AJA Helo and ROI redefine video calls in broadcast environments

By combining the AJA Helo H.264 streamer/recorder and the AJA ROI converter with the VCC video call production platform, it is possible to have high-quality professional live video calls.

Widespread accessibility to Internet connection and high-quality smart device cameras have led the live and self-managed interviews at the forefront of modern television.

As the world's population continues to shift toward a remote workforce, the role of these interviews is growing rapidly. Most remote interviews originate outside of traditional studio environments with dedicated camera setups, and instead rely on smartphone, tablet or laptop cameras to capture video. Integrating these real-time shots into a broadcast-quality production introduces a number of challenges that the Video Call Center (VCC) aims to solve for content producers.

Combining existing tools such as the streamer/recorder AJA Helo H.264 and the AJA ROI mini converter With the proprietary VCC video call production platform, the company The VCC amplía las capacidades de producción de clientes como A&E, Discovery Networks, FOX, TLC, Vice y WWE con flujos de trabajo y servicios de producción remota y automatizada de vídeo de alta calidad.

VCC solutions make it easy for productions to source, manage and integrate broadcast-quality, low-latency video feeds from any number of callers on a smartphone, laptop or tablet into live or recorded programming.

During live shows, VCC works to optimize each remote as needed based on the specific smart device, calling apps, and Internet connection, and adjust lighting, angles and other parameters to ensure a clean, high-quality video feed. This process often takes seconds or minutes.

NFL Draft

If time permits, as in the case of space production NFL Draft Employed by VCC since earlier this year, the VCC team can guide participants through a test call on the main broadcast. In this case, the system Call Manager Pro (CMP) The VCC is used to launch and manage video call sources, and run a final test call using an available endpoint. Once launched, the call is monitored using the AJA Helo output.

The AJA ROI converter allows output of standard video raster size and frame rate from a variety of devices with non-standard video raster and makes it easy to add audio. When ready to transmit the call, the VCC simply notifies the customer control room and power is sent through the facility hardware for seamless production switching.

For NFL Draft, VCC has helped produce Live video interviews with up to 58 remote guests who were waiting from home for the live connection. Prior to the event, athletes received an iPhone kit, and the VCC worked with each one on shot framing and connection testing through a series of dress rehearsal calls. On NFL Draft night, interviewees waited in the digital rooms and were given a two-minute warning before going on air. Working from their respective homes, VCC call producers assigned taps to the appropriate endpoint through Queue Manager and using Call Manager Pro launched the call and configured it to ensure a stable signal before handing it off to the NFL. As part of VCC's toolkit for video remotes, Helo played a crucial role in monitoring the quality of all video calls.

“Previously, call producers had to be in the same location, but Helo provides an alternative, allowing call producers to remotely monitor feeds in real time from anywhere. Helo It is one of my favorite tools. It allows us to run our business the way we want, while also allowing our customers to reap the full benefits of our solutions; “We can monitor, quality and control frames from anywhere with an Internet connection, without adding additional latency,” he says. Jackie Lennon, marketing director at The VCC.

“Having that flexibility is crucial, and we also appreciate the option to record simultaneously with Helo,” he adds.

The AJA ROI mini converter has also proven to be a constant workhorse for The VCC, as it allows video outputs and is compatible with a wide range of audio formats that customers request. He added: “ROI niniconverters are critical to ensuring stable, high-fidelity remote video output and give us the flexibility to adapt to audiovisual needs and match formats across our customers’ facilities.”

While most of VCC's 30-plus Helo units are located at customer facilities, a few remain at its headquarters for customers using its Host Automation Tool (HAT). The VCC HAT workflow allows call producers, a line producer, and a host to run a complete broadcast-quality program. With the system, customers can produce a program with video calls from anywhere, and call producers can enhance broadcasts as they can view the video output using the Helo to monitor the broadcast remotely.