Event AG renews the AV equipment in The Hall with Blackmagic

To update the space, an audiovisual solution has been developed that relies on fiber optic signal transmission and digital cameras and live production equipment. Blackmagic Design.

The modern center The Hall (Zurich) has witnessed a variety of presentations, like concerts, conferences and live productions. Among the organizations holding live events at the venue, The International Christian Fellowship church is located (ICF).

In order to meet the various requirements and needs, a few years ago, the Swiss systems integration company Event AG planned and developed an audiovisual solution for the space, which relies on signal transmission over fiber optic cables and digital cameras and live production equipment Blackmagic Design.

During the pandemic, there was a boom in demand for studios and broadcast capacity to a level not anticipated when the center was designed. This highlighted the need for a multi-purpose control room and more production space.

The digital communication agency FE Motion and the ICF church decided to expand their production space in order to meet demand. “This included the installation of a virtual stage with screens and augmented reality technology based on Unreal Engine and capture and playback cards DeckLink 8K Pro by Blackmagic Design”, explains Simon Bachofen, project coordinator and audiovisual production manager at Event AG.

Live productions

During the equipment update, Other production devices were also verified and renewed.

ICF's multi-camera system was upgraded to 11 units URSA Broadcast G2 for live events. Live signals are transmitted to the main gallery of the venue, which has recently incorporated two mixers ATEM Constellation 8K exclusively for this purpose.

“The URSA Broadcast G2 model offers a modern cinematic look with pleasant colors and lower noise level”, Bachofen clarifies. "In addition, “Interchangeable lens mounts and the ability to record with USB-C drives make cameras and space more versatile.”.

The main event room space also features a new 3D camera wiring system from EagleEye, including an URSA Broadcast G2 camera, while all main and control signals are transmitted via fiber optic cables.

On the most important occasions, For example, weekly church meetings, the contents are transmitted, are recorded and played back on a pantalla 4K from of 120 square meters, which is transmitted from a processor Barco E2 Event Master up to several monitors installed inside and outside the complex.

When organizing signals, a switching matrix is ​​used Universal Videohub 288, other Universal Videohub 72, plus three units Smart Videohub 12G 40×40. In addition, capture and playback cards are used DeckLink y UltraStudio on various computer equipment for the alpha channel and the main signal.

Besides, the ICF carries out smaller productions throughout the week, using a mixer ATEM Mini Extreme ISO and several Blackmagic cameras Pocket Cinema Camera 6K.

“ICF productions depend almost exclusively on volunteers, a constantly changing team. But still, The system has to be easy to configure and use”, states Mark Rychlik, ICF technical director. “We have been using the current dynamic since 2017, so it is very natural to use Blackmagic products and choose them in this update. Their devices and solutions allow us to grow and incorporate units as necessary”.

Ob, who has purchased most of the cameras, financed by donations. “For this reason, “We are looking for a solution that offers a good price-quality ratio”, confirms Rychlik. “But since organizers of other events also have the possibility of renting the equipment, “Our recommendations had to be versatile enough to adapt to the needs of studio and live productions.”.