Swagit's Cosmos Broadcast Systems

Built upon years of industry experience, Cosmos is a complete package of cameras and pro video-switching equipment that enables any client to fully outsource the production and operation of a multiple camera broadcast system to Swagit.

During the meetings or events, Swagit personnel will operate the Cosmos system remotely from their facility in Plano, Texas. The Cosmos system enables Swagit to control and switch from camera to camera depending on events taking place. When bundled with Swagit EASE, Cosmos can offer a full end-to-end "hands-free" webcasting solution that requires no client staff involvement for the operation, broadcast and streaming of an event or meeting content.

Cosmos enables detailed direct camera positioning (pan, tilt, zoom, focus, and more), preset-positions, and video settings (white balance, backlight, brightness) for the robotic cameras. Additionally, Cosmos communicates with the switcher to allow direct operation of the 'wipe' function from the camera control GUI. With this powerful package you or Swagit can control all your cameras individually and switch video sources on a video switcher locally or remotely. Cosmos is an invaluable integration of camera-control with switcher operations for use with live production setups like city chambers, churches, meeting rooms, and more.

Cosmos includes 2-4+ robotic (computer-controllable pan/tilt/zoom) cameras and you can choose from two main types: either single-chip (Sony EVI-D80) or 3-chip (Sony BRC-300) depending on your needs and budget. These popular Sony robotic cameras have excellent video quality and performance. Panning through wide angles of motion, tilting through large ranges, superb optical zoom, and dual video output of Y/C and composite. They also support both RS232 and RS422 (long distance over 1000 meters) control signals. In addition the EVI-D70 cameras can be mounted either 'up' or 'hanging upside down' for your convenience (they have built-in reversal of the picture and left/right/up/down motion controls).

Cosmos Case Study #1: Addison, Texas

Addison’s unique solution for a challenging problem was Cosmos. Addison faced three key problems; 1) the town did not have the staff resources to operate broadcasting and streaming equipment, 2) the town doesn't have a PEG or any other broadcasting station, and 3) the town wanted a complete hands-free end-to-end solution for displaying town meetings online.

Swagit's solution for the town provides complete hands-free remote operation of a multiple camera broadcast system, including a video switcher and audio mixer. In addition to the remote broadcast system (Cosmos) and with the inclusion of Swagit's Extensible Automated Streaming Engine (EASE), Swagit is able to control, broadcast and stream town meetings without the need for any Addison staff. It is all done from Swagit's headquarters in Plano, Texas.

Addison citizens expect the best and latest technology on their town's website. Adding the on-demand feature will improve citizens' accessibility to videos of town council and planning commission meetings and improve access to agenda information for these public meetings.

Cosmos Case Study #2: Richardson, Texas

The City of Richardson began live broadcasting of City Council meetings and work sessions as part of a wide-ranging transparency in government initiative that is included in the City Council’s 2009-2011 Statement of Goals. The live broadcast is available to Time Warner Cable subscribers on channel 16 and streamed on the City’s Web site, www.cor.net.

The City contracted with Swagit Productions, LLC as the video streaming service provider according to Richardson’s Chief Information Officer Steve Graves. "We have installed two wall-mounted cameras in the City Council Chamber and the work session room," Graves said. "During the meetings, Swagit personnel will operate them remotely from their facility and can zoom in and switch from camera to camera depending on who is speaking. The broadcast signal goes through a switch that sends it to Swagit and also to our cable television channel."

Graves explained that the live Web cast is routed through a City computer server and is recorded as it is being sent to Swagit.

"If for some reason the live Internet connection is lost, we have a saved copy that can be posted on our site," he said.

As a work session or Council meeting is streaming live on the Web, Swagit employees tag each agenda item. At the conclusion of the meeting, they create an index on the City’s Web site and visitors can choose to view individual agenda items rather than watch the entire video. Council and work session meetings will be archived on the site for up to two years. The City’s cable channel 16 will replay taped broadcasts.