Midco Sports Network’s Production Truck Goes HD with Grass Valley Gear

Midco Sports Network, which provides live coverage of local sporting events throughout North Dakota, South Dakota, and Minnesota, is upgrading an existing standard definition production truck with sophisticated, high definition technology from Grass Valley. The upgrade will include seven LDX Première software upgradable cameras, a Karrera Video Production Center switcher, a K2 Dyno Replay System, and a Concerto Series 128×128 compact routing system. The complete Grass Valley solution enables the Sioux Falls, SD-based company to bring high quality HD to its clients and viewers with cost efficiency, while delivering a software-only path to 3G in the future.

“By partnering with Grass Valley, we can produce high-end productions at a cost that suits our budget, and have the flexibility to easily work at any stadium that is pre-wired with triax cable,” says Ron Peterson, Chief Broadcast Engineer, Midco Sports Network. “This gives us enormous freedom and we look forward to the completion of this upgrade.”

Midco Sports Network’s programming originates from multiple systems operator Midcontinent Communications, which serves 300,000 customers in 335 communities throughout North Dakota, South Dakota, and Minnesota.

The LDX Première software upgradable cameras are key to the Grass Valley solution, delivering uncompromised 1080i/720p switchable performance and full compatibility with Grass Valley’s line of 3G transmission solutions. K2 Dyno, with its intuitive touchscreen interface lets production staff cue replays and create highlight packages quickly and easily.

“We are thrilled that Midco Sports Network chose Grass Valley solutions to produce its HD sports programming,” says Mike Cronk, Senior Vice President of Marketing, Grass Valley. “With innovative products like LDX, Karrera, and K2 Dyno, we offer access to high-end quality production power without breaking the customer’s bank.”