Control Room 101
The control room is the center of activity for the video board. Much like an
engine drives a car, the control room drives the video board. In it, one
would find the video board processor (which sizes the content for the sign),
fiber optic transmitter (which sends the content to the sign) and front-end
video equipment (which selects what content to send to the sign.)
Location
Typically, the control room is located in a dedicated area
of a stadium or arena. It can be located in or around the press
box overlooking the playing
surface or it can be located in an unused storage space or room that does
not provide a clear site line to the field. Either location
is acceptable.
Power and HVAC Requirements
For the majority of installations, existing electrical service
is adequate. A dedicated-15 amp breaker is ideal. Depending
upon equipment, power is
also needed at the camera locations. A controlled climate around 78 degrees
is recommended
to protect the integrity of the electronic equipment. For new construction
a dedicated thermostat for the control room is ideal. Some users have
removed equipment during off seasons where a controlled environment
is not an option.
Size Requirements
For an existing facility the control room furniture and equipment
placement is customized to fit the dedicated space. For new
construction under
most circumstances, a dedicated 10’ x 15’ room is ideal
Cable
Pathways
An unobstructed cable path or conduit is required from the control
room to the
PA announcer’s position, PA audio mixer or amplifier, and
desired camera locations. If using wireless cameras, cable paths
and conduits
are not necessary.
Camera Locations
Typical camera locations for football are the high 50 camera, high
end zone camera, and home team sideline. Baseball camera locations
consist
of high home
plate, first base dugout, and third base dugout. In basketball, cameras
are usually placed at high center court and on the floor under each
basket. A junction
box is located near each camera location, and short jumper cables
are run from each camera to its respective junction box.
Depending upon equipment, power is also needed at the camera locations.
Furniture
Professional video equipment racks are desired to house the
equipment. Wide arrays of options exist depending upon available
space.
Personnel
Depending upon equipment selections a control room can be manned
with two, three or four individuals plus camera operators.
Of course, this
does not
effect the operation of the public address announcer, timekeeper,
or scorekeeper and
it is recommended that they remain separated.
