Blackmagic Design today announced that Chulalongkorn University, Thailand’s largest university, is using a full Blackmagic Design production and post workflow for its online and streaming programs. This includes the use of ATEM 2 M/E Production Studio 4K, ATEM Mini Pro and DaVinci Resolve Studio to produce and share content, which also encompasses sharing content with schools throughout Thailand as part of the country’s Education Technology Program.
Chulalongkorn University is a public and autonomous research university in Bangkok, Thailand. One of the top colleges in Thailand with more than 37,000 current students and 443 academic programs, Chulalongkorn University was recently named one of the world’s top 100 universities in the QS World University Rankings.
During the ongoing world crisis, the university is offering on demand and streamed classes for its students, as well as providing critical information and streaming to 23 other Thai schools as part of the country’s Education Technology Program. Dr. Banphot Sroisri, head of the Chulalongkorn University Multimedia Information Services Division and Office of Academic Resources, has overseen the creation of the Blackmagic Design workflow at Chulalongkorn University and the creation of studios at the other schools.
“With the crisis hitting all parts of the country, we had to find a way to make teaching and learning available for classes that could not meet in person. The Blackmagic Design products have been essential in the huge success we have had doing this,” said Dr. Sroisri. “We have been using Blackmagic Design equipment since 2005 and knew that we could build out an affordable and easy to use broadcast and streaming set up.”
The new workflow includes multicamera lessons, seminars, interactive teaching sessions and even esport online classes. This includes both on demand full classes and live streamed sessions by various experts and professors.
Feeds from cameras and graphics are switched by the university’s information service team using the ATEM 2 M/E Production Studio 4K live production switcher and ATEM Camera Control. Switched media is then either streamed live to students and other schools, or is sent to Chulalongkorn University’s post production suite for video and audio editing and color correction.
The workflow is also used to bring in outside video feeds from other members of the Education Technology Program. To help with this, the team also uses Smart Videohub routers, a variety of Blackmagic Design Mini Converters, and UltraStudio Mini Recorders and UltraStudio Mini Monitors.
“We use the ATEM 2 M/E switcher frequently as a master switcher for signal control in the dissemination and broadcasting of all of the material from inside and outside the university,” continued Dr. Sroisri. “In particular, the ATEM’s SuperSource function is used for setting up the ability to quickly use receiving signals from external remote guests via Skype, vMix Call or adding callers and guests remotely.”
For post production, Chulalongkorn University uses the combination of DaVinci Resolve Studio and three DaVinci Resolve Mini Panels to edit and grade all of the footage that will be used for on demand downloading via the university’s Microsoft Stream system. Post production staff at the university have also become DaVinci Resolve Certified Trainers that are able to train any professional in Thailand on the editing, grading, VFX and audio post production software.
“With the large amount of footage that needs to be worked on each week, DaVinci Resolve Studio’s efficiency has been important,” he continued. “The three control panels have been very helpful in letting our editors work quickly and focus on speed.”
Chulalongkorn University has also been using ATEM Mini Pro and ATEM Mini live production switchers in classrooms for online teaching and seminar sessions. Each classroom is equipped with an ATEM Mini switcher that the teacher or narrator can use to switch various video sources. Used with a Visualizer Tablet connected to the ATEM Mini via USB-C, the instructors can switch directly from their own desks.
“The Blackmagic Design products allow us to work both remotely and directly from our own studios, and bring in experts and online learning from anywhere in Thailand,” Dr. Sroisri continued. “We can keep everyone connected with the highest quality available, and our students know that they are keeping up with their classes and keeping in touch with their teachers and peers. Additionally, with the on demand classes students can come in and review courses for future studies.”
Dr. Sroisri finished, “We see ourselves as providing a combination of computer technology and educational technology, and allowing educators and friends from other universities in Thailand access to Blackmagic Design workflows. We are acting as a vital communications and learning agency for our students, faculty and other facilities. The Blackmagic Design products allow us to work together efficiently, are easy to control and have proven worth the investment.”
