Fremont, CA, USA – Thursday, August 22, 2024 – Blackmagic Design today announced that Jackson Academy’s Raider Network in Jackson, MS, uses a live production workflow featuring ATEM Constellation 8K live production switcher and Blackmagic Web Presenter 4K streaming solution to produce and live stream many of the school’s sporting events, in addition to band performances, school plays, choir competitions, and other various on and off campus events.
One of the largest and most influential high school broadcasting platforms in the nation, Raider Network aims to offer an immersive experience for its viewers like no other. Since its inception in 2015 starting with just two cameras, limited graphics, and analog audio, the program has grown by leaps and bounds and is now equipped with a 36 foot production truck outfitted with Blackmagic Design products, which have played an instrumental role in elevating the quality and capabilities of its broadcasts.
At the core of Raider Network’s setup are the ATEM Constellation 8K and a Blackmagic Universal Videohub 72, which are seamlessly controlled by an ATEM 2 M/E Advanced Panel 20. The truck is also outfitted with numerous Blackmagic Design Mini Converters supporting a fiber workflow, as well as an UltraStudio HD Mini capture and playback device, DeckLink capture and playback cards, and more. To ensure that every moment of action is preserved for posterity, Raider Network employs redundant recording devices with Blackmagic HyperDeck Studio Pro 2 and HyperDeck Studio HD Mini broadcast decks. Additionally, a Blackmagic URSA Broadcast camera is used as a sideline camera to capture spectators.
“We heavily use the power of the ATEM Constellation 8K when it comes to inputs, outputs, and MEs,” said Director of Raider Network Josh Hinkle. “The 40 inputs and 24 outputs let the ATEM act as secondary router for many pieces of equipment in the truck, including much of our monitoring and replay systems. Having multiple MEs allows us to do split feeds and provides unique views for different areas on our campus, like our videoboards and concession stands.”
He continued, “The MEs also allow us to stream several events at one time with graphics. As a high school, we have many nights with multiple sporting events happening concurrently, such as basketball and soccer. With multiple MEs we can fully produce two shows from one switcher. One of the ATEM’s most powerful features we use is the MADI output, allowing us to connect 64 channels of audio from the first 30 inputs of the switcher to our audio board without a single de embedder. This is priceless and gives us almost unlimited flexibility for extracting audio from any video source we want.”
Additionally, for this year’s winter basketball season, Raider Network began to incorporate SRT remote broadcasting into its workflow with Blackmagic Web Presenter 4K and ATEM Streaming Bridge. “We are always looking for ways to improve our broadcast, and we were excited to see Blackmagic begin to integrate SRT capabilities into some of its products,” said Hinkle. “We saw an opportunity to utilize SRT for some of our off campus events where we’re more limited with the fiber workflow, so our flypack now includes the Blackmagic Web Presenter 4K sending the camera feed to the ATEM Streaming Bridge back in the remote truck, allowing us to significantly reduce the amount of equipment needed for these road broadcasts and greatly enhance our abilities.”
Raider Network doesn’t just pursue broadcasting excellence but is also committed to nurturing the talents of the next generation by actively involving students in its operations. Through both an elective class and hands on experience during events, students are able to use the Blackmagic Design gear and become an integral part of the broadcasting process, allowing them to gain valuable insights into the intricacies of live production and broadcast and providing a stepping stone to a promising future in the industry.
“Our success wouldn’t be possible without the cutting edge technology that underpins the Raider Network’s operations,” said Hinkle. “Blackmagic Design’s products, including the ATEM Constellation 8K, Videohub, and a myriad of other components, form the backbone of this remarkable broadcasting system. These products ensure that every moment, every play, and every cheer are captured with precision, delivering an unforgettable experience for both the live audience and viewers at home watching on Raider Network’s website.”
About Blackmagic Design
Blackmagic Design creates the world’s highest quality video editing products, digital film cameras, color correctors, video converters, video monitoring, routers, live production switchers, disk recorders, waveform monitors and real time film scanners for the feature film, post production and television broadcast industries. Blackmagic Design’s DeckLink capture cards launched a revolution in quality and affordability in post production, while the company’s Emmy™ award winning DaVinci color correction products have dominated the television and film industry since 1984. Blackmagic Design continues ground breaking innovations including 6G-SDI and 12G-SDI products and stereoscopic 3D and Ultra HD workflows. Founded by world leading post production editors and engineers, Blackmagic Design has offices in the USA, UK, Japan, Singapore and Australia. For more information, please go to www.blackmagicdesign.com