HomeMy WebLinkAbout5.F.5. New Graphics System for Government Access Channel
s.~ r:
City of Shakopee
. Memorandum COt~SEl~T
TO: Mayor and City Council
Mark McNeill, City Administrator
FROM: John Peterson, Telecommunications Coordinato~
SUBJECT: New Graphics System for Government Access Channel
DATE: March 10,2010
Introduction
The Council is asked to consider a recommendation from the Telecommunications Advisory
Commission to purchase a new graphics system for the Government Access Channel.
Background
The Government Access Channel has a graphics system that enhances our broadcast of
government meetings by providing the name and date of the meeting along the top of the screen
and the name of the person speaking and agenda item being discussed along the bottom of the
screen. The current graphics computer, which wa,s purchased in November of2006, has been
experiencing technical difficulties for some time. The most notable problem is that the system
. locks up in the middle of meetings, forcing the camera operator to manually reboot the system
causing a break in the graphic coverage and creating a visual flicker that goes out live.
Staff has made several attempts over the last couple years to correct the issue and keep the
system functional. These attempts have included several hours on the phone with tech support,
software upgrades and patches, and mailing the system out for a rebuild and reset to factory
settings. Some of the attempts have yielded a few weeks of success but the system never seems
to get fully corrected and the issue has always reappeared. Over the last few months the issue is
occurring on a more regular basis.
The Telecommunications Advisory Commission has considered several options for replacement
and is recommending purchase of a Broadcast Pix Slate 1000 system. In addition to replacing the
failing graphics computer, this system will also replace and expand our existing video switcher
and eliminate all existing preview and program monitors replacing them with one multi view
monitor. It also has the ability to replace our existing camera control unit in the future.
In addition to the Broadcast Pix system, the quote includes some reorganization of the Chamber
control room to accommodate the new equipment and better organize several past purchases that
were placed wherever they would fit at the time of purchase. This reorganization will create a
better environment for the cable technicians and provide for easier operation and monitoring.
Lastly, the quote includes the purchase and installation of a "confidence monitor" for the
. Chamber. This monitor will be mounted on the back wall near the on-air light to allow meeting
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participants to see when they are on camera and allow them to wait or move if they need a
. private moment.
Future Plans
As a follow-up to this purchase, the Telecommunications Commission is planning to explore the
purchase of new cameras for the Council Chambers in 2011. This would allow for the use of the
full features of the Broadcast Pix system, including the camera control functions references
above. It would also be an opportunity to increase the number of cameras and improve our
camera angles. Preliminary estimates indicate purchase and installation of six new standard
definition cameras will cost approximately $30,000. This project would be presented to Council
for approval at some point in 2011 and would again be funded by the PEG Fund.
Budget
The proposed purchase ofa Broadcast Pix System would be funded out of the City's PEG fund.
Money in this fund is collected by Comeast under the terms of our franchise agreement and
passed through to the City. It may only be used for capital purchases for the Public, Educational
and Government Access channels.
The following is a breakdown of the cost of the proposed project, as quoted by Alpha Video:
$25,805 Broadcast Pix System
$1,985 Audio components
$1,080 Chamber confidence monitor & mount
. $7.570 Labor and materials
$38,945.25 Project total. Includes tax but does not include shipping.
The PEG fund has a current balance of$43,886. While this purchase would significantly reduce
that balance, we will receive additional PEG funds each quarter for an estimated total of $30,000
in revenue in 2010. No further PEG fund purchases are anticipated in 2010.
Alpha Video is one of only two Broadcast Pix vendors in the state and is on the University of
Minnesota purchasing contract, which the City participates in.
Recommendation
The Telecommunications Advisory Commission is recommending that the Council authorize the
purchase and installation of a Broadcast Pix system, with related labor, materials and equipment,
as outlined in the proposal submitted by Alpha Video, at a cost not to exceed $40,000.
Action Requested
Council is asked to approve the purchase and installation of a Broadcast Pix system, with related
labor, materials and equipment, as outlined in the proposal submitted by Alpha Video, at a cost
not to exceed $40,000.
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