The University of Gloucestershire recently called upon independent systems integrator, Tsl Systems, to revitalise its media studies faculty. This meant that the university received consultancy from TSL, alongside system design services, as part of a major project to provide a more creative experience for the students and improve the teaching environment.

Working to a strict budget and a tight timescale to meet the start of the academic year, TSL assisted the University in all aspects of the project, including structural requirements for sound proofing, signal management and lighting effects, as well as ergonomically empathic desk layout designs to enable lecturers to oversee the students’ production activities. In addition, the TSL team provided technical guidance for the requirement to move the small, cramped production gallery to a new location, resulting in a modern spacious production gallery facility with a layout that improves interaction between the students and teaching staff.

“We engaged TSL to review our facilities and provide a more immersive teaching environment for our television production course,” notes Nick Tallents, technical demonstrator, University of Gloucestershire.

“They worked with us to maximise the use of our existing equipment, whilst identifying key areas for workflow optimisation and integrating that within a new system. We now have a vibrant, modern facility that enables us to offer an enhanced learning experience with greater flexibility of studio use”

Utilising its knowledge of broadcast equipment and system integration, the TSL team also redesigned and rewired the rack to fully exploit the capabilities of existing products – including NewTek, Trilogy and JVC equipment – while identifying some key enhancement opportunities, such as the introduction of a Ross router to provide more flexibility for managing video and audio signals within the production workflow.

“Our considerable experience of working with educational facilities meant that we understood the myriad challenges that Nick and his team were facing, and we were well positioned to be able to a suggest cost-effective and engaging solution that would greatly improve the existing set-up,” says Chris Phillips, director of services, TSL Systems.  “Working closely and consultatively with both the University staff and their building contractor, we are proud to have delivered a very modern and flexible system both on time and within budget.”