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

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
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SKU: EPIPEARL2
MPN: ESP1150
$7,999.00 MSRP

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

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

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The challenge faced by UCLA Law was multifaceted. The institution required a system that could handle multi-camera recording in their moot courtroom for mock trials and competitions, stream and record lectures scheduled through Panopto CMS, and manage overflow streaming for faculty presentations and events. These tasks were compounded by limited technical staff, the need for flexible scheduling accessible to non-technical users, and disruptions caused by power and network outages. According to Brian Hatcher, Instructional Technology Coordinator, the solution had to be simple enough for students and faculty to use without extensive training in technical operations.

Epiphan’s Pearl devices and Epiphan Edge emerged as the ideal solution. The system offers multi-camera capture, seamlessly integrating with Panopto for lecture recording and content management. Real-time remote management through Epiphan Edge allows for live monitoring and proactive troubleshooting, while offline recording with hardware encoding and battery backups ensures uninterrupted operation during outages. Intuitive controls, including integration with in-room touch panels and a web interface, provide flexibility and ease of use for non-technical users.

The implementation of this system prioritized reliability and adaptability. In the moot courtroom, Pearl devices capture every audio and video source for comprehensive recordings. Classroom workflows are automated, requiring minimal input from faculty. The Epiphan Edge interface enables rapid adjustments for last-minute changes, while customizable alerts notify technicians of any technical issues. Overflow capabilities ensure seamless video and audio streaming to adjacent rooms during large events.

The results have been transformative for both faculty and students. Reliable lecture capture has enhanced student learning and freed faculty to focus on teaching. Detailed moot courtroom recordings allow for precise evaluations of student performance. For the AV team, Epiphan Edge has streamlined operations, offering remote monitoring and peace of mind through its robust offline recording capabilities. As Hatcher remarked, the system’s consistency and flexibility meet the varied needs of students and faculty alike.

In conclusion, UCLA School of Law’s integration of Epiphan’s technology has redefined its video capture capabilities, setting a benchmark for leveraging AV solutions in legal education. The Pearl devices and Epiphan Edge have empowered the institution to deliver exceptional learning experiences while maintaining operational efficiency. As Hatcher noted, the technology not only works but does so beautifully, reinforcing confidence in their video capture systems.

Read the full Case Study from Epiphan HERE

Learn more about Epiphan Pearl 2 HERE

Learn more about Epiphan Pearl Nexus HERE

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As the first UK institution to offer an eSports degree in 2018, the University of Staffordshire faced growing competition from similar programs at other universities. To stay ahead, it sought to expand its curriculum and facilities, delivering a course designed to prepare the next generation of sportscasters. Central to this vision was the creation of a state-of-the-art 61-seat eSports arena and broadcasting hub, which includes two dedicated gallery spaces for the arena and studio. These spaces can operate independently or in tandem for large-scale events, offering unparalleled versatility for both students and professional use.

Panasonic’s KAIROS live production platform became a cornerstone of the project. Its advanced CPU/GPU architecture and compatibility with SMPTE ST 2110 IP-transmission standards made it an ideal choice for delivering low-latency, high-quality production capabilities. The arena was further equipped with Panasonic’s AW-UE100 4K PTZ cameras and AK-HC3900 HDR studio cameras, creating a professional broadcasting environment that mirrors real-world industry settings. This setup provides students with hands-on experience using the same tools employed in commercial eSports production.

Digital Garage played a pivotal role in the project, managing every aspect from design and construction to budgeting and installation. The team addressed unique challenges, such as integrating advanced broadcasting systems into existing university infrastructure and ensuring compliance with building regulations. Innovations included reconfiguring layouts for functionality, improving accessibility, and redesigning workflows to meet industry standards. Live tests of the KAIROS platform were conducted at Digital Garage’s demo facility, ensuring a smooth installation process and minimizing disruptions.

To support the transition to advanced technology, Panasonic and Digital Garage provided extensive training for the university’s IT and academic staff. These sessions covered the KAIROS platform and ST 2110 standards, empowering the internal teams to manage and support the facilities without relying on dedicated broadcast engineers. This collaboration ensured that students could benefit from cutting-edge resources while enabling university staff to maintain the system effectively.

The fully operational eSports arena and broadcasting course launched in Spring 2024, delivering a comprehensive educational experience that bridges the gap between academia and the professional world. By combining state-of-the-art facilities, innovative technology, and a forward-thinking curriculum, the University of Staffordshire positions its graduates for success in the competitive eSports broadcasting industry. This partnership with Panasonic and Digital Garage not only redefines academic eSports education but also establishes the university as a hub for eSports innovation and excellence.

Read the full Case Study from Panasonic Connect HERE

Learn more about Panasonic Connect KAIROS HERE

Learn more about Panasonic Connect HERE

Maple Heights High School Extends their Board of Education and Athletic Centers Reach with JVC CONNECTED CAM PTZ Cameras and IP Streaming Switchers

Maple Heights High School, a public high school located in Maple Heights, Ohio expands their athletic center and Board of Education remote production platforms with a complete JVC Professional Video workflow.

The town of Maple Heights was looking to upgrade the existing streaming infrastructure in both the local high school’s athletic center and the Board of Education facility. Working with Sam Avellone, director of sales from NPI Audio Visual Solutions, they were able to do exactly that.

First, the goal for the Maple Heights Board of Education was to provide a live streaming platform that was available to both board and community members who are unable to attend the meeting and wish to watch online. They also needed the ability to record and archive their meetings so people can visit their website view them at a later time.

The upgraded system includes two JVC’s KYPZ200N CONNECTED CAM NDI®|HX enabled PTZ cameras, a RM-LP350G Desktop Control Surface, a RM-LP5G PTZ Camera Controller and a KM-IPS84 vMix Switcher for streaming the board of education council meetings.

The Board of Education quickly found the KY-PZ200N PTZ cameras plug-and-play capabilities to be intuitive, the image quality impressive, and the ability to use multiple presets for the PTZ cameras a big plus. The ability to have individual presets for each of the council member’s chairs and podium where speakers present to the council allows for the camera operator to access a variety of scene angles instantaneously, providing viewers with a dynamic viewing experience.

“The optics are superior with JVC cameras, I will never compromise the quality of the image because of the name on the camera. We have worked with other brands and found with some the image quality is inferior, pixelated, and when you’re doing broadcast, especially when streaming, you’ve got to have a good quality image.”

Sam Avellone, Director of Sales from NPI Audio Visual Solutions

“What’s happened is you now have customers that see the difference between a good stream and a bad stream. There are three things that make a good stream: superior quality video, high quality audio and animated graphics. This is reinforced with the ability of having different camera angles and the ability of flying a lower third in and out to keep their attention.”

Sam Avellone, Director of Sales from NPI Audio Visual Solutions

Avellone finds the biggest compliment to a customer’s satisfaction is repeated business. He has done multiple installations for schools, house of worships, and sports facilities using JVC Professional Video.

The Board of Education also can share their presentations or documents by bringing them into the KM-IPS84 vMix Switcher easily from a laptop.

“The features of the vMix switcher with the built-in graphics, the ability to build layers and use lower thirds and graphics over the top, it’s a no-brainer from a cost standpoint.”

Sam Avellone, Director of Sales from NPI Audio Visual Solutions

Next on the upgrade agenda was Maple Heights’ athletic center. The athletic center AV system installation is also powered by JVC PTZ cameras, camera controller and CONNECTED CAM IP streaming switchers. The integration included providing the program out of JVC’s KM-IPS84 video switcher to the facility’s new video boards as well as the athletic center’s video control console for streaming to the web.

The KY-PZ200N CONNECTED CAM NDI®|HX enabled PTZ cameras, combined with the additional JVC Professional Video affordable workflow tools were chosen with the idea to be used to capture a variety of sports as their seasons change. The center also uses the PTZ cameras to capture events such as assemblies and presentations.

Included among the JVC equipment installed was the multi-award-winning KM-IP8S4 CONNECTED CAM vMix Studio Switcher, which can manage a minimum of eight NDI inputs at 1080 60P using vMix 4K licensed software. The 2RU device is optimized for switching live programming in SD up to full HD 1080 60P and offers several output options, including one 3G-SDI, one HDMI, four DisplayPort and a Gigabit Ethernet network port.

The installation also includes the RM-LP350G CONNECTED CAM vMix Control Surface, a desktop controller for vMix that works with the JVC KM-IP8 systems to enable traditional-style switching, and the RM-LP100 Advanced Remote Camera Controller with joystick, rocker switch, and a seven-inch touchscreen panel that provides remote control of PTZ operation, position presets, and image painting capability for up to ninety-nine cameras.

Read the full Press Release from JVC HERE

Learn more about JVC KY-PZ200N PTZ Camera HERE

Learn more about JVC RM-LP350G Control Surface HERE

Learn more about JVC RM-LP5G PTZ Controller HERE

Learn more about KM-IP8 vMix Switcher HERE

Learn more about JVC HERE

Learn more about PTZOptics HERE

In their search for a new solution, UNLV selected the Pearl Nexus from Epiphan. This system provided everything they needed: robust integration with their existing AV infrastructure, effortless remote management via Epiphan Edge, and easy, rapid installation. The Pearl Nexus devices, installed in over 200 classrooms and research spaces, each took less than 10 minutes to set up, streamlining the process for the university’s AV team. The system also minimized faculty interaction with the technology, allowing professors to focus on teaching while the system handled lecture capture efficiently.

The adoption of Pearl Nexus has transformed the learning experience at UNLV. Students, like Safiyaa Bintali, appreciated the ability to revisit recorded lectures, which improved both comprehension and retention. This technology has allowed students to stay more present and engaged during class while providing the flexibility to review material when needed. Faculty, too, have benefitted by gaining more time to engage with students on deeper questions, as they can direct students to lecture recordings for basic review. The AV team, which had struggled with the maintenance and failure of outdated equipment, now enjoys fewer issues and more time to focus on future projects.

As the first university to fully standardize on Pearl Nexus, UNLV has set a new benchmark for classroom and content capture in higher education. Their partnership with Epiphan and their adoption of Pearl Nexus has cemented their position as a leader in educational technology, reinforcing their commitment to providing an exceptional learning experience. The system has not only modernized their AV infrastructure but also paved the way for future advancements in how universities manage and scale educational content.

Read the full Case Study from Epiphan HERE

Learn more about Epiphan Pearl Nexus HERE

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This certification confirms that Pearl devices meet the high standards set by education professionals for lecture capture and streaming.

Faculty friendly, IT approved
Epiphan makes video capture and streaming content simple, so faculty can focus on teaching.

Your faculty and IT team are busy
Make their jobs easier with a smart lecture capture system that everyone can agree on

Build a lab
Start with a pilot to evaluate how Epiphan solutions works with every investment you’ve already made.

Measure success
See firsthand the level of engagement your students have with the content, and notice faculty requesting more lecture capture.

Scale across campus
With powerful tools like Epiphan Edge managing your rooms from the cloud, scaling across campus will be a breeze – even for a small team.

Learn more about Epiphan Pearl Approved by HETMA HERE

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