COMS adds HD broadcast truck

The Liberty University digital media program is expanding its potential for high quality television with the addition of a high-definition remote broadcasting truck.

Previously, the Communication Department worked with a temporary truck that had video equipment inside. However, Chancellor Falwell approved a more specialized production vehicle in June, according to Bruce Braun, the executive director of the School of Communication’s Media Production Group.

The truck’s first official use was Saturday, Oct. 27, at a lacrosse match on East Campus.

“The new high-definition remote truck provides opportunities for communications students to produce events anywhere on and off campus in (High Definition) that may be aired live on our Liberty TV Channel,” Braun said.

The truck is designed with a wide array of production equipment, including four high-definition cameras, an audio mixing station, a robotic camera, video and audio routing and distribution, a built-in generator, and much more, according to Braun.

With use of the truck, students will be able to produce content for events like club sports, concerts and NCAA basketball away games, according to truck manager Wes Albers. He is responsible for overseeing the proper use of all equipment while maintaining a smooth production environment.

“We are so grateful for the addition of this new remote truck,” Norman Mintle, the dean of the School of Communication, said. “The truck provides our students with a hands-on opportunity to learn multi-camera production techniques. Many jobs in the media production world are studio-related.”

The broadcasting department recently gained professor Pamela Miller, a veteran academic and media professional, whose experience will help accelerate learning opportunities for all broadcasting students.

“The reality is that in this day of changing technology, we have to give as many hands-on opportunities for learning as possible,” Miller said. “The truck and other opportunities like crewing the weekly convocations will do just that. Students will leave with good resume material.”

Communication majors and volunteers have the opportunity to operate the truck’s equipment during productions, which Braun said will be available as a practicum, internship or work study opportunity.

During the lacrosse match against Lynchburg College, most of the coverage took place on the field, but the remainder was handled primarily from the truck. Inside the truck, student director Merrianne McLeod quickly called out camera directions. Large screens displayed several real- time shots of the game as the production crew switched between video and audio feeds.

With the equipment already built into the truck, pre-production time is reduced and the overall ease and quality of production is increased, according to Liberty junior Stephen Fogleman.

Additionally, a high-definition conversion of the Vines Center control room video systems is currently in the planning stage, according to Braun.

“Our goal is to constantly provide all our students with learning opportunities that will serve them in their next calling, wherever God may take them,” Mintle said.