ATK Versacom Adopts Virtual Intercom for Remote Production

RTS VLink software allows ATK Versacom continue producing major live events even as the coronavirus pandemic spread around the world.

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ATK Versacom Adopts Virtual Intercom for Remote Production

When the COVID-19 pandemic struck, the entire live event industry ground to a halt. Yet ironically, the lockdown created even stronger demand for entertainment.

Faced with high content demand and strict safety protocols, ATK Versacom of Valencia, Calif., set out to develop new tools and techniques for remotely producing broadcast-worthy live events.

Intercoms for large productions are an ATK Versacom specialty, routinely handling hundreds of audio pathways via RTS digital matrix systems and keypanels. But with talent and crew in lockdown, an outside-the-box solution was needed.

Related: How AV Technology Will Transform Trade Shows and Live Events Forever

The answer was VLink, an online virtual intercom matrix, also by RTS. RTS offers a free 30-day trial of the VLink online virtual intercom matrix.

“It got a little scary as we scrambled to figure out how to generate some kind of revenue in this new world,” said ATK Versacom general manager Jim Fay. “That meant finding the devices and applying technology so people could do their jobs away from the set.

“Communication becomes even more critical in that situation,” he said.

How RTS VLink Helps ATK Versacom

ATK Versacom technical development manager Juan Gallardo partnered with audio specialist Sean Prickett of Drop Ship Audio to develop dedicated “flypacks” for remote production. They designed a system of audio and computer gear, all pre-wired into a large Pelican case.

Software elements like the VLink intercom were preprogrammed onto a tablet. They also produced a cheat sheet – a laminated set of instructions – so that even the technology-challenged could connect remotely.

Once the flypack was delivered, all the talent had to do was open the case, plug it in and follow the directions, using their own earphones and an Internet connection.

Gallardo and Prickett developed the system for the season finale of a top TV singing competition. After a few lessons learned and some insightful streamlining, they had a production audio system that could produce live events in real time with seamless communication.

RTS VLink

The show’s tech team were very happy with the VLink solution. Fay credits RTS VLink with being a key element, noting it essentially provides the same functionality as an RTS KP-5032 key panel, enabling traditional intercom functionality without interfering with talent performances.

As a result, ATK Versacom is as busy now as they were before the pandemic. Their productions have included this year’s major space launch and political convention coverage.

The new audio production system, with comms powered by RTS VLink, will also be a key element on the upcoming season of another high-rating vocal talent TV show, with the performers and audience interacting live between separate locations.

“It just shows you how creative people can be, adapting to this extreme situation,” said Fay. “Remote production is the new reality, and with tools like VLink, we can still produce amazing content.”

 

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