Comcast West: Revolutionizing Live Event Production with NDI and Vizrt TriCaster
Introduction
In an era where seamless connectivity and cost efficiency are paramount for corporate communications, Comcast West Division has emerged as a prime example of innovative AV integration. Facing escalating costs from outsourcing live event productions, Comcast partnered with Peak Media, a Denver-based AV integrator with over 25 years of experience, to bring operations in-house. By leveraging NDI (Network Device Interface) technology and the Vizrt TriCaster, Comcast has transformed its workflow to support in-person, hybrid, and virtual events across its western region. This case study, drawn from insights shared in a recent NDI November spotlight video, highlights how these tools enabled scalable, high-quality productions while significantly reducing expenses.
The Challenge
Comcast West, headquartered in Denver, Colorado, manages a vast network spanning multiple states, including Washington, Oregon, California, Minnesota, and Texas. The division frequently hosts live events ranging from internal meetings to large-scale broadcasts, but reliance on external production companies was proving costly and inefficient. Despite having in-house creative and production expertise, the team lacked the hardware and infrastructure to handle multicamera setups, remote controls, and low latency streaming independently.
Key challenges included:
- High outsourcing fees for event production.
- Need flexible workflows to support virtual, hybrid, and remote events without building separate systems.
- Ensuring reliable connectivity across geographically dispersed sites on the enterprise network.
- Maintaining high production values, including graphics, audio mixing, and audience engagement, while keeping entry costs low.
Comcast sought a solution that could centralize control in Denver while enabling remote contributions from satellite locations, all without compromising quality or incurring prohibitive expenses.
The Solution: NDI-Centric Workflow with Vizrt TriCaster
Peak Media, led by Shannon Shearer, recommended building the system around NDI due to its affordability, flexibility, and compatibility with existing networks. NDI allows video, audio, and metadata to be transmitted over standard IP networks, eliminating the need for expensive cabling or proprietary hardware.
Central to the setup is the Vizrt TriCaster, a powerful all-in-one production system that integrates seamlessly with NDI sources. Comcast deployed the TriCaster Vizion in their Denver control room for master switching and broadcasting, alongside TriCaster Mini units for on-site operations at remote locations. Panasonic PTZ cameras with built-in NDI capabilities provide remote control, video feeds, audio, and power over Ethernet (PoE), simplifying deployment.
Additional components include:
- NewTek Spark encoders/decoders for converting signals to NDI and handling return feeds/confidence monitors.
- Allen & Heath SQ5 digital mixer for simultaneous in-room and broadcast audio mixing.
- A Teradek Prism for RTMP streaming to Vimeo, ensuring low-latency delivery to virtual audiences.
- Custom graphics developed by Comcast's on-site design team, integrated via the TriCaster's mixed effects and graphics capabilities.
The linchpin of the system is the NDI Discovery Server, hosted on Comcast's enterprise network in a national data center. This server enables NDI signals to cross subnets effortlessly, allowing sources from any connected site to be discovered and accessed globally. Remote login via VPN provides instant activation, making the workflow location agnostic.
Implementation and Workflows
Comcast's live event team, including Derek Barylski (Broadcast Producer) and Justin Salvia (Technical Director), operates from the Denver control room on the fourth floor, managing events across three main formats:
Virtual Events
- All sources are NDI-based, fed into the TriCaster Vizion from a Microsoft Teams green room.
- The team switches between speakers, content, and custom graphics, using multi-box layouts for panel discussions.
- Video playback is handled through the TriCaster, with the final program streamed via RTMP to Vimeo.
- Attendee chat and polls are monitored and relayed back to presenters in real-time.
On-Premises Hybrid Events
- Multicamera setups on the first-floor event space send NDI signals upstairs to the control room.
- Three Panasonic PTZ cameras and two additional cameras (via NDI converters) provide feed.
- Audio is mixed locally with the SQ5, sending a broadcast mix via a NewTek Spark encoder.
- In-room tech includes a 45-panel 1.9 LED wall with a Novastar video splicer, plus projection controlled by TriCaster Minis.
- A Spark decoder displays return feeds for presenters, while the final stream goes to Vimeo.
- Chat questions are shared live with in-room participants.
Remote Hybrid Events
- Local crews at regional sites deploy NDI-enabled equipment, shipping TriCaster Minis as needed.
- Signals from PTZ cameras, converters, and audio aux buses (via Spark encoders) are sent back to Denver over the enterprise network.
- The Discovery Server bridges subnets, ensuring low-latency communication.
- Coordination between on-site and Denver TDs synchronizes video playback and show flow. Remote PTZ control and tally lights are managed from Denver, with streaming handled via TriCaster Vizion to Vimeo.
This unified NDI backbone allows Comcast to scale productions effortlessly, connecting sources across states with minimal latency. The setup supports full remote control, tally integration, and high-quality audio/video transmission, all over standard IP infrastructure.
Benefits and Results
By internalizing production, Comcast achieved substantial cost savings—replacing expensive outsourcing with an affordable, in-house system. The low entry price point of NDI-enabled hardware made the transition feasible without massive upfront investments.
Key benefits include:
- Cost Efficiency: Eliminated external vendor fees, with scalable solutions that adapt to event types without redundant setups.
- Flexibility and Scalability: One workflow handles virtual, hybrid, and remote events, extending to any site on the enterprise network.
- Enhanced Production Quality: TriCaster's advanced features enable engaging graphics, multi-view layouts, and seamless switching, elevating event experiences.
- Efficiency: Remote control reduces on-site staffing needs, while the Discovery Server simplifies network management across subnets.
- Reliability: Robust enterprise network ensures low-latency streams, with VPN access for quick setup anywhere.
As Derek Barylski noted, "As long as it's NDI-enabled, we can connect it to our workflow and do high-quality productions from Denver." This approach has empowered Comcast to manage events year-round with complete creative control.
Conclusion
Comcast West's adoption of NDI technology, and the Vizrt TriCaster exemplifies how IP-based AV solutions can democratize professional broadcasting for enterprises. Through Peak Media's guidance, the division not only cut costs but also gained a versatile platform for future-proof productions. This case study underscores NDI's role in bridging geographical divides and streamlining workflows, making it an ideal choice for organizations seeking efficient, high-impact event management.
For more details, watch the full NDI November spotlight video at https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Nb2qq1MxFH8, featuring insights from Shannon Shearer, Derek Barylski, and Justin Salvia. If you're exploring similar solutions, contact Peak Media at peakmediainc.com or 877-728-7325.
Additionally, here’s a link to Comcast West’s demo reel for a quick sample of the broadcasts in action: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A74mGFOT2N0