From Days to Hours: How Vizrt TriCaster TC1 & NDI Streamlined Sheffield University Graduation
By Jennifer P
In this article by Jonathan Hooton, the University of Sheffield’s graduation ceremony is highlighted as a significant event not only for graduates but also for their families and loved ones around the world. To enhance the experience and reach a global audience, the university has adopted a cutting-edge production setup, utilizing the Vizrt TriCaster TC1 and NDI technology.
Before implementing the TriCaster, the production team faced the challenge of a labor-intensive setup, requiring two days and a team of five to manage a complex arrangement of cables and equipment. This setup lacked flexibility, making the process cumbersome. However, the introduction of the TriCaster TC1 revolutionized their operations. Acting as the centerpiece of their production system, the TriCaster’s network capabilities, combined with NDI technology, allowed the team to leverage the existing infrastructure within the building, eliminating the need for excessive cabling.
The TriCaster enables seamless switching between five Panasonic AW-UE150 PTZ cameras strategically positioned to capture the ceremony from all angles. This ensures that the online audience gets a clear view of the stage and graduates, while content like presentations and graphics can be shared on the big screen within the Octagon Centre. Additionally, a dedicated stage camera highlights each graduate as they cross the stage.
A key feature of the new setup is the efficiency it brings. The majority of the equipment is housed in a large, pre-configured flight case, nicknamed “The Beast,” which allows the team to quickly set up by simply plugging in a few cables. This streamlined approach has reduced the setup time from two days to just 3-4 hours and decreased the team size from five to two people, with one person managing vision mixing and the other controlling cameras.
This technological advancement has significantly enhanced the reach and accessibility of the graduation ceremony. During the past week, over 18,000 streams were recorded on the university’s Kaltura platform, with on-demand views continuing to rise. By embracing innovative solutions, the University of Sheffield ensures its graduation ceremony remains a global celebration, connecting graduates and their families, regardless of location.
Read the full article by Jonathon Hooton HERE
Learn more about Vizrt TriCaster TC1 HERE
Learn more about Vizrt HERE