Minnesota Orchestra
The Challenge
The Minnesota Orchestra has been playing for over 100 years and spent half of that time at their downtown Minneapolis hall. As beautiful as it stands, it wasn’t built to withstand the A/V challenges that come with livestreaming their intricate performances. At the start of Covid, they had a standard definition video system that was ill-equipped to handle 21st century video needs. The MNO needed to upgrade to HD video so they can grow their membership and showcase the sound of music worldwide.
The Solution
Z Systems spent months meticulously planning and testing PTZ cameras and lenses to find the best combination for MNO’s A/V needs. The new cameras needed to capture well in low-light, have minimal operating noise, and provide an astonishing picture for their broadcast. After much experimentation, Z Systems installed 4 Panasonic AK-UB300 cameras with Fujinon UHD lenses, all of which are remotely controlled with a Ross Furio system. 2 Panasonic AW-UE150 High-end PTZ cameras were also installed to fit into smaller spaces throughout the hall. These all feed into a Ross Carbonite Ultra switching system equipped with a router and recorder.
The Outcome
The swift installation during the Orchestra’s summer break allowed for the hall to start streaming in the fall. Monthly performances have become a mainstay on the orchestra’s Youtube channel, and Z Systems is proud to be a part of their most viewed performance. With 4K cameras installed, the MNO also has an easy path to UHD broadcasts in their future.
