New production units for the Helsinki Region Chamber of Commerce

About the customer

Every year, the Helsinki Region Chamber of Commerce offers a wide range of training courses and events that bring together experts and business decision-makers from different sectors. Many of the events are held in a hybrid format, so participants can attend both on site and remotely.

The customer’s need

A renovation of the premises created an opportunity to update the production system as well. The aim was a centrally controlled system that serves small in-person events as well as large hybrid set-ups. A high-quality remote experience was to be ensured with multiple camera angles, ceiling microphones that pick up audience audio, and adjustable lighting.

“When designing our production system, we aimed to make it support as many types of production as possible. The goal is to give remote participants the best possible experience,” says Arja Kuitunen, producer at the Helsinki Region Chamber of Commerce.

Solution

Proven cameras and converters were chosen, but the real core of the system is NDI video transport and the Dante audio network. They allow the control room to manage all event spaces flexibly and respond quickly to changes.

“NDI and Dante suit us perfectly. They let us route signals to any space and respond to changes with ease,” Kuitunen says.

Because the four training rooms have a large number of both video sources and client monitors, an NDI matrix was also added to the system to simplify signal routing. Although the matrix is software-based, its integrated control panels make it straightforward to use in the different spaces.

“Preparing productions with NDI is very convenient for us. The equipment starts at the push of a button, and everything can be controlled remotely without going into the event spaces,” Kuitunen explains.

The spaces use PTZ cameras so that an entire production can be run from one control room by one person. An intercom link ensures smooth communication between the control room and presenters. Each space has its own vision mixer workstation with a camera controller and audio mixer. When needed, the matrix routing allows control positions to be distributed and spaces to be combined into larger set-ups.

Complete solution

The project was delivered jointly by Mediatrade, an AV supplier and a network supplier. Careful design meant potential pitfalls were avoided in advance, and commissioning went quickly. Training enabled the system’s users to start working independently fast.

“Working with Mediatrade was smooth and professional. Their experts are easy to reach and respond quickly to changing needs,” sums up Arja Kuitunen.