Multi-Room Video Broadcasting

A few months ago, we got the opportunity to work in a corporate workplace on the east coast. This North Carolina business wanted to add to their video functionality as well as be able to connect with more of their overseas partners who are still unable to travel right now. To accomplish this, we created a system based around a Blackmagic 20x20 Videohub, Blackmagic Mini Extreme ISO switcher, Birddog PTZ cameras, and IP-Video transmitter and receiver boxes from Visionary Solutions.  

Because the BMD Mini Extreme ISO only has 8 inputs by adding a Blackmagic 20x20 Videohub we were able to have inputs throughout the building in different meeting rooms and studios. In all we have a total of seven SDI inputs: two for the main conference room, one in a side conference room, two in Studio 1 and two in Studio 2. In addition to the SDI inputs in all those locations, we also have IP Video inputs or outputs for each of those rooms. This is where the Visionary solution IP Video boxes came into play. 

We added a Cat6 port in each room to connect back to the main video rack where we placed a Netgear M4250 switch. This switch is designed to filter and route IP video traffic, so each of the ports we added could be used as a video input or output (based on routing in the Visionary Solutions routing software.) The Visionary Solutions pieces we used really pulled the project together in a cool way. We used a combination of 2 sets of the Visionary E4100/D4100 boxes and one set of the Visionary DuetE-2/DuetD-2 boxes. I wish I could tell you all about these boxes, but you’ll have to stay tuned as they’ll be featured in an upcoming newsletter! Let’s just sum it up by saying that these boxes are really good at what they do and made all the difference in this install to connect all the pieces.

So, coming back to the Videohub. This Blackmagic gear allowed us to have more video inputs and outputs than the ATEM Extreme could directly support, but still be able to utilize the full functionality of this switcher. What was that? We haven’t told you about the latest offering from Blackmagic yet?? Well, let’s fix that right now! The BMD ATEM Mini Extreme ISO offers ALL the ATEM Mini Pro features with 8 HDMI inputs, 2 separate HDMI outputs, 2 USB ports and a headphone connection. There are also 4 chroma keyers, 6 picture in picture DVEs, 2 media players, and a multiview with up to 16 views! Here in the shop, we sometimes refer to it as a mini-Constellation! 

The choice of cameras for this project were two Birddog P200’s and 3 Birddog P100’s. If you want to learn more about the Birddog PTX cameras click here. These cameras are all powered over POE and since they are controlled over IP they can be controlled with the Birddog Keyboard plugged into any of the network ports in the building. This made camera control very flexible depending on which space they are in. 

All in all, this new broadcast design allowed the business to have more camera control and access to multiple room productions all from a more centralized, simplified location. Their hope was to be able to reach and connect with other business partners easily and with this combination from Blackmagic and Birddog we were able to accomplish that goal for them!