Tyrone, Hector, Geoff and I are heading back to New York from a long week at the NAB conference in fabulous Las Vegas. I feel as though I need to add a "baby" in there at the end but I will refrain. NAB, National Association of Broadcasters, holds an annual conference in Las Vegas bringing together television stations from all over the world. The conference draws over 30,000 participants from thousands of televisions stations all over the world. Close to 5,000 vendors show up to show off there wares and demonstrate the latest and greatest in technology.
MNN was there to look at the latest in equipment so that we can continue to expand our services to you. More specifically we tackle several areas. Geoff looked at field cameras and microphones. Hector researched new Master Control equipment to keep us on the air, Tyrone had meetings with just about everyone (CG, switching, routing) and I primarily focused on automation systems.
Hector, Tyrone and I focused on many of the "behind the scenes" aspects of MNN. Items like playout automation and video routing. I also looked at new CG (Character Generator) systems to replace our hideous On-air schedule (I can't wait to get rid of that old system). Many of the items were looked at are not the most glamorous pieces of television production but are absolutely necessary in order to keep MNN on the air. We are also looking to move MNN into the digital future away from VHS and into full Digital files.
In order to reach that digital goal, however, we have a lot of hurdles to overcome and even more planning. With 8 playout channels (4 on Time Warner and 4 on RCN) playing 24x7x365 with few repeats their is a lot of equipment, cabling and racks involved not to mention several companies and vendors. If would be wonderful if you could buy a "Television in a box" it would be great but unfortunately you can't. You need modulators, encoders/decoders, automation systems, decks, servers, scopes, and the list goes on and on...
Everything and I mean everything is under one roof once a year at NAB. It is an amazing conference.
Did you know?
- That MNN is known worldwide?
- Wherever I travel people have heard of MNN and the amazing talent that comes from it (and of the crazy shows on it too). In fact, I just responded to two emails from students in South Korea who were studying public access (MNN is mentioned in textbooks in South Korea!)
- That Big Networks like CBS and ESPN are surprised by the amount of content we air
- Seriously. I have talked with people from many of the large networks and they are amazed that with such a small staff we are able to receive, play, and manage the volume of programming that we do. Our Programming staff of just over 10 people handles a flow of 150 pieces of media and the scheduling of over 80 hours of original programming every day! It is a feat that is matched by only a few television stations in the world!
I am proud to go to these conferences to represent and talk about Manhattan Neighborhood Network. The services we provide are unmatched by anyone in the world and how we are able to provide them on our relatively small budget is amazing. What makes MNN really great though is YOU! The producers of MNN provide amazing material that quickly becomes known around the nation and often around the world.
We may only cablecast within the borough of Manhattan but the work is known worldwide because we stream live online. You are the reason!
Wait.. did you just say you weren't a producer? What are you waiting for... come in, get training and get on air!