How to Create a Professional Studio?
The broadcasting industry is constantly evolving, and if you want to produce high-quality audio and video content, setting up a professional studio is essential. However, this process requires technical knowledge, the right equipment, and the effective use of modern technologies.
Step 1: Define the Broadcast
First, you need to determine how many people will be in the studio and the type of program planned. Program types may include news, interactive shows, documentaries, sports, children’s shows, educational programs, cooking shows, entertainment, talk shows, reality shows, games, competitions, and more.
Step 2: Studio Visuals
You need to decide on the kind of visual effect you want in the studio. If you don’t have an experienced team, you can look for inspiration online and find visually and thematically appropriate programs. These can include both local and international shows.
Keep in mind that decorations can be simple and budget-friendly or complex and expensive. Using high-quality materials is not always necessary. Properly chosen lighting enhances the visual quality of the broadcast, hides imperfections in the decor, and emphasizes the studio’s key elements.
Step 3: Quality
It doesn’t matter who your audience is—today’s viewers use devices that support at least Full HD (1920 x 1080) resolution, whether it’s a TV, phone, tablet, or another device. Therefore, the content produced in the studio should meet this standard.
Keep in mind that resolution is not the only parameter that determines quality.
3.1. Lighting
Every camera requires good lighting. The market offers both budget-friendly and high-end lighting options, including fill lights and special lights for enhancing the visual elements of a show. (For more information about lighting, you can take our course).
It is crucial to understand that high-quality lighting is critical for any type of camera, whether it’s a professional studio camera, film camera, budget device, or mobile phone. Properly selected and used lighting directly affects the visual material’s quality and the audience’s impression.
Step 4: Choosing a Camera
Selecting a camera is a complex process and requires consideration of several factors:
4.1. Are you recording or broadcasting live?
If you are only recording and editing later, you can use any camera, as it doesn’t need to have video output. Video output can include HDMI, SDI, or IP, and the quality largely depends on the type of camera.
SDI or IP is typically the most budget-friendly and flexible option. For HDMI, there are distance limitations, requiring additional converters or special cables. (To learn more about signal conversion and differences, you can take our course).
4.2. Do you have an operator?
If it’s a simple program with static shots, you don’t need an operator, reducing costs and simplifying the process. You can also use PTZ cameras, which allow you to control two or more cameras remotely. In practice, one person can manage up to six cameras unless they are very experienced.
Note that controllable cameras (PTZ and others) include devices designed for movement or adjustable viewing angles, while static cameras do not require such features. The choice depends on your program format and needs.
4.3. Where are you broadcasting the video signal?
If you plan to broadcast the video signal only online, it’s best to set the camera to P (Progressive) mode. This mode provides better quality for online platforms, ensuring a more comfortable experience for viewers.
If you plan to broadcast on traditional TV or through providers, the I (Interlaced) mode is recommended, as it meets traditional television standards.
If you plan to broadcast on both internet and TV, it’s best to use the I mode. You can then convert the signal to P mode for online platforms using an encoder. This ensures optimal quality and compatibility for both channels.
4.4. Lens Parameters
Depending on the studio size and shooting needs, selecting appropriate lenses is essential. If you’re using a camera with an integrated lens, choose a model that offers both wide-angle and high optical zoom capabilities.
Important:
Avoid cameras without zoom or with only digital zoom, as this significantly reduces image quality and detail. Properly chosen lenses ensure wide views as well as detailed and clear shots, which are crucial for professional video production.
4.5. Modern Budget-Friendly Methods and Technologies:
Various technologies can help reduce costs. For example, use a 4K camera to generate two or more video sources. With one camera, it can appear as if you have two or more (up to four). In this case, you’ll need a server to split the 4K signal and act as a video switcher (we’ll discuss video switchers separately). This is an ideal solution for small studios looking to achieve professional results with lower costs.
4.6. Video Signal Output Interfaces
Video signals can be output using three classic methods we’ve already briefly discussed:
- HDMI – High-Definition Multimedia Interface
HDMI is widely used in consumer and small-scale systems where its functionality and simplicity are practical.- Pros: Budget-friendly (for short distances), easy to access, simple to use
- Cons: Expensive for distances over 10–20 meters; lacks connector replaceability; no locking mechanism
- SDI – Serial Digital Interface
SDI has been used in professional broadcasting systems for decades. It provides stable and high-quality signal transmission, making it ideal for television and video production.- Pros: Budget-friendly for distances exceeding 10–20 meters; widely available; easy to maintain; features locking mechanism; replaceable connectors; works up to 100 meters; compatible with most professional broadcasting equipment
- Cons: Requires knowledge for connector setup; available only in specialized stores; not directly compatible with cameras or TVs
- IP Technologies
IP technologies are rapidly advancing, although broadcast IP signals differ from streaming protocols. Two leading technologies are SMPTE 2110 and NDI:- SMPTE 2110 is considered the future standard for television, potentially replacing SDI in the next 5–10 years.
- NDI – Network Device Interface offers minimal compression while maintaining nearly unchanged visual quality, making it ideal for budget-friendly yet complex setups.
Interested in learning more about cameras and studio setup?
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This concludes the first part of the blog. In the next section, we’ll discuss video switchers, audio mixers, microphones, lighting, live streaming, and other systems.
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