Jasco Broadcast Solutions has implemented a broadcast learning studio at the University of the Free State (UFS) for its film and media students, rivalling that of a commercial operation. It is providing the UFS’ arts, media, drama and film students with access to the latest equipment and technology in a broadcast working environment that is rapidly changing.
 
Says Dr Pieter Venter of UFS’ film and visual media school: “This investment was driven by the need to provide a broader platform of opportunity to the UFS students. With the emergence of digital technology, industries are converging and the lines between theatre, film, television, media, marketing and agency outputs are blurring.  Even though these sectors and disciplines are now more integrated, the roles in each are also more specialised. “The 80m2 studio provides a ‘black box’ for our students to gain practical skills – from creating sitcoms to studio work or radio broadcasting. The studio will initially be tightly coupled with Film and Media honours studies, allowing students to produce a short film from start to finish, manage lighting, sound, editing and more. However, it will also be used by undergraduate students specialising in particular aspects of media production in their third year.”
 
The UFS Film and Media centre comprises a stage, a studio, video and audio control rooms, as well as a ‘cine’ hall for screenings. The equipment supplied by Jasco Broadcast Solutions includes four Sony PXW-X160 cameras for in-studio work; Shure audio equipment (microphones); Manfrotto tripods; a Neutek Tricaster Video Switcher for the control room; a Soundcraft Audio Mixer with JBL speakers for the audio control room; and a Panasonic Video Projector with a 7.1 Dolby surround processor with JBL speakers for the viewing room. The UFS has also acquired four Sony HXR-NX3 Video cameras with accessories for field work.
 
“The studio was completed in August 2015 and as such, we are still in the development stage. Students are just getting to grips with the equipment yet we are already seeing much higher standards in terms of output,” says Dr Venter.
 
Jasco Broadcast Solutions played an important role in the specification of equipment. Says Dr Venter: “The co-operation of the Jasco team was outstanding. They brought all their working knowledge – expertise and experience gained with large and small commercial broadcasters in South Africa – to the project, helping us identify exactly what we required in terms of functionality whilst also gearing us to scale up or extend our capabilities in the future.
 
“Jasco’s commitment and willingness to go the extra mile ensured a smooth implementation.  We now have a strong foundation in place to support the re-alignment of our media, drama and related courses to accommodate new developments in the industry.” Says Paul Divall, Managing Director of Broadcast Solutions at the Jasco Group, “It’s been a privilege to help the UFS design and set up its Film and Media centre, assisting to nurture a new pool of broadcast skills for the industry. It will provide students with a practical head start in an industry that is becoming increasingly important as digital takes hold and more people consume visual media in every aspect of their daily lives.
 
“Jasco’s 20 years’ experience with leading brands and technologies stood us in good stead with the design and commissioning of the UFS centre. We look forward to a long relationship with the UFS as it helps to develop new talent for the local industry.”