Comcast SportsNet Airs Weekday Call-In Radio Show in Seattle

SeaTac, WA, October 26, 2009 – Premier systems integration firm Advanced Broadcast Solutions (ABS) recently completed the design, integration, and installation of video production facilities at 950 KJR All-Sports Radio, a Clear Channel AM station in Seattle. The setup enables Comcast SportsNet (CSN) to televise a call-in radio show for Comcast cable customers in Seattle that is produced and delivered in HD. The show features local radio personality Softy and airs weekdays from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.

With this move, both media outlets are increasing their audiences, ratings, and ad revenues. CSN now taps into the popularity of Softy, attracting his loyal sports fans to their cable channel, while KJR AM expands Softy’s audience to reach sports fans watching CSN at home.

Three separate areas—the main studio, a master control room, and a sports update room—had to be completed within three weeks without disrupting live radio operations. Before KJR’s TV program went live in June 2009, ABS was faced with several daunting design challenges, including low ceilings and tight quarters.

“Softy’s studio is only 18×22 feet and the two other rooms are even smaller,â€? explained Mark Siegel, president of ABS. “Plus, the radio equipment already consumes most of that space. And acoustical sound panels put the ceiling height at only 8.5 feet high, which is extremely low for television lighting.â€?

Because ABS was precluded from running conduit or breaking into the walls within the studios, they couldn’t install traditional lighting solutions. “Instead, we chose Philips LED lighting fixtures because they’re small and unobtrusive with high light output,� Siegel said. “And because of this, they could be placed close to the talent without producing a lot of heat or glare.� The lighting fixtures can also be adjusted to compensate for changing color light temperatures, which is important because there are two walls of windows behind the talent at the station.

ABS also built special wall and floor mounts to tuck cameras out of sight without compromising their view. With integrated pan/tilt/zoom systems and low light sensitivity, five Panasonic AW-HE100 HD/SD cameras – three in the main studio, one in master control, and one in sports update area – provide coverage of the radio show and are controlled through a Panasonic AW-RP655N remote control panel. The cameras are switched using a Broadcast Pix Slate 1000Ghh 1 M/E integrated production system, which saves space by including functions like CG, multi-view monitoring, and still and clip store that would otherwise require external devices. House audio feeds a broadcast audio board, and ABS added delay boxes to adjust for sync and block profanity.

When ABS was hired by CSN to add the video component to the radio facility, KJR program director Rich Moore was concerned that the TV equipment would interfere with their radio product and work environment. When the work was finished, however, Moore was very pleased. “ABS listened to us and did a phenomenal job,� he said. “The work they did looks wonderful, works efficiently, and complements the look and feel of our radio studio.�

About Advanced Broadcast Solutions:

Based in SeaTac, WA, Advanced Broadcast Solutions (ABS) specializes in personalized broadcast services such as consulting, project budgeting, workflow analysis, feasibility studies, project management, system and architectural design and engineering, equipment specifying, procurement and installation, maintenance support and training. ABS boasts a technical staff with over a century of practical experience in television operations, automation, traffic implementation, multiple program stream management and signal distribution by fiber, microwave and satellite. ABS clients include: Fisher Communications, Real Networks, Cisco Systems, and Microsoft Studios.

For more information about ABS, call 206-870-0244 or visit our web site at www.advancedbroadcastsolutions.com.