Elevating Your Local Broadcasts: Strategies and Tools from Varto Technologies

by Yervant Keshishian Sales Engineer, Authorized Trainer & Technical Director, Varto Technologies, Inc

This month, Varto Technologies is excited to host the Jersey Access Group (JAG) meeting at our office in East Rutherford, NJ. As a company committed to supporting local access stations, we’re eager to share practical demonstrations and innovative ideas to help you enhance programming, engage your community, and streamline workflows.

Here are some actionable insights to help improve your broadcasts, regardless of your station’s size or budget.

1. Building a Reliable and Flexible Video Network

To deliver high-quality local programming, stations need a network setup that minimizes interruptions and maximizes flexibility. Establishing a dedicated network specifically for your audio and video (A/V) production needs (separate from general internet traffic) ensures stable performance during live broadcasts.

At the JAG meeting, we’ll demonstrate how to create a cost-effective video network using tools like NDI (Network Device Interface). Netgear’s M4250 AV Line series of managed switches optimized for AV over IP workflows, connect multiple cameras and devices over a standard network to reduce the need for costly cabling and infrastructure. This setup helps manage A/V traffic effectively, providing smoother broadcasts and enabling you to cover events more dynamically. 

A dedicated network with Netgear’s M4250 AV line switches minimizes congestion and downtime, ensuring uninterrupted viewing experiences. This approach is ideal for stations that frequently cover local sports, town hall meetings, or other community events. 

2. From Flypacks to Fully Remote Production: Innovating Your Workflow

Traditionally, local stations have relied on portable production kits (flypacks) to cover events outside the studio. Flypacks offer a compact, mobile solution quickly deployed to various locations. At the JAG meeting, we’ll demonstrate how we built a custom flypack for the MTV Video Music Awards and discuss how this approach can be adapted for your station’s needs.

However, advancements in remote production technology provide an alternative model offering even greater flexibility and cost savings. Imagine maintaining all your core production equipment in a central studio while capturing content remotely. Tools like NDI Bridge and LiveU bring in camera feeds from multiple locations over the internet. Operators can be anywhere, using platforms like Flowics to control graphics and other interactive elements in real time.

This hybrid model reduces the need for on-site staff and equipment, making it easier to scale operations based on your needs. It also cuts travel costs and simplifies setup, allowing you to cover more events without the logistical challenges of traditional methods. Remote production tools enable stations to produce content as dynamic and engaging as on-site productions while covering a broader range of events, from government meetings to school performances, with minimal disruption.

3. Sneak Peek: New TriCaster Systems on the Horizon 

We’re excited to introduce two new TriCaster systems from Vizrt that will be featured at the meeting:

• TriCaster Vizion: Available as both a perpetual and subscription model, this system provides a comprehensive, flexible solution for live production, offering enhanced creative control and support for high-bandwidth 12G-SDI workflows.
• TriCaster Mini S: Designed as a subscription-only model, this compact system brings advanced broadcasting capabilities, perfect for stations seeking innovation without a large upfront investment.

Both systems are designed to simplify live production while enhancing creative possibilities. We’ll give you an exclusive look at these new tools and discuss how they can help local stations create more dynamic and engaging content.

Get Started with These Innovative Approaches Today!

Whether you’re attending the JAG meeting or not, we hope these ideas inspire you to explore new ways to enhance your local broadcasts. By adopting dedicated networks, transitioning to remote production workflows, and staying updated on new technologies like the latest TriCaster systems, your station can improve production quality, expand audience reach and better serve your community.

We look forward to welcoming many of you to Varto Technologies and sharing more insights in person. For those unable to attend, we encourage you to experiment with these ideas and reach out for additional guidance or support.