SAS Installs Broadcast Pix Granite Systems for New Conference Center


Billerica, Massachusetts - Broadcast Pix(TM) announced today that SAS, a leading independent vendor in business analytics software and services, is expanding its use of Granite(TM) video production systems on its 140-acre main campus in Cary, N.C. With one Granite already in service, four additional systems were installed in a new conference center that opened in April.

The company's first Granite system was installed early last year, along with Sony BRC-Z700 robotic HD cameras, to improve production values in a 450-seat auditorium. According to Woody Weaver, SAS senior manager of engineering and operations for New Media and Video Communications (NMVC), the auditorium is used regularly for webcasts, such as developer meetings, for employees and customers around the world. SAS has also hosted external events in its auditorium, including a recent educational conference that was webcast to schools across the state and a gubernatorial debate in 2008.

In the auditorium, SAS relies on Fluent(TM) Multi-View, one of Granite's built-in workflow tools, so the technical director can keep track of all available video sources. Fluent Clip Store also gets heavy use, as customer testimonials and other video clips are often integrated into presentations.

Most auditorium presentations have CG information inserted in post production prior to distribution (post facilities are conveniently located in the same building). However, Weaver expects presentations in the new conference center - which is more than a mile away - will rely on Granite's built-in Harris Inscriber CG for more polished productions. The center includes two theaters, which will be equipped with Granite 5000s, and nine large meeting rooms, two of which will feature Granite 1000s.

Weaver said the Granite 5000 was originally selected for its auditorium because of its 2 M/E capability, which allows SAS to display slides and other materials on the auditorium's 30-foot screen for the live audience while simultaneously switching a show that is webcast to employees in other locations. "It's a good product, it fits our needs extremely well," said Weaver. "And the support from Broadcast Pix has been terrific."

About Broadcast Pix Broadcast Pix is the leader in live video production systems. Its systems provide the best control surface for combining cameras, clips and graphics to create compelling live video. These surfaces enable total control of the built-in multi-format switcher, clip store, graphics system with a Harris or Chyron CG, and device controls. Its Fluent workflow enables files and data to be easily incorporated from other parts of the studio. Broadcast Pix systems are a fraction of the cost of a conventional control room to buy, staff and operate. Systems are available in both HD Granite and hybrid Slate(TM) systems. They range from small systems controlled by a touch-screen, mouse, iPad or Droid, to sophisticated 2 M/E control panels. Customers include leading broadcast, corporate, education, religious, government, webcast, entertainment and mobile studios in more than 80 countries. Learn more at www.broadcastpix.com.

Broadcast Pix, Granite, Slate, and Fluent are trademarks of Broadcast Pix, Inc. Patented. Made in USA.

All Topics