Below please find some of the most frequently asked questions we’ve received about the work to be done on the building distribution system (BDS) and the installation of the graphics | voice | data network, as well as the installation and commission of the new equipment and systems:
• Is the station closing?
No. As of today, there are no plans to close the facilities at anytime while the work is underway.
We will be closed for the July 4th holiday, but otherwise the station will not close.
• Will producers still able to reserve equipment?
Yes. Except for the ability to go live from the Mini and the Main studios – all other operations at channelAustin will continue as usual.
• Are the channels going black, will any programs be airing?
The channels WILL NOT GO BLACK. Again – programming will continue with the submission of digital files while Master Control is under construction. There will be no ability to ROUTE different servers – but – only encoded programs will be scheduled and will air as usual.
• Will I be able to go live from the studios beginning July 1st?
No. Once the Main studio is back on-line, work will begin in the Mini and the Micro studio will be installed. There will be a period of time needed to train staff and develop curriculum – and to train the trainers – before producers will be trained in the Main and Mini and Micro studios.
It is estimated at this time that – all things going as planned –training in the 3 studios will begin around mid August.
• Can I continue to write my current series time on the Cablecast agreement?
The Spring series ends May 31st. There will be NO Summer series. However, as is always the case, producers are welcome to request a time, day, and channel he or she wishes to air their shows as floaters.
Please note: The Programming Department would like producers to know that scheduling programming in the month of June will take a MINIMUM of 7 Business days and most likely – UP TO 21 Business days. The programming department will have no room for error and every encode must play perfectly to avoid any issues during the time Master Control is down.
• Will I have to take the Final Cut workshop, in order to transfer my program from a tape to a file?
NO. The training department is now preparing a special workshop for producers who do not wish to learn Final Cut, but will need to submit their content as digital files. This training will teach producers how to capture | import the completed show on tape into Final Cut and how to export that show as a digital file. In addition, the class will teach producers how to submit their digital file to channelAustin for encoding and air. Producers who take this workshop WILL NOT BE certified on Final Cut Pro.
• Are the studio upgrades free?
NO. For producers who have consistently used either the Main or the Mini studios since May 2008, the training will be offered at 1/2 price for the first 3 months.
In addition, training will be made available FIRST to those who have produced a series out of the Main or Mini studios in either the Fall 2008 or Spring 2009 season.
For Producers who have not actively used the Main and Mini studios since May 2008, the training will be at full price.
• How do we request a live show from an I-Net location? Can I have a series from an I-Net location?
At this time, we do not know if the I-Net will be a possible “switch” for programming. We have had discussions with our vendor and we HOPE we will have the means to go live from an I-Net location, but at this time we are not sure.
No. If the I-Net is a possibility, there will be no series from an I-Net location.
• Can you give me an exact date the series will begin?
NO. It is our hope – that if all goes as planned – we may consider extending the Fall season to include some weeks in September.
However – the possible extension for the Fall season is dependent upon a number of factors – the most important being the completion of work and Producers’ training.
