WHO-TV's Dave Price interviews politics expert Dianne Bystrom.
Iowa State's new live broadcast studio got its first road test last week when Dianne Bystrom, director of the Carrie Chapman Catt Center for Women in Politics, sat in front of the Fountain of the Four seasons backdrop in the Communications Building and answered questions posed by a newscaster in Des Moines.
The interviewer, WHO-TV's Dave Price, was only 40 miles down the road. But the new technology employed in the studio just as easily could have streamed Bystrom halfway around the world.
A small appliance in the studio provides a live, high-quality video connection from Iowa State to a large global network -- LTN Smart Global. Video originating from Iowa State can be transmitted to other LTN appliances and to non-LTN networks and teleport centers throughout the world.
"The Internet-based technology is more reliable than satellites, with virtually no transmission delay and at a tiny fraction of satellite costs," said ISU news service director Annette Hacker. "LTN also connects to all the major TV news networks. That translates into more opportunities for Iowa State faculty to share their expertise and research nationally."
Aging equipment prompts tech search
A live shot from campus became something of a long shot in 2012, due to aging satellite technology and the end of an agreement with WOI-TV to provide technical services to the university.
"There wasn't an obvious solution to replacing satellite technology, which is both expensive and on the wane," Hacker said. "We used Skype to some extent, but networks run hot and cold as to whether they'll accept it."
A CNN producer who'd worked with news service pointed Hacker to a couple of CNN engineers, who, in turn, suggested the LTN technology. It was a good tip. Several universities already using the technology reported positive results.
Once the technology question was settled, university relations secured space -- 1028 Communications Building -- and remodeled it to accommodate a fully equipped, digital broadcast studio, green room and small conference room.
"We are extremely grateful to senior vice president Warren Madden for his support and assistance in making this happen," Hacker said. "The new studio is a convenient, effective way to move university knowledge and know-how far beyond our campus."
