KAUZ and KSWO Complete Utah Scientific Routing and Master Control Installations

Utah Scientific announced that Wichita Falls, TX-based KAUZ and Lawton, OK-based KSWO each have upgraded their broadcast facilities to digital operations with Utah Scientific routing and master control equipment. The two stations installed the equipment as part of an ongoing initiative of their parent company, Drewry Communications Group, to standardize on Utah Scientific equipment for digital upgrades of all of its stations.

KAUZ, a CBS affiliate, and KSWO, an ABC affiliate, each are using a master control system that includes two Utah Scientific MC-4000 units, an MCP-2020 panel, a master control MCP-GUI, and software options for integrated logo and EAS insertion.

The stations’ Utah Scientific routing systems include a UTAH-400 3G HD/SD video router loaded 48×32, an SC-4 control system, a router SoftPanel-2 GUI, and various control panels.

“Utah Scientific has become a vital part of our organization. We rebuilt our entire infrastructure from top to bottom and replaced every piece of equipment,” said Nathan Bowers, chief engineer for both KAUZ and KSWO. “There are a lot of great things about Utah Scientific, but the biggest selling point for me was the 10-year warranty. Not having to pay an annual fee for the warranty is worth its weight in gold.”

The new master control and routing equipment has simplified the workflow for both stations, condensing several time- and manpower-consuming analog functions into a job that one person can cover with the flip of a switch or push of a button. For example, the master control system’s integrated graphic and EAS insertion capability allows the stations to do squeezebacks live on air, a function that would have taken an entire production team before. Now they can display election results, school closures, and the like without losing any of the existing picture — a benefit that viewers greatly appreciate.

“We worked closely with Nathan and the team at KSWO and KAUZ to devise a system that gave them everything they needed, with features that allow them to upgrade easily and affordably as their needs change,” said Tom Harmon, president and CEO of Utah Scientific. “Their viewers now get an HD experience, while the stations are relieved of antiquated workflows and old analog equipment.”