CHICAGO, DECEMBER 19, 2012—Professional Wireless Systems (PWS), a Masque Sound Company and experts in supplying and supporting wireless systems for live and broadcast events, recently completed a quality assurance review and upgrades to the state-of-the-art WMAQ-TV studio located in downtown Chicago.
Earlier this year, the Steve Harvey show moved into the WMAQ-TV studios inside NBC Tower. Since PWS previously installed the wireless solutions at the studio, it was tasked with conducting several modifications and upgrades to the system. “Steve Harvey has a lot more gear, especially since they have an additional six to eight people using IFBs,” says John Garrido, PWS. “Due to the show’s relocation, WMAQ asked us to check their system to ensure everything was working properly and was up to par, since they were moving the shows and studios around. We had some tweaks and made certain the studio’s capabilities were on the same level from before the move.”
In addition, PWS provided a custom RF remote panel to accommodate outdoor shoots. The team modified antennas near a window, allowing the production team to easily enable/disable set levels for outdoor wireless capabilities. “We customized it to give them more control to turn on/off from a remote location,” adds Garrido. “If they want to shoot outside, they can simply flip a switch, making it much easier. Now, Steve Harvey or someone on his team can go outside and interview people on the street.”
WMAQ-TV is the NBC owned-and-operated television station in Chicago. It maintains primary studios and business offices at the NBC Tower in the Streeterville neighborhood and operates an auxiliary street-level studio at 401 North Michigan Avenue, on the Magnificent Mile. Currently, WMAQ broadcasts a total of 26 hours of local news per week.
About Masque Sound
Founded in 1936 by a trio of Broadway stagehands, Masque Sound evolved into one of NYC’s most successful theatrical sound reinforcement, installation and design companies specializing in theatrical, house of worship, sporting, corporate, TV broadcast and live concert events. Celebrating more than 75 years in the industry, the company is lead by Geoff Shearing, the firm’s 3rd generation owner, and General Manager Stephanie Hansen. The company also operates Florida-based Professional Wireless Systems, a leader in the development and implementation of wireless technology. Credits range from major Broadway shows and tours including “Phantom of the Opera,” “Mamma Mia!,” “Lion King,” “Jersey Boys,” “Memphis,” “The Book of Mormon,” “Newsies” and “Once” to yearly Super Bowl broadcasts and installations of varying sizes, including New York’s New Victory Theater and historic St. Bartholomew’s Church. Masque Sound’s 70,000 sq. ft. corporate headquarters and main assembly facility is located at 21 East Union Ave., East Rutherford, NJ, 20 minutes from midtown Manhattan. For more information, call (201) 939-8666 or visit www.MasqueSound.com.
