TCAN boosts its streaming broadcasts with Broadcast Pix’s BPswitch FX6

The Broadcast Pix BPswitch FX6 production switcher has enabled the Center for Arts in Natick MA (TCAN) to multiply its production via streaming.

TCAN is a non-profit performing arts center that offers a wide variety of arts programs to audiences in the MetroWest and Greater Boston areas of Massachusetts. It is a regular touring venue for national artists such as The Smithereens, Jefferson Starship, Tom Rush, Anais Mitchell and Shawn Colvin. The venue also offers comedy shows, children’s shows and classical music concerts.

In order to boost its streaming capabilities in times of Covid-19, the team led by David Lavalley, TCAN’s executive director, decided to install the BPswitch FX6 production switcher. Ockers Company handled the integration, which was funded by the Foundation for Metrowest and MetroWest Subaru.

BPswitch FX6

The BPswitch FX6 switcher features a full set of playout and streaming tools, hybrid SDI and IP I/O, eight channels of clips and integrated graphics, and stores up to 180 hours of content. In its day-to-day operation, the system receives signals from three Sony BRCH800 PTZ cameras.

The experience with the Broadcast Pix system, as Lavalley himself conveys, has been completely satisfactory: “The BPswitch enables us to easily stream and record video from the three cameras and the built-in transitions and clip library are invaluable for creating a professional and branded look for our live streams.” Lavalley also highlights the ease of use of the switcher, which switcher “allows a single video operator to set individual camera angles and mix to the final output without the need for additional tech staff.” In addition, “it is also small and portable enough to fit into our production space and was priced within our budget.”

While TCAN has now reopened, Lavalley confirms that he expects the system to continue to be used even with audiences in the room, allowing them to “expand our capacity beyond the 280 seats in the room, to an unlimited online audience.”