AVC has just completed work on an exciting project with Robert Gordon University, encompassing both the design and installation of a dedicated news studio, gallery, newsroom and outside broadcast location at the Aberdeen Business School.

Involving both the Audiovisual and Video Production teams within AVC, the aim was to provide Media and Journalism students with facilities that would allow them to experience broadcast journalism in a realistic environment.

The project required careful co-ordination between the university and AVC, with three rooms requiring complete transformation - one of which was a former cleaning cupboard!

Jamie Baikie, AVC Production Manager worked as a consultant on the project, “The objective of this project was to allow students to be completely transformed into a studio environment, with technology and set-up that would give them an uncompromised practical experience. AVC’s experience within the broadcast and production industry allowed us to carefully tailor the rooms to the university’s requirements.”

The gallery incorporates a custom built console and is the central area of control for the Director, Vision Mixer and Sound Engineer operating the key components within the newsroom and outside broadcast location. The gallery is the core hub for smooth transmission and, for the purpose of student training and evaluation by lecturers, is monitored using a CCTV system installed by AVC Engineers.

Jamie continues, “The design included a range of features including a chroma key curtain on rails, a fully controllable lighting rig, cameras, radio microphones, wireless earpieces, autocue, full talkback between all areas, sound desk, vision mixer and extensive cabling and networking, to ensure fast and clear connection between the four locations. Working alongside AVC’s audiovisual engineers meant we could offer a fully streamlined approach to this project, from planning the concept, straight through to installation.”

The outside broadcast location is situated within the Business School grounds and allows students to carry out an interview or piece to camera, which can then be streamed back into the studio using a live link. This requires careful co-ordination and communication, creating a very realistic situation just like the real thing!

Colin Jamieson, Robert Gordon University Technical Services Co-ordinator, “We wanted the best facilities and had to provide students with a realistic experience, staying accurate to situations they may encounter after university. By working with AVC on the project it meant that not only would they plan and install the audiovisual technology but we could also benefit from their experiences within the broadcast industry.”

Students are already taking advantage of the new studio, which saw the final touches completed at the end of January.