In this NDI November case study, Chris Reid (President, TFS Broadcast) joins Broadfield Distributing to showcase:

• Dual NewTek TriCaster TC1 systems for producing multiple live streams and video board feeds at once
• Netgear M4250 AV line switches as the cost-effective IP backbone with multicast support
• Kiloview rackmount NDI encoders/decoders for seamless SDI-to-NDI conversion
• Panasonic AW-UE150 & CX350 cameras with native NDI|HX
• Dante audio & intercom routing over the same IP infrastructure
• Flexible reconfiguration for any venue with just a few clicks

Matt details the complete NDI deployment that powers:

• Center field Vizrt TriCaster handling live switching and replay
• Four BirdDog PTZ cameras (left field, right field, center field, and one roaming) plus additonal PTZs used throughout the stadium
• NDI feeds to the giant scoreboard/video board and ribbon boards
• In-game graphics, sponsor elements, and instant replays
• Streaming and local broadcasts
• Confidence monitors and press box feeds

Matt covers how NDI simplifies cabling at the new stadium, enables quick changes, and delivers reliable performance for every home game.

In this reseller-focused case study, Jesse from Midtown Video walks through their NDI deployment that delivers:

• Fully isolated, high-bandwidth network used only for video transport
• Zero internet exposure for maximum security of all AV signals
• Reliable multi-source video distribution to displays, streaming, and recording
• Seamless integration with Vizrt TriCaster and BirdDog NDI PTZ cameras & converters

In this System Integrator spotlight, Brad from 1210 Production Company walks through their complete NDI installation featuring Vizrt TriCaster. See how NDI enables:

• Instant video distribution to concession TVs, concourse monitors, and LED scoreboards
• Multi-camera live sports broadcasts and web streaming
• Real-time feeds for press boxes, coaching staff, and student broadcast teams
• Huge cost savings by leveraging school fiber and switches

Derek from Comcast walks through real projects including:

• Full NDI production workflows in corporate conference centers and event spaces
• Distributed video across multiple rooms and buildings using existing network infrastructure
• PTZ cameras with remote control
• Video routing to LED walls, confidence monitors, and overflow areas
• Replacing traditional SDI cabling with NDI for flexibility and cost savings

David explains why Peak Media standardized on NDI: lower cost, faster installs, scalability, and future-proofing for corporate clients who need high-quality live production.

Key system components discussed:

• Kiloview encoders/decoders (including RE3 models) for reliable NDI transport and bandwidth reduction to NDI HX
• Sony PTZ cameras with embedded Sennheiser wireless audio sent over NDI
• Netgear AV switches with dedicated VLANs for traffic isolation
• QuickLink Studio Pro as the remote switcher
• Ross Ultrix router with NDI support
• MRMC robotic pedestals controlled remotely

The team overcame challenges like Dante jitter and shared fiber by embedding/de-embedding audio directly in NDI streams, running a proof-of-concept, and creating six isolated VLANs.

Introduction 

In an era where seamless connectivity and cost efficiency are paramount for corporate communications, Comcast West Division has emerged as a prime example of innovative AV integration. Facing escalating costs from outsourcing live event productions, Comcast partnered with Peak Media, a Denver-based AV integrator with over 25 years of experience, to bring operations in-house. By leveraging NDI (Network Device Interface) technology and the Vizrt TriCaster, Comcast has transformed its workflow to support in-person, hybrid, and virtual events across its western region. This case study, drawn from insights shared in a recent NDI November spotlight video, highlights how these tools enabled scalable, high-quality productions while significantly reducing expenses. 

The Challenge 

Comcast West, headquartered in Denver, Colorado, manages a vast network spanning multiple states, including Washington, Oregon, California, Minnesota, and Texas. The division frequently hosts live events ranging from internal meetings to large-scale broadcasts, but reliance on external production companies was proving costly and inefficient. Despite having in-house creative and production expertise, the team lacked the hardware and infrastructure to handle multicamera setups, remote controls, and low latency streaming independently. 

Key challenges included: 

• High outsourcing fees for event production. 

• Need flexible workflows to support virtual, hybrid, and remote events without building separate systems. 

• Ensuring reliable connectivity across geographically dispersed sites on the enterprise network. 

• Maintaining high production values, including graphics, audio mixing, and audience engagement, while keeping entry costs low. 

Comcast sought a solution that could centralize control in Denver while enabling remote contributions from satellite locations, all without compromising quality or incurring prohibitive expenses. 

The Solution: NDI-Centric Workflow with Vizrt TriCaster 

Peak Media, led by Shannon Shearer, recommended building the system around NDI due to its affordability, flexibility, and compatibility with existing networks. NDI allows video, audio, and metadata to be transmitted over standard IP networks, eliminating the need for expensive cabling or proprietary hardware. 

Central to the setup is the Vizrt TriCaster, a powerful all-in-one production system that integrates seamlessly with NDI sources. Comcast deployed the TriCaster Vizion in their Denver control room for master switching and broadcasting, alongside TriCaster Mini units for on-site operations at remote locations. Panasonic PTZ cameras with built-in NDI capabilities provide remote control, video feeds, audio, and power over Ethernet (PoE), simplifying deployment. 

Additional components include: 

• NewTek Spark encoders/decoders for converting signals to NDI and handling return feeds/confidence monitors. 

• Allen & Heath SQ5 digital mixer for simultaneous in-room and broadcast audio mixing. 

• A Teradek Prism for RTMP streaming to Vimeo, ensuring low-latency delivery to virtual audiences. 

• Custom graphics developed by Comcast’s on-site design team, integrated via the TriCaster’s mixed effects and graphics capabilities. 

The linchpin of the system is the NDI Discovery Server, hosted on Comcast’s enterprise network in a national data center. This server enables NDI signals to cross subnets effortlessly, allowing sources from any connected site to be discovered and accessed globally. Remote login via VPN provides instant activation, making the workflow location agnostic. 

Implementation and Workflows 

Comcast’s live event team, including Derek Barylski (Broadcast Producer) and Justin Salvia (Technical Director), operates from the Denver control room on the fourth floor, managing events across three main formats: 

 Virtual Events 

• All sources are NDI-based, fed into the TriCaster Vizion from a Microsoft Teams green room. 

• The team switches between speakers, content, and custom graphics, using multi-box layouts for panel discussions. 

• Video playback is handled through the TriCaster, with the final program streamed via RTMP to Vimeo. 

• Attendee chat and polls are monitored and relayed back to presenters in real-time. 

 On-Premises Hybrid Events 

• Multicamera setups on the first-floor event space send NDI signals upstairs to the control room. 

• Three Panasonic PTZ cameras and two additional cameras (via NDI converters) provide feed. 

• Audio is mixed locally with the SQ5, sending a broadcast mix via a NewTek Spark encoder. 

• In-room tech includes a 45-panel 1.9 LED wall with a Novastar video splicer, plus projection controlled by TriCaster Minis. 

• A Spark decoder displays return feeds for presenters, while the final stream goes to Vimeo. 

• Chat questions are shared live with in-room participants. 

 Remote Hybrid Events 

• Local crews at regional sites deploy NDI-enabled equipment, shipping TriCaster Minis as needed. 

• Signals from PTZ cameras, converters, and audio aux buses (via Spark encoders) are sent back to Denver over the enterprise network. 

•  The Discovery Server bridges subnets, ensuring low-latency communication. 

• Coordination between on-site and Denver TDs synchronizes video playback and show flow. 

• Remote PTZ control and tally lights are managed from Denver, with streaming handled via TriCaster Vizion to Vimeo. 

This unified NDI backbone allows Comcast to scale productions effortlessly, connecting sources across states with minimal latency. The setup supports full remote control, tally integration, and high-quality audio/video transmission, all over standard IP infrastructure. 

Benefits and Results 

By internalizing production, Comcast achieved substantial cost savings—replacing expensive outsourcing with an affordable, in-house system. The low entry price point of NDI-enabled hardware made the transition feasible without massive upfront investments. 

Key benefits include: 

• Cost Efficiency: Eliminated external vendor fees, with scalable solutions that adapt to event types without redundant setups. 

• Flexibility and Scalability: One workflow handles virtual, hybrid, and remote events, extending to any site on the enterprise network. 

• Enhanced Production Quality: TriCaster’s advanced features enable engaging graphics, multi-view layouts, and seamless switching, elevating event experiences. 

• Efficiency: Remote control reduces on-site staffing needs, while the Discovery Server simplifies network management across subnets. 

• Reliability: Robust enterprise network ensures low-latency streams, with VPN access for quick setup anywhere. 

As Derek Barylski noted, “As long as it’s NDI-enabled, we can connect it to our workflow and do high-quality productions from Denver.” This approach has empowered Comcast to manage events year-round with complete creative control. 

Conclusion 

Comcast West’s adoption of NDI technology, and the Vizrt TriCaster exemplifies how IP-based AV solutions can democratize professional broadcasting for enterprises. Through Peak Media’s guidance, the division not only cut costs but also gained a versatile platform for future-proof productions. This case study underscores NDI’s role in bridging geographical divides and streamlining workflows, making it an ideal choice for organizations seeking efficient, high-impact event management.  

For more details, watch the full NDI November spotlight video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nb2qq1MxFH8, featuring insights from Shannon Shearer, Derek Barylski, and Justin Salvia. If you’re exploring similar solutions, contact Peak Media at peakmediainc.com or 877-728-7325. 

Additionally, here’s a link to Comcast West’s demo reel for a quick sample of the broadcasts in action: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A74mGFOT2N0 

Learn more about Kiloview HERE

Epiphan Case Study: University of Rhode Island Standardizes User-Friendly Automated Video Spaces

At the University of Rhode Island (URI), the AV team, led by Katie Babula, has embraced automation and simplicity to support growing demands for lecture capture, video recording, and streaming. The centerpiece of this transformation is the Epiphan Pearl Nexus, which now powers more than 45 classrooms and auditoriums across campus.

With faculty juggling busy teaching schedules, ease of use was a top priority. URI selected the Pearl Nexus for its reliability, flexibility, and seamless integration capabilities. Paired with Panopto for content management and Q-SYS for audio and control, the system enables instructors to walk into a classroom, teach, and have their sessions automatically recorded and uploaded—no technical setup required.

Pearl handles video, audio, and content capture, automatically transferring recordings to Panopto, where they are integrated into the school’s LMS. Faculty schedule recordings at the start of the semester, and everything else happens in the background.

This automated, scalable workflow has transformed the way URI delivers education—both on campus and to the broader community. Faculty have praised the system’s ease and effectiveness, with many requesting it in additional classrooms. As Babula puts it, “What I really love is how approachable it’s made lecture capture recording to our faculty. They do it once and say, ‘This is great—I want to do it for all my lectures.’”

Thanks to Epiphan Pearl, URI’s small AV team can deliver a powerful, hands-off video solution that enhances teaching without adding complexity.

Epiphan Pearl Family

Epiphan Pearl Nexus
Up to 3 encoded channels in a 1RU form factor
IN STOCK!
SKU: EPIPEARLNEXUS
MPN: ESP1882
$3,299.00 MSRP

Pearl 2
Flagship model with up to 6 encoded channels
IN STOCK!
SKU: EPIPEARL2
MPN: ESP1150
$7,999.00 MSRP

Pearl Mini
Intuitive touchscreen operation with up to 3 encoded channels
IN STOCK!
SKU: EPIPEARLMINI
MPN: ESP1440
$3,750.00 MSRP

Pearl Nano
Portable 4K single-channel encoder
IN STOCK!
SKU: EPIPEARLNANO
MPN: ESP1610
$1,999.00 MSRP

ALL PEARL SYSTEMS TAA COMPLIANT!!!

ALL PEARL SYSTEMS TAA COMPLIANT!!!

From first responders to defense and border protection, LiveU’s Public Safety solutions allow you to scale up your situational awareness by adding broadcast-grade live video and other comprehensive video and connectivity capabilities – enabling teams to respond swiftly and make informed decisions in any situation. Call your Broadfield Sales Rep at 800-634-5178 for more information on LiveU solutions.

Background
Once a quiet mill town, Hudson, MA has blossomed into a vibrant community of 20,000 people, a bustling downtown, and must-see attractions. The Hudson Police Department prides itself on improving the quality of life for all citizens by providing a safe and secure environment rooted in community outreach and engagement. Technology plays a key role in the department’s mission. 

The Solution
The department has been utilizing drones for situational awareness for several years. They recently implemented LiveU technology to enhance their operations and increase their speed to respond.

The LiveU field encoder is typically used for overwatch for special events to ensure increased safety of the community. In other instances, the department has leveraged the technology for arrest and search warrants. The LiveU IP-video field encoder powers the transmission of live feeds from the OJI Matrice 30T and Mavic 3T drones to the department’s communications center and field personnel, leveraging the LiveU Video Return platform for training, simulations, and crisis response.

LiveU LU300S
Compact 5G, 4K 10-bit HDR unit for live streaming on-the-go
SKU: LU300S4G4
MPN: LU300S-4G-4

LiveU LU800
All-in-one 5G production-level field unit.
SKU: LU800APROHD5G2
MPN: LU800A-PRO-HD-5G-2

Call your Broadfield sales rep to discuss your opportunities and pricing

Video Return
The LiveU Video Return platform allows real-time secure video sharing to internal mobile devices, tablets, laptops and command centers within Hudson PD, and the ability to share this video with external agencies during joint responses. External agencies can receive a web link that allows them visibility during the event, and this web link can be set to expire or be manually deleted to ensure only authorized users have visibility to this real-time visual intelligence.

Call your Broadfield sales rep to discuss your opportunities and pricing

The Results
The LiveU unit has proven critical in Law Enforcement (LE) missions.  The department received a call about some minors looking to cars in a location stricken with multiple stolen car reports. A drone was deployed to evaluate the situation, which found that the youths were simply playing a hide-and-seek game near the cars. This gave the department visibility into what was actually happening, which in turn, saved time and resources, without compromising anyone’s safety.

Late last summer, Rahn’s regional team was activated to increase security measures for the Pan-Mass Challenge (PMC) fundraising bike-a-thon to benefit the Dana–Farber Cancer Institute. Hudson PD provided overwatch for the event as cyclists gathered the night before to check in their gear. Rahn’s team was using the LiveU field unit to provide video streaming to a mobile command center and supervisors. “Using drones, we were able to help ensure the safety of over 6,000 riders and their gear as it was being secured for the ride to Cape Cod the next morning,” noted Rahn.

LiveU has helped the Hudson PD become more efficient in the field. They foresee more success stories around LiveU, drones, and overwatch, which will help them maintain safety and security for its officers and the community they serve.