A new high-tech media annex at Philadelphia public broadcasting station WHYY is able to serve roles from broadcasting facility to lecture hall, classroom or movie theatre.
Designed by Philadelphia’s KSS Architects, the Dorrance H Hamilton Public Media Commons adds 8,000-sq-ft to WHYY’s existing 60,000-sq-ft headquarters. Its centrepiece is the Lincoln Financial Digital Education Studio. This flexible studio space can accommodate up to 300 people, and is designed to allow reconfiguration and relocation of major components within the various systems.
The studio’s audio and technology systems were designed by RJC Designs Technology Consultants, with project supply and system integration performed by Vistacom Inc. The design includes a speech reinforcement system comprising 12 Community iBox i2W8T loudspeakers and two M12-BP floor monitors. This uses a Biamp AudiaFlex processor and multi-zoned Crown CTs-Series amplifiers to allow flexible configuration to accommodate different uses.
Also part of the design is a second system to provide surround sound for cinema, employing a pair of iBox iHP3594 three-way mains left and right of the screen, two i2W8 two-way surround speakers in the rear, and a two-way iBOX iHP1226 loudspeaker to cover the centre channel. The 120° x 60° loudspeaker was created as a custom design for the WHYY venue, but is now a standard offering in Community’s iBox series. An iBox i215LVS subwoofer completes the system.
The dual sound systems are both tied into an AMX MVP-8400 control system and accessible via the operators’ AMX console and a wireless AMX NXT-1500VG touch panel. ‘Inter-operability and flexibility were key in all aspects of the system design,’ says Rich Coluzzi, President of RJC Designs.
The control room sports a range of editing and postproduction equipment, including a Broadcast Pix Granite Series HD production console, Strand Lighting Pallete VL64 lighting console and a Soundcraft Si-3 digital audio desk.
‘The project’s success was based on a convergence of broadcast, education and media production techniques and technology tools,’ explains WHYY’s VP and Chief Technology Officer, Bill Weber. ‘These tools and resources, coupled with expanding content distribution platforms, gave birth to a unique and powerful public resource that continues to demonstrate the value of public media organisations.’
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