Joseph Productions Relies on TVU Networks Remote Production System for High Quality, Low Latency IP Video Transmission

Joseph Productions (JPI), a Detroit-based media production company, recently turned to TVU RPS (Remote Production System) to increase efficiency for its high-end live event and corporate meeting video productions. Many of JPI’s clientele, ranging from corporations and live event producers to local sports and news broadcasters, faced limited budgets and were looking for ways to reduce costs and shorten turnaround time.

An example of the TVU RPS setup

With TVU RPS, JPI can send multiple cameras and camera operators into the field and contributes up to six synchronized camera feeds over the commodity internet back to their in-house control room for switching, and the addition of graphics, effects, text, and other production elements. The TVU RPS transmitter transmits high-quality and low-latency IP video from the remote location to a studio-based TVU receiver. The receiver, in turn, outputs six synchronized SDI outputs. TVU RPS includes extensive support for: 16 channel AES/EBU embedded SDI audio, Variable Bit Rate (VBR), and the ability to set channel priorities.

“Previously, when we’d shoot a live event from a trade show, for example, there’d be costs involved with transporting our satellite truck, paying the crew to setup and strike the truck, electrical and cabling charges, plus the time involved in travel to and from,” explains Josh Kowal, Assistant General Manager, JPI. “We wanted to produce events quickly without having to set a control room up on site at each location. We knew there had to be a way to use our in-house control room that would save a significant amount of set up, travel time, and equipment costs.”

JPI turned to TVU RPS. With this system, producers can utilize in-house staff and equipment at the studio, saving significant cost in producing a remote, multi-camera live shot.

“Now, the entire production crew isn’t needed on site,” says Kowal. “With RPS, we only need to send one AV technician with a camera to produce live stream video globally. We can offer our customers more competitive pricing. We’d been relying on satellite transmission for the same services in the past, which can be expensive. Plus, now we have less logistics involved with getting crew to other states. TVU RPS has effectively eliminated our travel and satellite costs. We no longer need satellite time, production trucks or satellite trucks. Our footprint of doing remote production is much smaller with RPS.”

Kowal believes there are several other types of production that could utilize RPS, including crisis communication when responses are needed immediately; streaming executive reactions when new cars come off the line for its automaker clientele; and nationally coordinated events from multiple locations that are coordinated into one stream.

JPI used its RPS unit for the first time during the LA Auto Show to live stream a 30-minute new car ‘reveal’ from a Tier 1 automaker to the auto show’s media partner Yahoo Live and to live viewing parties for corporate employees. The live stream was sent around the world, with just two JPI crew on site in Los Angeles. JPI has also used RPS at the Little Caesars Arena in Detroit to cover live events for local broadcasters.

JPI combines live event and corporate meeting production capabilities with global transmission, high-speed WiFi access, advanced cloud streaming, audience analytics, and graphic design services.