MNN is excited to announce the rebuild of MNN's studios at our 59th Street location. Find below answers for all your frequently asked questions.

Why is MNN Rebuilding the 59th Street Studios?

Technology and media are changing rapidly, and MNN wants to ensure that local community voices have access to the best possible production and broadcast environment to disseminate their message. This means all-digital production and transmission systems, better graphics, new monitors, higher-resolution video, new audio systems and the ability to link MNN studio productions to social media platforms. This HD digital build-out and the associated training will significantly enhance the ability of MNN producers to meet the rising expectations of viewers for high-quality programming that serves the needs and interests of Manhattan's diverse communities.

When is MNN Shutting Down the 59th Street Studios and How Long is the Rebuild Going to Take?

Effective December 3, 2012, MNN will be shutting down the Open and Closed studios at 59th Street. The rebuild will take several months. Once the ground floor studios are complete, MNN will begin upgrading the Express Studios on the 2nd floor.

Is MNN Changing the Formats for Program Submissions?

No. MNN will continue to accept mini-DV/DVCAM, DVDs and files submitted via FTP.

Will MNN Producers Still be Able to Record and Submit DVDs?

Producers will continue to be able to record and submit DVDs.

What is Going to Happen to My Show if I Can't Use the Large Studios at 59th Street?

During the rebuild of the Open and Closed studios at 59th Street, current MNN Open and Closed studio producers may use the MNN El Barrio Firehouse Community Media Center on 104th Street in East Harlem. There is one three-camera studio and one two-camera studio available. Firehouse studio times are Noon-9pm Monday through Friday and noon to 8pm on Saturday. MNN staff will facilitate your entire production at the Firehouse. You will book Firehouse studios just like you would book studios at 59th Street.

MNN will begin taking December's studio reservations for live shows starting on Monday, November 5. Reservations for all other shoots begin Monday, November 12. Simply call 212-757-2670 x314 or x318 to make your reservation. All producers interested in shooting at the MNN El Barrio Firehouse must complete Firehouse Orientation. We have set up seven different dates and times. Please sign up here. http://www.mnn.org/forms/mnn-el-barrio-firehouse-orientation-59th-street-studio-users

What New Equipment are you Installing?

MNN will be installing state-of-the-art HD equipment, including new studio cameras, new switchers, new control rooms, a new character generator and motion graphics system, new phone systems and new furnishings for the control rooms. MNN is also introducing the Sony NX5U field camera and tripod. This is a tapeless HD user-friendly camera that is not a far reach from the Sony PD 150.

When Do MNN Producers Get Retrained?

The Sony NX5U recertification and training classes are slated to begin in December. MNN's Training & Facilitation Department will send out notices when the classes are scheduled. Studio training will start in 2013. The Training & Facilitation Department will be announcing those classes and contacting producers based on studio usage and programming format.

Will MNN Cablecast in HD?

No date is set. The first step is getting MNN 59th Street studios rebuilt and HD-ready. Then, working with cable operators like Time Warner Cable, MNN will plan on rolling out an HD cablecast channel.