Everything you need to build a broadcast control room

Broadcast control rooms create a centralized hub for production crews so that they can be in one room easily communicate with each other. Enabling the production team to see everything that is going on in the main room, on the event screens and on the live streams. Some broadcast control rooms integrate multiple rows of monitors on each desk, while others use video walls. But the specific needs of the company, the requirements of its users and the purpose of the room will inform its design.

Our broadcast control console during installation.

Before thinking about specifications and buying any broadcast console out there, first consider the room itself. To know the number of consoles an organization plans on setting up, considering the size of the control room, the number of users working in the same room, the type of equipment used (CPUs, KVMS, Monitors), is paramount. Essentially, it is more efficient to start with the macro-environment in mind and move towards the end-user.

To build a custom broadcast control room, consider the needs of the different stakeholders, both inside and outside the room, as well as the the tangible and intangible factors that will affect the ergonomics of the floor’s layout.

Afterwards, once there is an idea of the number of broadcast consoles needed, the number of users and the general layout of the room, and make sure that to respect the ergonomic clearences for a control room, start looking into the furniture itself.

For example, some broadcast control rooms will require their studio to have flexibility in production, audio mixing, live switching, graphics, router control, storyboarding, automation in audio, lighting, and control systems. Some of the applications include production control rooms (PCR), television broadcast studios, studios, rack rooms, audio control rooms, and editing consoles. For that you will need different types of consoles, each suited for a particular task.

If there is one user per console then a linear design might suffice, but it can also accommodate multiple users at the same time, since the broadcast console can be as long as it is required.

Another option is to have an L shape broadcast console where one end of the desk is dedicated to a specific type of equipment, like audio mixing, while the longer side of the desk functions as a standard broadcast station. This option can be used by either one user at a time, or 2 users at the same time.

Keep in mind that your broadcast control room should meet the highest ergonomic standards, especially if the users will be at their workstations for long periods of time, which in today’s day and age is not that uncommon. To keep users comfortable in long shifts, a desk can be height adjustable, mainly to encourage movement throughout the day and help improve concentration. But, height adjustability also means that many users can work at the same station throughout the day and have it adapt to their different heights.

Cable management is also paramount for a state-of-the-art broadcast control room. From live feeds, to audio cables and other data cables, all of these should be secured. This is not only an aesthetic choice but a crucial step towards efficiency and to avoid interruptions. Proper cable management makes it easer for operators and the production crew as a whole since they don’t have to worry about troubleshooting, upgrading equipment, and carrying out maintenance. That is why Sustema consoles integrate this feature into their design.

Sustema broadcast consoles are built with electrical raceways and steel substructures that can be used to route cables from the monitors, peripherals, and CPUs (in the case that these are located at the workstation), while keeping them out of sight and safe from tampering, accidental or otherwise.

After putting some thought into the console, the focus can change to the equipment that will be mounted on the desk. This includes the monitors and their monitor arms, all the different cables, peripherals, accessories, like task lights, rackmounts, keypads for height adjustment, power bars, grommets for cables passing through the worksurface, etc.

Start building a new broadcast control room with Sustema

It is important to keep in mind that no two broadcast control rooms are identical. Each has its own requirements and their own challenges. But Sustema broadcast consoles can adapt to different environments and different kinds of users. We can help you build a custom broadcast control room that meets your specific requirements, contact us to start the process.