The Rochester (N.Y.) Red Wings play minor league baseball but got promoted to the local cable lineup this summer with a new Broadcast Pix Slate 2100 switcher at the center of the action.
“What we were producing before was meeting the needs of the ballpark,” said Red Wings Director of Game Day Production Jeff Coltoniak. “Once we reached a television deal with Time Warner Cable, we knew we needed to upgrade to broadcast standards in a timely manner.”
The Broadcast Pix Slate 2100 system integrates a production switcher, production control panel, Inscriber CG, clip store, and multiview monitoring, among other functions.
The Red Wings Game Day production team previously used an analog switcher and two-camera system to display field action on a video scoreboard. Advertisements ran from DVDs.
“While the setup we had was fine, I’d always wanted to do more with our in-house productions,” said Coltoniak. “The temptation to go overboard with equipment was there, but we needed to be practical and make responsible choices. We were able to get the Slate 2100 integrated and up and running fairly quickly. What’s more, I have all the flexibility I need to produce a great show for the fans in the stadium and at home.”
The Slate 2100 can be operated with a production switcher-style control panel or by using a keyboard and mouse interface. A large wall monitor displays Slate’s Multi-View, showing monitors for cameras, program, preview, clips and graphics.
“The single-operator feature of the Slate 2100 solved two challenges with one fell swoop,” said Coltoniak. “We have limited control room size and usually have to work with a single operator. The design of the switcher is very compact, and one operator can easily switch cameras, run spots and post basic graphics. In those instances when we’re going live, we can then add extra hands to make the show more elaborate.”
Time Warner Sports Net will run at least 20 live games next season of the Red Wings, the Minnesota Twins AAA-level affiliate, under the current agreement.
