Dreamtek And The Broadcastpod TV Studio Solution

The Broadcastpod is a stand-alone fully integrated studio solution that is custom fitted with broadcast-quality lighting, HD camera, built-in teleprompter and simple to use workflow software.
Dreamtek developed the Broadcast pod due to growing demand from customers for a cost effective and easy-to-deploy Broadcast TV studio solution.
Director of Dreamtek Garrett Doyle says: "We have been building studio solutions for over 12 years and more and more customers have been asking for internet or turnkey studios that we custom build in meeting rooms or studio space at customers’ sites. But some people don’t have the space to allocate or the budget to spend on a full-blown studio with soundproofing and acoustics. So we found a partner, VPod Solutions, who designed the V1, which is a video conferencing pod, and immediately saw the potential to develop a broadcast quality version."
The Vpod solution consisted of a video conferencing environment for use with integrated multi vendor codec including LCD screen, HD speakers, microphone, iPad control with full acoustic treatment and ventilation.
Dreamtek took the shell of the Vpod solution and specified broadcast quality cameras, broadcast lighting and audio and installed a teleprompter.
The VF Hub, a media management software tool developed by its sister company The Virtual Forge is the software that powers the Broadcastpod. The VF Hub provides a simple interface so that at the touch of a button users can stream or broadcast live video, or capture content for on-demand use, such as video blogging. The touchscreen based software system is so simple to use that anyone can follow the on screen instructions and be filming in minutes, without the need for technical assistance.
The VF Hub was the brainchild of The Virtual Forge MD and developer Matt Wicks. It’s a content review system that allows video specialists and users alike to comment on video in a simple streamlined way that feeds into an approval flow and audit trail.
Matt Wicks developer of the VF Hub said: "The VF Hub is simple - we want to make it easy for you to use video to get your message out."
The Broadcastpod is around 60% cheaper than building a small fixed studio including facility and project management costs. Due to the product being classed as pre fabricated furniture there is no need for building regulations and there is no disruption or modifications required to existing building services. It can be installed in one day in any office environment as it only occupies 2.8m2.
The external shell of the Broadcastpod can be fully branded to the customer’s corporate identity and the interior rear panel can also be branded or made in to a green screen.
The Broadcastpod is available in two configurations an entry-level unit with fixed camera and a newly upgraded model with pan, tilt and zoom camera.
A recent upgrade to the Broadcastpod includes multi-format capture capability, plus the ability to remotely access & control the Broadcastpod from another location. Improved web functionality on both models enables compatibility with Adobe Connect, WebEx and Google+ Hangouts, providing an environment to regularly broadcast or stream with ease.
Dreamtek now offer a lease plan for customers who don’t have the upfront capital to purchase a Broadcastpod, which makes the product much more accessible for businesses in a tough economic climate.
Director Garrett Doyle says: “If you compare the cost of purchasing the Broadcastpod to building a small, fixed studio, the savings are up to 60% including facility and project management costs, which is a very compelling proposition for our customers. We are now able to offer a leasing option, which means that from £1800 a month you can have a dedicated broadcast space in your office. Anyone can use it as there is no technical ability required, it’s plug & play and you can be streaming or broadcasting live in minutes.”
The Broadcastpod is available as 1-2 person unit with a single camera, however it can be up-scaled with the Broadcastpod Space, which is a panel based, modular design. Dreamtek can create flexible environments with beautiful finishes and excellent acoustic properties. Space can be custom built to users’ requirements with multiple cameras, green screen and even partitioned to include a private edit suite. The Broadcast Space can be designed exactly to customers’ requirements and is in a self-contained space.
Dreamtek have a Broadcastpod available for demonstration at their London, city office location.
Read the article in the online edition of Regional Film & Video here.
(IT/CD)