University of Wales-Lampeter
Originally published by NewTek Europe

Specializing in the liberal arts, Lampeter has strong academic traditions in teaching and research dating from 1822. Located in rural Wales, an area of outstanding natural beauty, its modern Media Center houses a TV studio, adjoining sound studio, subtitling and digital editing facilities and a new multi-camera e-broadcasting unit centered around NewTek's VT[4].

NewTek Europe had the pleasure to chat with Geraint Davies, Manager of University of Wales-Lampeter's Media Center. Geraint has more than 20 years experience in video production for broadcast and corporate video.

What is your role at the Media Center?
As manager of the Center I am responsible for the day to day operation of the facilities which are available to Students and Academics at the University.

What are the aims of the Media Center for the Students?
We offer excellent technical training in all areas of Video production and post-production. Students are given access to a range of video equipment via a booking system and technical training in the use of the facilities is given in the Department of Film and Media practical production modules.

Is E-Broadcasting an option that was recently added to the curriculum?
E-broadcasting was added to the Multicamera / Studio Production classes to introduce students to a live mobile production environment.

How many students are enrolled?
There are approximately 30 students involved in the Multicamera course at undergraduate level. The Department of Film and Media’s M.A. Media Production is proving very attractive, and students who have successfully completed the multicamera modules are encouraged to act as crew on our on live web-cast productions, enhancing their VT[4] operating system skills with real-life experience.

What equipment did you work on prior to VT[4]?
The equipment we used previously was a Grass Valley 100 composite mixer. As the VT[4] is a software-based product it has advantages over the hardware driven devices.

Have you noticed more productivity since you started?
Yes. VT[4] is continuously being improved with feedback from users and there have been substantial changes from the VT[3] version, which improved both productivity and flexibility.

What does VT[4] have that made you integrate it into your production pipeline?
I was convinced that this was the way forward as VT[4] has converged multi-camera production with the RS- 8 vision switcher, making it as user friendly as possible.

Where is your VT[4] installed?
Our VT[4] was installed in our e-broadcast mobile unit and is integrated with our three KY-29W JVC component cameras. The flexibility of VT[4] enables us to add on more cameras if required.

What kind of events do you cover for webcasting?
Events have ranged from graduations, academic conferences and organizational Annual General Meetings to the annual Lampeter Food Festival. Most recently, we used it at the Fresh Welsh Film and Media Students’ Festival from which award ceremonies, lectures and panel discussions were broadcast. Our first ever webcast was our commencement ceremonies, streamed live from Lampeter to families in Europe, Africa, USA and China. Webcast conferences have elicited responses from Australia, Czechoslovakia, Botswana and many other places.

Which VT[4] tools do you use most?
The tools we use most are the quick playback and Chromakey. The students really like the RS-8 switcher interface.

Do you also use VT for titling motion graphics?
We rely heavily on the integrated CG Designer, which is essential to our production process.

What are you currently working on?
As well as facilitating the multi-camera production classes for the University’s Department of Film and Media, we are developing our links with community arts and media organizations, such as the Sleeping Giant Foundation, not only to assist in recording their productions but also to offer VT[4] and multi-camera training to other institutions.

Thank you Geraint for taking a moment in your very busy day; all the best for your students!

More information about the Film and Media studies at the University of Wales-Lampeter is available from the Media Center’s website: http://www.lamp.ac.uk/fm/