I have been wondering if the our DS was too grand with three cameras......

Like Cambridge, a simple one camera set up might do the trick????

If we aim folks at segments of a somehow sponsored Schenectady Today, maybe a three camera soapbox is more tech than needed........

The other possibility, if we think it would be used enough, is do the soapbox as we were imagining AND do a one camera, head on, soapbox with something really straightforward.......not a lot of capital sitting there, but a really simple thing for folks?

Digital Soapbox Design Concept

I will edit this post with technical details later - but below the video copied the policy page from cambridge community media electronic soapbox page.




The BeLive studio is a literal interpretation of Public Access as "electronic soapbox," an open forum for the expression of ideas and personal views, politics, culture, news, etc. This low-tech, single-camera studio enables any Cambridge resident or organization to have their own 27-minute live program on Channel 9, without needing to go through any elaborate equipment training.

Any Cambridge residents may have a one-time live show without a membership. To have a regular weekly or monthly show you will have to attend an Orientation and become an Access Member. Slots are available on a first come, first served basis, and there is usually a short waiting list of people looking for a regular time. To get your own BeLive you should pick up a request form or download it here.


OpenStageMedia Digital Soapbox
by jpiazzo

Design Concept - Schenectady Today Studio in Robb Alley

Here is a design concept for creating a three camera studio set-up in Robb Alley. The primary use for this set-up would be to produce the Schenectady Today Show. Because this space will be shared by the new City Welcome Center  - the stage and the technology would be integrated into the space in the most unobtrusive way possible.

The stage folds down from the wall like a "murphy bed" revealing scene and set details behind it. A programmable "video wall" here would be ideal, serving as a TV set background as well as a general video presentation  system.

Video / Audio and recording equipment would be rack mounted and securely locked when not in use. Camera support systems with remote pan and tilt control would be ceiling mounted in order to eliminate cable runs on the floor. Also, cameras folded up into the ceiling would be safe from theft. A 4th Handheld camera could rove (wirelessly) for added shot flexibility to compensate for the relativly fixed overhead camera positions.

This initial design utilizes Sacctv existing studio equipment as much as possible with options to upgrade to HD Tricaster when deemed appropriate. Technology Cost estimated to be under 20K  (less folding stage and other shared design details - and the Video Wall - of course).

"Time To Air" on a set such as this should be less than an hour - important if we were to produce daily on this system.


Robb Alley Concept
by jpiazzo

OSM BLOG LAUNCH

Welcome to the new Open Stage Media blog, a place where we can share ideas about building a new Community Media Center in Schenectady New York.