Broadcast Engineering Projects, Modern Video, and Case Studies

• Live Production Support
• Event Engineering
• Technical Planning
• Venue Integration

Live Event Technology and Production Support

Live production systems planning, event engineering support, and technical execution across demanding venue environments.

Extensive experience delivering live event technology and production support across a wide range of environments, from major themed entertainment operations at Universal Studios Hollywood to large scale hospitality and corporate events through AVT Event Technologies. This background spans decades of hands on engineering, system design, and technical leadership within high demand, fast paced live production environments.

Work includes end to end execution of in house audiovisual systems, staging, broadcast integration, and high bandwidth internet services for events ranging from executive meetings to complex, multi camera productions with live switching, recording, and streaming workflows.

Responsibilities have included full lifecycle management of technical operations, including equipment specification, procurement, inventory control, system design, and on site deployment. Deep experience in building scalable production environments that adapt to venue constraints, client expectations, and evolving show requirements.

Led and managed both full time and freelance technical teams, ensuring proper staffing, clear communication, and seamless execution across concurrent events. Known for maintaining operational consistency while navigating tight timelines, changing production needs, and high visibility client environments.

Technical scope ranges from foundational AV systems such as projection and audio reinforcement to fully integrated production ecosystems, including broadcast switching, multi format recording, live streaming, signal routing, and network distribution. Additional experience includes implementation of temporary lighting grids, rigging coordination, and overhead infrastructure to support dynamic stage and room configurations.

Each engagement requires detailed pre production planning, cross functional coordination, and precise execution. This experience reflects a deep understanding of live event workflows, client facing technical leadership, and the ability to deliver reliable, high quality production systems at scale.

Outcome: Delivered scalable, high-performance production environments across diverse venues, consistently meeting demanding timelines and client expectations.

• Control Room Buildout
• Signal Routing
• Facility Integration
• Production Workflows

Production Control Room Build

Control room buildout and broadcast infrastructure integration designed for live production operations.

A new production control room was developed to support the launch of FanDuel TV’s expanded sports programming and unify production teams that were previously operating across multiple rooms.

Serving as the on site engineering lead, I managed the project in coordination with a remote design engineer, construction trades, vendors, and internal staff. Responsibilities included validating console layouts, verifying Ethernet, SDI, and power infrastructure, and ensuring proper integration into the facility’s core technical systems.

The build included connectivity to the house video router, as well as media playout and record systems, establishing a fully integrated signal path across the broadcast environment. Additional work included production switcher integration, videowall and multiviewer configuration, communications systems, teleprompter deployment, acoustic treatment, and lighting upgrades.

Special attention was given to signal flow validation, system interoperability, and operational usability to ensure a smooth transition into live production.

The control room launched successfully during live programming and was immediately adopted by production teams. Its success led to interest in replicating the design approach across additional control rooms.

Outcome: Successfully launched a fully integrated control room environment that improved operational efficiency and became a model for future facility expansion.

• Camera Systems
• Studio Integration
• SDI Workflows
• Production Switchers

Studio Camera Refresh

Studio camera system upgrade integrating modern camera chains, lenses, robotics, teleprompters, and SDI workflows.

A full studio camera system upgrade was completed to support the rebranding of FanDuel TV and the expansion of live sports programming.

Legacy Grass Valley systems from the 2014 HD transition, including LDK, LDX, and XCU series cameras, were replaced with modern Sony camera systems, including HDC 3000 and HDC 3100 series cameras with HDCU 3100 base stations, paired with a mix of Canon and Fujinon broadcast lenses. The upgrade improved overall image quality, color reproduction, and operational flexibility.

The refresh also included a new Jimmy Jib, Vinten pedestal systems with robotic control capabilities, and a fully updated Autoscript teleprompter system with integrated talent monitors, timecode, and tally display. The camera chain was fully integrated using SDI and SMPTE fiber infrastructure across the facility.

Supporting systems included waveform monitoring, shading and field monitors, POV and PTZ camera integration, and full remote control capability using RCP panels, allowing for precise camera shading and control across multiple production environments, including integration into existing control room shading workflows and production switcher environments.

I led camera and lens evaluation, infrastructure planning, vendor coordination, and commissioning, ensuring compatibility with existing signal paths and production workflows.

The refreshed system delivered a significant visual upgrade and expanded creative capabilities. Talent and operators immediately recognized the improvement, and the new jib and pedestal systems introduced dynamic camera movement and positioning that was not previously achievable.

Outcome: Elevated visual quality and expanded creative capabilities across studio productions, enhancing both technical performance and on-air presentation.

• Master Control
• Automation Workflows
• Playout Systems
• Traffic Integration

Master Control / Facility Buildout

Master control rebuild focused on playout automation, facility infrastructure, operational continuity, and scalable broadcast workflows.

A complete rebuild of a master control environment was executed by combining two existing rooms into a single, modernized operational space.

The project involved structural modification, full demolition, and rebuild with upgraded infrastructure including fiber, Ethernet, SDI, and power distribution. Environmental improvements included acoustic treatment and automated window shading to control ambient light impacting video wall performance. New operator consoles and technical systems were installed based on operational requirements, with my team handling full system installation and integration.

As part of the upgrade, I worked closely with Imagine Communications to transition and modernize playout operations using a Versio based system.

A key requirement was maintaining a one to one operational match with the legacy Harris ADC 100 automation environment, ensuring continuity of on air workflows while upgrading the underlying infrastructure.

• Downstream keying for bugs, crawls, and graphics insertion
• Double box commercial execution workflows
• Automated playout server control
• SCTE 104 and SCTE 35 signaling for dynamic ad insertion
• DTMF based trigger support where required
• Full integration with WideOrbit traffic and scheduling systems

This approach ensured the new environment supported both legacy expectations and modern operational requirements without disrupting on air continuity.

My team and I worked closely with the Broadcast Operations department to ensure all operational requirements were met, including system usability, workflow alignment, and validation that the new environment functioned as intended. This was a highly collaborative effort between engineering and operations to ensure a successful transition.

Redundancy, timing accuracy, and automation reliability were key considerations throughout the design and implementation. The result was a modernized master control environment that preserved operational familiarity while significantly improving flexibility, scalability, and long term maintainability.

Outcome: Delivered a modernized, highly reliable master control environment that preserved legacy workflows while enabling scalable, future-ready operations.

• Cloud Production
• Replay Workflows
• Remote Production
• REMI Workflows
• Monitoring

DreamCatcher Implementation and Cloud Workflows

Hybrid cloud production architecture supporting replay, playout, ingest, monitoring, and scalable remote production workflows.

A cloud native replay and playout architecture was deployed using Evertz DreamCatcher as part of a broader transition toward hybrid and cloud based production.

The system supported 40 channels of live ingest and 16 channels of playout, leveraging AWS services including EC2, FSx, and S3 for capture, processing, and storage. The deployment utilized BRAVO, VUE based clients, and RCP control panels to support both single operator and multi operator production environments. This allowed workflows to scale based on production needs while maintaining consistent operator experience.

The system was designed for hybrid operation, integrating on premise and cloud based sources, with signal transport via AWS DirectConnect and on premise encoding and decoding systems using Evertz XPS and Appear X20.

Additional integrations included Dataminer for orchestration, Nomad Media for asset management, and custom built tools such as DreamViewer for internal workflow visibility and file management.

Monitoring and observability were implemented using TAG Video Systems, Datadog, CloudWatch, and Telestream Vantage to ensure system health, performance visibility, and cost awareness. This deployment established a scalable and flexible production environment, enabling future capabilities including cloud native editing, REMI production, and expanded remote production workflows.

Outcome: Established a scalable hybrid cloud production ecosystem, enabling flexible workflows, improved efficiency, and future expansion into remote and cloud-native production.

• AWS MediaConnect
• Partner Ingest
• Live Transport
• Cloud Distribution
• REMI Contribution

AWS MediaConnect and Partner Ingest Workflows

Cloud based live transport and partner ingest workflows using AWS MediaConnect and related media services.

Cloud based ingest and distribution workflows were designed using AWS MediaConnect to support real time contribution and distribution of live content.

These workflows enabled international and domestic feeds to be received directly into the Los Angeles broadcast facility via cloud infrastructure, replacing traditional satellite and MPLS based transmission paths. I led the design and oversight of the system, managing the engineering team responsible for signal acquisition, routing, and daily operational support.

The solution leveraged AWS MediaConnect alongside MediaLive, MediaPackage, and related services to support encoding, transport, and distribution workflows across multiple endpoints.

Custom control tools were developed to provide operations teams with a centralized dashboard for enabling, disabling, and monitoring live streams, improving visibility and operational control.

Redundant paths and on demand provisioning allowed for increased reliability while optimizing cost by only utilizing resources when needed. The result was a more flexible, scalable, and cost efficient ingest and distribution model, significantly improving operational agility and reducing dependency on traditional infrastructure.

Outcome: Replaced traditional transmission paths with a flexible, cost-efficient cloud-based ingest and distribution model, significantly improving operational agility.

• SMPTE 2110
• NDI
• REMI Production
• AWS Cloud Video
• Hybrid SDI and IP

SMPTE 2110, NDI, REMI, and Hybrid Production Planning

Modern video workflow planning for teams moving between traditional SDI, IP video, cloud contribution, and remote production models.

Modern production environments increasingly blend SDI, SMPTE 2110, NDI, SRT style contribution, cloud transport, streaming platforms, and REMI production workflows. Crown Technical Group helps clients review these technologies from an operational point of view, focusing on what production teams can actually run, monitor, troubleshoot, and scale.

This work includes signal flow planning, system documentation, contribution path review, operator handoff, monitoring strategy, bandwidth considerations, and practical support for hybrid environments where broadcast engineering, AV systems, IT networking, and cloud media overlap.

The goal is to help clients make informed decisions before committing to equipment, cloud services, network architecture, or operational changes that impact live production.

Outcome: Practical workflow guidance that connects modern video technology to real production needs, supportability, and reliable show execution.

• Show Systems
• Technical Operations
• Audio Systems
• High Reliability Systems

Theme Park Technical Systems

High reliability technical systems support for themed entertainment environments, attractions, show systems, and guest facing operations.

Extensive technical support was provided for show and attraction systems at Universal Studios Hollywood, covering audio, video, projection, lighting, special effects, and control systems across the Studio Tour and theme park.

Responsibilities included supporting daily operations by maintaining, inspecting, and troubleshooting show critical systems to ensure all attractions operated safely and met show quality standards. Work involved hands on support of rides, shows, and environments, including rapid response to technical issues impacting live guest experiences.

In addition to maintenance and operations, I contributed to system improvements, equipment lifecycle management, and process enhancements to increase reliability and efficiency across the park’s technical infrastructure. This included working with electrical, mechanical, and control systems such as PLC based environments, as well as interpreting technical drawings and system schematics.

A notable project included the complete redesign and installation of the audio system for Universal’s House of Horrors, including speaker layout, wiring, and system optimization across the entire attraction. This work was recognized with an Employee of the Month award.

In addition to engineering responsibilities, I was selected for an expanded role in energy management, where I implemented facility wide power monitoring systems using PowerLogic and ION Enterprise software to track real time usage and historical trends.

This initiative identified electrical overcharges and inefficiencies, resulting in annual savings exceeding $700,000 through collaboration with finance and electrical teams. Additional efforts included developing company wide energy awareness programs and implementing energy efficient solutions across multiple attractions, including Jurassic Park: The Ride, Earthquake, and Back to the Future: The Ride.

Work supported a wide range of attractions and productions across the park, requiring consistent reliability in high visibility, guest facing environments where downtime was not an option. This experience reflects a strong foundation in high reliability systems, operational support under pressure, and the ability to balance technical performance, safety, and guest experience at scale.

Outcome: Maintained high-reliability show systems in complex guest-facing environments while driving operational improvements and achieving significant cost savings through energy optimization.