City of Kirkland Modernizes Municipal Broadcast and AV Systems with IP-Based Workflows

The Solution

Key Code Media delivered complementary upgrades to the City’s broadcast production facility, Council Chambers and Peter Kirk Conference Room.

The broadcast environment was rebuilt around a Vizrt TriCaster Vizion production system, new SDI and Cat6 routing, updated networking, Panasonic PTZ cameras, Yamaha audio, Cablecast playout and refreshed monitoring.

The AV environments were rebuilt around an IP-based architecture using NDI, Dante and Q-SYS, with networked video distribution, modern meeting-room control and professional audio and display systems.

Modernizing the Broadcast Production Facility

At the heart of the broadcast upgrade is a Vizrt TriCaster Vizion with a Flex Dual Control Panel and Viz Connect Audio. The system provides a modern all-in-one production platform while supporting the City’s existing and new production workflows.

“ The TriCaster Vizion makes it easy for us to bring in remote guests or go completely remote if necessary. Our technical director now has two-box, four-box, and other production layouts ready to go at a moment’s notice. With our legacy SDI system, we would have needed expensive add-on equipment to do what we can now.”
— Mike Connor, Video Project Specialist, City of Kirkland

Video routing was upgraded with an AJA KUMO 32×32 SDI router, while NetGear AV Line M4250 switches provide the network infrastructure supporting NDI, Dante, and other network-connected systems.

The system also includes updated signal processing and synchronization through Ross Video OpenGear infrastructure, frame synchronization and distribution equipment, creating a more consistent signal path throughout the production environment.

Flexible Camera Production

The City added Panasonic AW-UE80 4K PTZ cameras, along with Panasonic remote camera control, giving the production team flexible camera options without requiring operators at every camera position.

The architecture also incorporates IP video tools including Visionary Solutions encoders and decoders, along with additional NDI conversion hardware. These technologies provide a flexible way to move video between networked endpoints and traditional SDI infrastructure.

Cablecast for Municipal Playout and Distribution

The broadcast upgrade also modernized the City’s playout environment with Cablecast VIO4 and associated graphics and support systems.

The new Cablecast environment supports multi-channel SDI encoding and decoding while also accommodating IP-based sources and streaming workflows. The system includes additional Cablecast graphics and storage capabilities to support ongoing municipal programming and content distribution.

Closed captioning and cloud-based distribution capabilities further support the City’s public-facing programming.

An IP-Based AV Architecture for Council Chambers

The Council Chambers were rebuilt around a networked AV architecture designed to make the room easier to operate while improving flexibility for remote meetings and operation.

A Q-SYS Core processor provides the control and processing foundation, with Q-SYS touch panels giving users an intuitive interface for managing room functions. The system incorporates networked audio, video distribution, and room control rather than relying on a collection of independent point-to-point devices.

“The Key Code Media team worked with our staff to create custom meeting templates, including settings for council and zoning meetings. Staff press a button on the Q-SYS touch panel, and the room’s AV switches to the setup they need for that meeting. It’s a game changer.”
— Mike Connor, Video Project Specialist, City of Kirkland

The room’s video system includes Visionary Solutions AV-over-IP equipment supporting 4K60 video distribution over the network. This creates a flexible infrastructure that can support presentations, meeting participants, cameras and displays while allowing the room to adapt to different meeting configurations.

Modernized Microphone and Audio Systems

Audio was upgraded with a combination of Shure MXA920 ceiling array microphones, Shure Microflex Wireless microphones and networked Shure infrastructure.

The ceiling array microphones provide coverage for participants without requiring every speaker to manage a tabletop microphone, while the wireless systems provide additional flexibility for presenters and meeting participants.

A Dante-enabled Q-SYS environment connects the room’s audio devices and allows audio to move over the network rather than through extensive dedicated analog cabling. The system includes Q-SYS Core processing, Dante licensing and networked I/O.

Designed for Hybrid Meetings

The Council Chambers and Peter Kirk Conference Room were also equipped for modern hybrid collaboration.

The systems incorporate a Zoom-and-Teams-ready Dell Workstation and Barco ClickShare, providing users with familiar tools for joining remote meetings and sharing content. The project also includes ViewSonic displays for presentation and collaboration. This means meetings to be conducted with a mix of in-person and remote participants without requiring the broadcast team to manage every room function manually.

“During COVID, we relied on band-aid solutions for hybrid Zoom-style meetings. Now we have a system built for broadcast, Zoom, Teams and other call types. We produce separate feeds for broadcast and Zoom, so the Zoom audience gets close-ups of people speaking and presentations from the room- not just a wide shot. The zoom experience no longer looking at a static screen.”
— Mike Connor, Video Project Specialist, City of Kirkland

The Peter Kirk Conference Room also received larger-format displays and supporting AV infrastructure, including AV-over-IP endpoints and upgraded network connectivity.

Connecting Broadcast and AV Without Making Them Dependent on Each Other

One of the most important aspects of the project was creating interoperability between the AV and broadcast environments while preserving operational independence.

The IP architecture allows video and audio resources to be shared where appropriate, while the broadcast production system can continue operating independently when a dedicated live production workflow is required.

This gives the City more flexibility in how rooms are used and how meetings are produced. A municipal meeting can remain primarily a room-AV experience, become a full broadcast production, or use elements of both without requiring the underlying systems to be rebuilt for each scenario.

The Result

The City of Kirkland now has a modern, interconnected broadcast and AV environment spanning its production facility, Council Chambers and Peter Kirk Conference Room. With IP-based video, Dante audio and centralized room control, City staff can manage everyday meetings more easily while supporting more sophisticated live productions when needed.

By connecting broadcast and AV workflows while maintaining their operational independence, Key Code Media helped the City improve flexibility, simplify operations and establish a scalable foundation for future technology upgrades.

“Having detailed documentation of how the facility was built makes a big difference for day-to-day operations. Key Code Media gave us color-coded diagrams mapping the system, so when we call for technical support, we’re looking at the same information and can work through what needs to change. Having that shared reference helps our staff manage routine adjustments without disrupting scheduled broadcasts.” — Mike Connor, Video Project Specialist, City of Kirkland

The result is a more versatile, future-ready environment that supports the City’s municipal meetings, public communications and broadcast operations for years to come.

A special thanks to Key Code Media team members Tom Arenz, Jason Beard, Kent Garrison, John Trupiano, Greg Connolly and Akmal Bastourous for their hard work, technical expertise and dedication to bringing this project to life.

Key Equipment Highlights