New TV Production Facility and High Definition Studio Designed, Implemented and Completed for the U.S. Department of State

GAITHERSBURG, Md., April 17, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Human Circuit announced today that the U.S. Department of State's International Information Program (IIP) Facility Design and Integration Project is complete. The State Department's High Definition Studio and Post Production Facility job included design, engineering and media integration services for the transformation of an existing architectural space into a state-of-the-art High Definition (HD) production and post production facility.

The Video Productions and CO.NX (pronounced "connects") teams required a studio environment that was suitable for traditional live productions involving on-site talent as well as a more social media-friendly setup for guest participation via Skype or other communication platforms. Mr. Jason Katz, Division Chief of the Office of Video Productions, said, "Our objective for building the multipurpose video production studio was to create a state-of-the-art, flexible and scalable technology infrastructure that would support the bureau's 21st century statecraft mission for years to come. Our new facility allows the office to produce and or otherwise deliver daily HD video content for a global audience. Videos are required to be available in any format, subtitled or dubbed in languages, and designed for all possible distribution opportunities ranging from mobile to social networks to broadcast Hi-Def TV. The new studio allows for very quick filming of high profile celebrities and experts as well as quick editing, formatting, versioning and distribution workflow."     

Mr. Mark Betka, CO.NX Program Manager said, "We now utilize the new studio space to push out live programming direct to the Internet and to our hundreds of U.S. diplomatic missions worldwide. From the perspective of the CO.NX team, the goal of this new facility was to provide a base from which we could craft engaging and high-quality 'live' programming. A low failure rate and high-quality output is what was required and that has definitely been achieved with this current design, configuration and installation."

Some of the highlights of the technology that Human Circuit engineered and integrated – and why it works – were explained by Mr. Betka, "As we become more familiar with the ins and outs of our new control room, we are discovering a myriad of ways in which this facility is able to connect our various media assets – from live production to offsite guest speakers coming in via Skype, to tying our conferencing system to the control room – the facility is helping us to greatly expand the notion of what a high-quality web chat really is in this global environment. We are finding that the professional layout of the studio is increasing interest for joining in on our web-chats among our Department colleagues. I fully expect we will see more bureaus coming forward with requests for live programs out of this facility."

Mr. Betka went on to say, "Human Circuit assisted our production manager throughout the process giving him better insight and a feel for how the facility can best be utilized. Human Circuit understands how critical it is to have our operating system up, running and functional. Because we work with such high-level Government officials and other influential thinkers on short notice, their quick response to issues has allowed us to continue hosting senior level officials for critically important programs without interruptions."

Mr. Katz added, "IIP produced videos are visually compelling, entertaining, and authentic stories that advance the State Department's dialogue with foreign audiences by illustrating ideals that shape the American experience. Through personal stories, expert interviews, and vignettes from around the country and the world, these videos engage young international audiences in their mediums of choice."

About Human Circuit

Human Circuit is a 46-year-old company of proven creative thinkers and engineers who are dedicated to providing vital media integration solutions to clients in need of advanced video, audio, data and control systems used in communications, training, broadcast, streaming, and video on demand and presentation applications. With a video and IT-centric engineering core, Human Circuit designs and architects intuitive solutions that are aligned with a company's business objectives, anticipated growth and end-user needs.

Our extensive portfolio includes work for federal and state government entities, broadcast and television production studios, command and control centers, training facilities, distance learning centers, corporations and professional organizations, institutions of higher learning, medical and healthcare facilities and entertainment and sports venues. A list of technical equipment and highlights for this project are available upon request. Please visit www.humancircuit.com for more information.

About the Bureau of International Information Programs (IIP)

The Bureau of International Information Programs (IIP) is the State Department's public diplomacy (PD) communications bureau, leading the Department's support for U.S. Embassy PD efforts and engagement with overseas audiences. IIP creates and supports the ways and places for the U.S. to have sustained conversations with foreign audiences; provides the products that enable our posts to have those conversations; and manages the infrastructure to support it all. Where innovation, policy, and public diplomacy intersect, IIP programs engage international audiences in sustained, meaningful interaction on the full spectrum of U.S. policy objectives. 

The U.S. Department of State's Bureau of International Information Programs (IIP) engages international audiences on issues of U.S. policy, society, and values to help create an environment that can be receptive to America's national interests. It is one of three bureaus reporting to the Under Secretary for Public Diplomacy and Public Affairs. IIP communicates with foreign opinion makers and younger audiences through a wide range of print and electronic outreach materials published in English, Arabic, Chinese, French, Persian, Russian, and Spanish. IIP also provides information outreach support to U.S. embassies and consulates in more than 140 countries worldwide.

(Logo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120207/CL49174LOGO )

Media Contact:
Pamela Zacha
[email protected] 
Land: 240-864-4018
Cell: 301-467-0555

SOURCE Human Circuit