complete HD facility. The recommendations include upgrades of master control, equipment in the production truck, the production truck itself, and the two studios. Equipment Master Control is the nerve center for all incoming programs from Cities, schools, live feeds and local servers, and outgoing programs to Comcast and CenturyLink cable subscribers. It also routes programming to our website live streaming and video -on - demand servers. All of this is accomplished via our Tightrope hardware/software master control system. It is responsible for facilitating, routing, streaming, and recording all incoming and outgoing programming across twelve channels and two cable systems. All but one of our video servers is failing and out of warranty. This is dangerous, as all of the programs that play over the North Metro channels are electronic video files which are stored on the servers. Because the servers must use certain versions of Windows software, the fact that they are no longer supported also makes the servers vulnerable. Additional equipment problems include non -repairable monitor failures, lack of storage capacity for programming, lack of rack -space for certain equipment, time -base corrector malfunctions, and non-functioning outputs on older servers. The recommended Master Control upgrade is built around the Tightrope hardware and software system. The efficiencies inherent in the Tightrope system make it possible for one person to effectively schedule and manage the programming of all twelve channels, and video -on -demand selections. Peripheral equipment for master control includes audio manipulation, monitoring, racking, power, and engineering tools. The recommended Master Control upgrade will cost approximately $583,000. The production truck is our primary tool for recording sporting, school, and community events. Half of the programs, produced by staff, are created with the production truck. Sports constitute some of our most popular programming, and programs produced with the truck make up 95% of DVD sales. The majority of equipment in the production truck is over thirteen years old and at the end of its life. This includes the cameras, lenses, tripods, audio board, hard drive recording and instant replay/play-back drives, monitors, and wiring. Many locations where sporting tournaments are held are pre -wired for production crews. This allows for tapping into a system instead of having to run separate cables, which most large venues require. It is impossible for us to do this, as they are all wired for HD, and we are not. The recommended production truck upgrades will cost approximately $786,000. Upgrading the two studios at the NMTV facility will complete the HD conversion. Problems with the existing equipment include routing switchers that are malfunctioning and no longer supported by the manufacturer, monitors intended for 4x3 video, but