EXCELERATE EQUIPS NEW OUTDOOR BROADCAST VEHICLE FOR HOUNSLOW CREATIVE AND MEDIA CONSORTIUM

The Hounslow Creative and Media consortium has launched a new state-of-the-art outdoor broadcast vehicle to support the 14-19 Diploma in Creative and Media, a new qualification in addition to GCSEs and A Levels.   The vehicle is equipped with a comprehensive range of high-end, industry standard broadcast equipment including a transportable satellite solution supplied and installed by Excelerate Technology.

The vehicle has been partially funded by a capital grant from the DCSF (Department for Children, Schools and Families).  It will enable students to combine studying in the classroom with a “hands on” learning experience and provide the opportunity to work with employers on real creative and media projects.  The Diploma is being piloted by Brentford School for Girls, Cranford Community College, Heston Community School, Lampton School, and West Thames College, with the support of Brentford City Learning Centre and other members of the consortium.

Excelerate Technology supplied a roof-mounted 1.2m transportable satellite solution that can be operational within four minutes of parking the vehicle.  The satellite solution enables this innovative learning facility to access high speed broadband wherever the vehicle is located.  This allows ‘live’ video images to be streamed in real-time to a secure server where they can be viewed live on internet-enabled computers, PDAs and mobile phones.  It also provides access to email, video conferencing and instant messaging.  The unit also features a fully operational professional TV and radio broadcast studio and digital editing suite as well as a comprehensive range of industry-standard broadcast equipment including high definition cameras, Apple iMac and MacBook computers and wireless networking.  

According to John Hurley, Operations Manager for the Hounslow Creative and Media consortium:  “Excelerate Technology has provided us with a resilient and reliable satellite solution that will enhance the capabilities of this unique outside broadcast vehicle.  The company’s ability to understand what we were trying to achieve was very impressive and provided us with high levels of confidence that our objectives for this vehicle would be realised.”

The vehicle will be used for a wide range of cross disciplinary projects involving film, dance, theatre, music and sport.  It can even be taken to events where students can experience the real-life pressures of operating in external locations that closely mirror the situations in which they may be working after gaining their diplomas.