In an ongoing process to update the audio and visual equipment in council chambers at city hall, new upgraded video servers and broadcast software will be installed to improve overall viewing quality. City council approved a contract with Iowa Audio Video for $25,000 to upgrade to the Tightrope broadcast servers and Carousel servers.
In 2013, the city started work to upgrade the old and outdated audio and video broadcast system. The initial system utilized a VHS video tape recorder and a cassette recorder, both which had stopped working.
The modulator in use would no longer broadcast the city council meeting on Mediacom and the system used could not create digital files for uploading the meetings to the city’s website.
The upgrades were planned in phases with the initial phase to integrate the system with existing analog equipment and to produce video that could be broadcasted, webcasted and digitally stored along with abilities to interface with Mediacom’s broadcasting equipment.
The second phase took place in 2015 with upgrade to the audio system for improved sound quality within council chambers and when shown on Mediacom, as well as on the website through live streaming, recorded or on demand broadcasts.
“This also included an ADA compliant Assisted Listening Device in order for the city to comply with ADA accommodation requirements,” city administrator Matt Muckler said.
In 2016, the third phase replaced the three analog cameras in use, one of which had stopped working, with three HD digital cameras. Also, with the savings administration were able to negotiate for the contract, new TVs and a projection system were installed.
Since the initial upgrades started in 2013, all of the equipment has been converted to a digital format except for the video system. To complete the upgrade, the current Tightrope broadcast servers will be switched over to the digital.
Tightrope also offers a digital signage software upgrade called Carousel which can integrate seamlessly with Tightrope and provide computing updates including weather forecasts, traffic cameras, school closing, emergency alerts, community announcements and RSS, Twitter and Facebook feeds.
“By upgrading to the Carousel software the City will have the ability to create a dynamic broadcast tool that can constantly feed the most current information and community videos via Mediacom and the website,” Muckler said. “This system will work in conjunction with the new marketing presence for the city. It can also be expanded to include up to 14 additional devices that could include interactive signage and directional signage.”
Funds budgeted to administration will be used to pay for the upgrades.
Contact Jamee A. Pierson at 641-792-3121 ext. 6534 or jpierson@newtondailynews.com