Full Nelson Video Streamlines Remote Interview Production with AJA U-TAP

AJA U-TAP SDI is a 3G-SDI USB 3.0 capture device that delivers professional connectivity and high-quality video capture on laptops and workstations.

Due to the social distancing that marks the COVID-19 pandemic around the world, the production of remote interviews is the order of the day. To respond to this challenge Geoff Nelson, at the head of the Seattle-based audiovisual services company, Full Nelson Video, is using the technology of AJA in his contributions to large networks such as CBS, CNBC, Warner Media or NBC.

Nelson has established a plug-and-play workflow based on technology that can easily fit into a small production case, including a video capture device AJA U-TAP SDI.

In early 2020, the volume of remote interviews Nelson was producing began to grow, so he looked for a more efficient way to streamline setup and production. "I like to call myself an equipment provider, so I enjoy looking for the latest and greatest technology that can help give my clients the best image possible and separate my product from the competition. I knew there had to be a better way to convey the interview to my clients than with the computer camera, which required a lot of background and frame adjustments," shares Nelson. "On the recommendation of a friend, I ordered a U-TAP and it turned out to be the right piece of technology. I no longer have to spend time preparing and lighting the computer camera for these interviews because the U-TAP is so plug-and-play that it makes it easy to move a clean camera into production."

Además de su habitual complemento de iluminación, Nelson utiliza un pequeño soporte, un MacBook y U-TAP SDI. Usando el equipo de AJA es capaz de capturar la señal de la cámara con mejores controles de enfoque, encuadre e iluminación than what a computer camera can offer. Nelson sends his HD footage to the laptop via USB 3.0, which is then incorporated into a Zoom feed for the director to review while the interview occurs in real time. With a small mixer, you are able to send multiple camera angles through the U-TAP. "The setup is ideal because it's so quick to get up and running. And everyone involved in the production, regardless of their location, can get the camera lens view of the interview by watching the live feed. There's no guessing about what the final image will look like."

Having used U-TAP in a series of interviews, Nelson expressed an unexpected advantage he has found. “One of the great things about U-TAP is the ability to make a SDI loop, so I can send the camera feed to an external monitor, where I can do quality control by checking real-world color and exposure levels versus relying on just one monitor. This way I can reduce the production team. I prepare everything like a normal interview and start the U-TAP. The loop out functionality is essential and even allows me to leave the room, if requested, with the ability to monitor remotely.”

In addition to the U-TAP, Nelson has used converters DOG FIDO in previous projects that required SDI signal conversion to fiber optic for transporting video over long distances. "Whether it's FiDO, U-TAP or some other AJA solution, one thing you can rely on from AJA is its reliability. That gives me peace in the new year, as I hope that even as we emerge from the pandemic, the efficiencies broadcasters have found in producing remote interviews and the savings on travel costs will keep demand for live remote interviews strong." As you do, I am confident that I am well equipped to handle the continuous flow of requests,” he concludes.