In Australia, local government plays a crucial role in community engagement, decision-making, and the delivery of local area services.
Council chambers serve as the heart of this engagement, where elected representatives gather to discuss policies, budgets, and community issues.
Today, the traditional model of council meetings is evolving, driven by the need for transparency, accessibility, and efficiency.
Enter live video production facilities, which are transforming the way local governments conduct and constituents participate in meetings.
Live Video Production Facilities
Local councils are investing in live video production facilities to enhance their meetings' accessibility and transparency.
A robust live video production solution will include cameras and microphones and live video production equipment or software.
The system will likely be supported by a content management system to store and facilitate easy access to recordings.
Key Features of Live Video Production
Here is a list of some of the critical considerations that Councils should assess when stepping into or upgrading their video streaming solution.
- High-quality video capture
Pan Tilt Zoom (PTZ) camera technology provides an ideal solution for capture.
The choices include:
- Zoom lens range to correctly frame wide and close-up shots
- The number of cameras required can include consideration of using fewer cameras with framing presets. This allows one camera to cover more than one angle
- The streaming codec chosen determines the best compromise between image quality and LAN bandwidth requirements.
- Ethernet connectivity using power over ethernet PoE provides reliable and simple configuration. - High-quality audio
The choice of microphones and their location are considerations that impact the legibility of speech. - High-quality streaming
The quality of the video stream is fundamental to a positive user experience.
- Images and sound must be crisp and free of artifacts and drop-outs.
- The choice of live video production hardware and software is an important consideration that can impact both quality and reliability. For further reading, check out Epiphan Video's blog on Hardware vs. Software Encoding. - Audio Video recording
Different systems offer different recording capabilities and levels of integration with CMSs to record live feeds. - Live video production layouts
This is where dedicated live video production hardware like Epiphan Pearl excels.
- Preset layouts can be created to arrange different views, picture-in-picture views, titles and closed captions.
- The whole production can be run simply by switching between layouts to feature the most relevant streaming and recording content.
- Separate feeds can be created for local monitors, recording and live feeds. - Multi-Platform Broadcasting
- Many options are available for sharing content, all of which can be chosen according to the event’s significance and levels of public interest.
- Popular platforms that reach the broadest audience are well known, such as YouTube and social media networks. - Easy Access to Archives
- Content Management Systems allow Councils considerable control over layers of secure access to different internal and external views based on the content for both live and catch-up viewing.
- Recorded meetings can be stored and indexed, allowing residents to revisit discussions or catch up on topics they missed. This fosters accountability and enables a deeper understanding of local governance. - Interactive Capabilities
- Modern video production setups allow for real-time audience interaction, such as live polls or Q&A sessions. If desired, this can facilitate more active community participation.
Example Technical Set-Up
Challenges and Considerations
- While the benefits are clear, implementing live video production facilities does come with challenges.
- Councils must ensure that they have the right technology and infrastructure in place, which may require significant investment.
- Additionally, training staff to effectively use these technologies is crucial for maintaining professionalism and quality during broadcasts.
- Privacy and security are other considerations. Councils need to establish guidelines to protect sensitive information while promoting open access to discussions. Balancing transparency with confidentiality is essential in maintaining public trust.
Conclusion
Meetings in council chambers are pivotal in shaping local governance and community involvement in Australia. By embracing live video production facilities, local governments can enhance accessibility, foster transparency, and encourage greater participation. As technology continues to advance, the potential for even more innovative solutions to engage residents is vast.
Ultimately, integrating live video solutions is not just about technology; it’s about creating a more connected and informed community. Local councils that invest in these systems are not only keeping pace with modern expectations but also setting the stage for a more inclusive democratic process. As Australian communities continue to grow and evolve, local governments must adapt to ensure every voice is heard, every opinion valued, and every citizen engaged.
Suggested Products and Solutions
APT AV PTZ Cameras
The extensive range of APT AV IP and Videoconferencing cameras includes a range of PTZ cameras. Two of these are being used in local government and similar situations where fixed-location cameras are setup to cover meetings and events.
- 4K Ultra High Definition capture and output
- A choice of powerful 25X or 31X zooms, or a 12X ultra-wide-angle zoom lens
- Choice of NDI network protocol to facilitate low-latency, high-quality video streaming over ethernet
- Full HD resolution capture and output
- A choice of 20X or 12X Ultra-Wide Angle Zoom lenses
- NDI option
Epiphan Pearl
Epiphan Pearl is the easiest and most reliable way to produce live video productions. Pearl is the ultimate system for maximum versatility with multi-encoding, multi-camera streaming, recording, custom layouts, switching, and more.
- Pearl-2™ brings the pro features and processing power required for the most demanding live events, including 4K streaming and recording, live switching, NDI support, and chroma keying.
- Connect up to 6 sources to encode and stream one 4K or up to six 1080p programs.
- Designed with flexibility in mind, Nexus fits at the centre of video workflows, seamlessly integrated with all the hardware and software used in professional AV environments.
- Connect up to three sources to encode and stream three 1080p programs.
Aurora Multimedia provides a wide range of AV hardware and accessories to facilitate the connection and distribution of Audio Video content within professional AV installations.
- Aurora’s large range of AV over IP hardware devices allows sophisticated control over AV distribution and display.
- The range of AV over IP products is designed to meet the needs of professional AV applications. Their solutions include both 10G and 1G AV over IP transceivers, which are capable of handling high-quality audio and video transmission over IP networks. These products are known for their state-of-the-art technology and innovative features, making them suitable for demanding applications while keeping projects on budget.
- Aurora Multimedia offers innovative HDBaseT solutions that are designed to enhance professional audiovisual applications. These solutions include advanced technologies that surpass typical specifications and features, providing a comprehensive range of products for various AV needs.
- For example, Aurora Multimedia's HDBaseT solutions include the HT Pro Series, which features the HT-TX1-WP2 and HT-TC1 transceiver box units. These products support uncompressed 4K60 4:4:4 video transmission over a single unshielded CAT cable with zero frame latency. They also offer advanced capabilities such as an Audio Return Channel (ARC), an integrated web server for remote IP control, 480Mbps USB 2.0 with directional control, 1Gbps LAN, and the world's first Dante option for 2 or 8-channel Dante.
About Epiphan
Epiphan Video provides award-winning, purpose-built hardware solutions that help your business create impactful video content.
The Epiphan Pearl range of hardware encoders is the ultimate system for maximum versatility with multi-encoding, multi-streaming, recording, custom layouts, switching, and more. It’s ideal for use in live event production, enterprise communication or lecture capture in higher education.
AP Tech is the authorised Australian distributor of Epiphan Video products. Every Epiphan solution from AP Tech is backed by local warranty and support.
About APT AV
APT AV videoconferencing and IP cameras comprise a wide range of products and accessories for professional and business applications. The range has been curated and sourced from one of the leading worldwide manufacturers, Minrray, specifically for the Australian and New Zealand markets.
The APT AV range is designed and manufactured to deliver excellent image quality, professional-standard durability, configurability, systems integration compatibility and outstanding value for money.
AP Tech is an authorised Australian distributor of APT AV products. Every solution is backed by local warranty and support.
About Aurora
Aurora is about genuine problem-solving innovation. From the introduction of the industry’s first non-proprietary, Web-standards-based IP control systems and touch panels to today’s advanced HDBaseT™ and IP video distribution solutions. The technology patents we hold and the copying behaviour of some of the AV industry’s biggest brands underline Aurora’s leadership.
The result is Aurora Multimedia products and state-of-the-art technologies most often surpass competitive specification and feature benchmarks.