HomeMy WebLinkAboutSeminole County Government Cable Television CableA SEMINOLE COUNTY GOVERNMENT CABLE
TELEVISION CHANNEL
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UTILIZING THE TECHNOLOGY MANAGEMENT,
PROGRAMMING AND PRODUCTION SKILLS OF
PUBLIC TELEVISION FOR SEM/NOLE COUNTYAND CENTRAL FLORIDA
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TABLE OF CONTENTS
ITEM
Executive Summary
Notional Cable Schedule
Annual Operating Expenses
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One Time Capital Start Up Expenses .............................. 8-10
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A SEMINOLE COUNTY GOVERNMENT
CABLE TELEVISION CHANNEL CONSORTIUM
EXECUTNE SUMMARY
A. Overview
1. Public television station WMFE-'iV/Channel 24, in Orlando, proposes to
assist in the creation of a Seminole County govemment cable television channel
consortium. Such a consortium, developed jointly with cable operators, county and city
franchisers, and Channel 24 will serve county govemment, schools and municipalities in
Seminole County, Florida.
2. The consortia, under the proposed third party facilitation of Channel 24, could
provide cable programming and management on the govemment channel variously utilized
by county and city governments in the area. Such programming would be used by
govemment authorities to more effectively extend their public service message to
constituents. The consortium would capitalize on the existing expertise and program
collaboration relationship many of these agencies now have with Channel 24.
3. While the concept of a govemment channel is not necessarily new, the
diverse programming and third party cable management of Channel 24 creates a unique
and cost effective collaboration opportunity for such a county govemment channel.
B. Assumations:
4. The proposed govemment cable channel consortium assumes several
factors yet to be agreed upon.
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5. The proposal assumes an interest on the part of Seminole County
govemment, schools and municipalities to embrace the issue. It assumes those cable
operators and franchisers will recognize the benefits inherent in Channel 24's third party
character as an objective, impartial facilitator between users that will capitalize upon
Channel 24's established working relationship with many of the cable franchisers.
6. The financial model of the proposal also assumes a willingness among the
users to proportionately fund portions of the Channel 24 cable management structure.
Such a fee must be less than what an individual govemment might independently fund to
create and staff their own stand-alone system. The fee, when aggregated with other
govemment funding, would provide a critical mass of support capable of cost effectively
producing, managing, and coordinating the cable program schedules among the
govemment participants.
C. Proarammin4:
7. Channel 24 would propose to coordinate and/or produce, acquire and
distribute over the govemment channel commercial free programming specifically for
constituents of the consortium in Seminole County. Such programming would be in
accordance with govemment and cable programming regulations and other agreed upon
parameters.
8. Described below is cable programming that includes public interest areas,
camera-0f-record- coverage of public meetings, and new initiatives that might be created
more cost effectively within a consortium than as a stand-alone expense one govemment
must absorb.
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Proposed government channel cable programming
Postings: Computer generated "menu boards" containing text listings of meeting
schedules and agendas, official minutes, rosters of elected officials and key staff, phone
numbers, and location maps.
Programs: Formal programs featuring topics selected by each entity, including
programs produced by that entity or by Channel 24 or available from others.
Public Meetings: Live ortape-delayed (full length or edited) camera-of-record
coverage of meetings selected by each entity. Meetings could include not only the formal
governing body, but also committees, advisory boards, or the like.
9. Utilizing the existing facility and infrastructure capacity of WMFE, Channel 24
_ would coordinate the production or acquisition of new consortium driven program initiatives.
This would be more cost effective than the funding, equipment acquisition and
maintenance of that which each government authority would ordinarily have to do
individually.
10. Additionally, Channel 24 would draw upon its existing program collaboration
relationships with major Central Florida institutions to add to or expand the thoughtful
programming those entities might bring to the consortia. These organizations include:
City of Orlando
Orange County Government
Seminole County Government
Orlando Utilities Commission
Greater Orlando Aviation Authority
Osceola County Government
LYNX
Orange County Public Schools
Seminole County Public Schools
Orlando/Orange County Expressway Authority
Osceola County Public Schools
Canaveral Port Authority
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D. Consortium Management:
11. Channel 24 proposes to position itself as the third party candidate under
which such a consortium would objectively be managed and maintained. Any combination
of consortium governing boards could be established for the appropriate control, oversight
and accountability.
12. With a modest short-term addition to WMFE's technical facilities, Channel
24's control room would become interconnected via fiber optic cable (some fiber already
now is in place) to Time Warner Cable head-end facilities, creating an insertion point
directly into Seminole County
E The Channel 24 Advantage:
13. Channel 24 as an institution is the most logical third party candidate to
manage and coordinate the consortiurrr. Channel 24 currently has established an effective
relationship with many Central Florida govemment authorities working collaboratively to
produce and broadcast programming for constituents. Channel 24 is already proficient as
program producers and distributors. Channel 24 services the same region that such a
consortium might serve. Channel 24 has a physical and technical plant capable of
expanding to accommodate such a consortium in a manner which govemment authorities
or cable operators individually cannot cost effectively accommodate.
14. Finally, Channel 24 possesses the integrity, credibility and non-political, non-
commercial stature representing neither private interests nor governmental characteristics.
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NOTIONAL
GOVERNMENT CABLE CHANNEL SCHEDULE
(fed closed circuit from public television station WMFE-N/Channel 24 to TWC)
Each participating institution is described as an enti # to facilitate communication
Potential entities-Altamonte Springs, Casselberry, Lake Mary, Longwood, Oviedo, Sanford, Seminole
County Government, Seminole County Schools, 8 Winter Springs
LENGTH•
15 min increments Every
Monda Every
Tuesda 1` & 3
Wednesda 2" & 4th
Wednesda Every
Thursda Every
Frida
CONTENT Postin s
............................
. Pro rams Meetin s Meetin s Postin s Pro rams
00 to 15 .
.........
.. ity?1 ,
nt ......:: ........:
Entity 1
Entity 1
Ei#ity 6 !
' Entity"t
Entity 1
15 to 30 Entity;2
Entity ~
30 to 45 .. ,.Entity's Entity 3
45 to 1:00 Entity +4 Entity 4
1:00 to 1:15 'Entity;5 Entity 2 Entity 5 .....:Entity 2' .:.',
1:15 to 1:30 !Eritity.6 Enti~y.8
1:30 to 1:45 `Entity 7 Entity 7'
1:45 to 2:00 iEntity 8 Entity $.
2:00 to 2:15 Entity 9 Entity 3 Entity'a Entity 7 . ! Entity ~ Entity 3
2:15 to 2:30 Entity 1 Entity 1
2:30 to 2:45 Entity 2 Entity 2
2:45 to 3:00 Entity 3 Entity 3
3:00 to 3:15 Entity 4 i=linty 4 Entity 4 <~ntity 4 ;
3:15 to 3:30 Entity 5 Entity 5
3:30 to 3:45 Entity 6 Entity 6
3:45 to 4:00 Entity 7 Entity 7
4:00 to 4:15 Entity 8 Entity 5 Entity 3 Entity 8 ', Entity 8 Entity 5
4:15 to 4:30 Entity 9 Entity 9
4:30 to 4:45 'Entity>:~ _ . '. :i=ntity ? ......
4:45 to 5:00 !Entity,2 Entity ~ .:.
5:00 to 5:15
iEntity 3
,.. ,Entity 6 _;;..:'.! :.:
Entity 3
f~i~tity 6
5:15 to 5:30 !EntitY,4 ! Enti#~ 4
5:30 to 5:45 iEntity,5 ' Entity 5
5:45 to 6:00 !Entity:8
.:
: ! Entity 6
6:00 to 6:15 ...
.,... ,Entity!? , .
. . Entity 7 ' Entit~:4 Entity 9 , Entity 7..... ;;'; Entity 7
6:15 to 6:30 ,
......!!Entlty 8
' ; .. .! Entity 9 .:....!:
6:30 to 6:45 .
..
!Entity!9 . ! Entity 9 ..:::::
6:45 to 7:00 Entity 1 Entity 1
7:00 to 7:15 Entity 2 Entity a Entity 2 .Entity 8
7:15 to 7:30 Entity 3 Entity 3
7:30 to 7:45 Entity 4 Entity 4
7:45 to 8:00 Entity 5 Entity 5
8:00 to 8:15 Entity 6 Entity 9 Entity 5 Entity 6 Entity 9
8:15 to 8:30 Entity 7 Entity 7
8:30 to 8:45 Entity 8 Entity 8
8:45 to 9:00 Entity 9 Entity 9
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SEMINOLE GOVERNMENT CABLE CHANNEL
ANNUAL OPERATING EXPENSES
ITEM DESCRIPTION
EXPENSE
1. Project Manager.
$ 43,050
Full-time management staff member. Principal daily liaison with government entities, facilitates
consortium meetings, develops schedule from consortium input, manages budget, promotes service to viewers
and media, produces on air graphic "look", supervises the packaging of the daily schedule, programs automation
system. Includes benefits
2. Cable master control operator.
$ 32,300
Full-time operator of technical equipment used to deliver program service to cable headend,
loads video tape machines, creates daily program package as required, pertorms minor maintenance. Includes
benefits
A. SUBTOTAL -CABLE STAFF:
3. Overtime: $ 4,550
Principally for vacation, sick leave, or freelance startup labor
4. Locat Travel: $ 3,380
Mileage and tolls
5. Training: $ 2,600
Equipment -computers, video
6. Telephone $ 2,470
Voice (line & cellular), fax, response lines
7. Maintenance/Repairs: $ 2,860
Service contracts (greater with High-cost option)
8. Supplies: $ 2,600
Paper, postage, disks, office, tape
9. One-time office start up: $ 3,900
Desk, chair, computer, printer
B. SUBTOTAL DEPARTMENT EXPENSES:
C. GRAND TOTAL ANNUAL OPERATING EXPENSES:
$ 75,350
$ 22,360
$ 97,710
(Annual operating expenses equals $10,857 assessment fee paid by each of 9 participating
members of the Seminole cable consortium, if all assessments were on an equal basis)
D. INKIND EXPENSES (from WMFE):
Physical plant square footage (including power) ($ 4,960)
Ancillary equipment use (copiers, testlmaintenance) ($ 1,900)
Engineering oversight 8~ staff: (~ 12,000)
Administration 8~ accounting: ($ 10,800)
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ONE TIME CAPITAL STARTUP EXPENSES
LOW COST FIBER DELIVERY SYSTEM -• ~ 38.080
This package provides for the fiber-optic delivery, from WMFE-TV/Channel 24's master
control room, of a fully packaged and scheduled government television cable channel to the
Time Wamer cable headend in Winter Park. Time Warner will subsequently deliver the
package to its system/s in Seminole County. The system will meet technical specifications
specified by Time Warner
The system is intended to be operational Monday through Friday for approximately ten
hours per day, initially in 4 hour repeatable segments each day.
The controller automafically operates S-VHS videotape machines and text/graphics
equipment at the appropriate times to ensure timely and continuos program delivery and
switching between program segments or video sources.
The system also has the capability to create background graphics, format text (minutes,
meeting notices, agendas, rosters, etc.) and add music to these text only presentations or
schedule announcements.
The video programs and textual content are provided in standard formats by the
Seminole County entities participating in this cable service. Text and graphic material may be
delivered to WMFE via modem or by floppy disc. The standard format for video is S-VHS with
single channel audio. The standard text formats are Word or WordPerfect word processor text
files. Other formats may be accommodated through arrangement with WMFE.
Video tapes submitted must be timed by the provider to within one second accuracy
from start to end of the program. Errors in timing may result in a loss of delivery of a portion of
the program material. Text and graphic material may be °aired" with a music background for
which WMFE will hold usage rights.
MID COST FIBER DELIVERY SYSTEM -- S 73.402
This system performs all of the functions of the low cost system but uses high quality
professional videotape machines and a better graphics system. The S-VHS machines produce
a better quality signal and are able to use time code for better time accuracy. The machines
are mode durable and will provide higher quality service over a longer period of time.
The computer based graphics system is also able to function as a video still- store and
digital effects system to allow a higher level of creativity. The still-store capability will allow an
image archive to be kept in the system making it easier to add logos and other recurring
artwork to graphic productions. Digital effects will enhance the changing of pages when the
billboard type of presentation is used for various announcements.
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HIGH COST FIBER DELIVERY SYSTEM -- $ 257.180
This system performs all of the functions of the mid cost system but uses a delivery
approach which eliminates the need for videotape machines for direct delivery. The video tape
machines are still used but their function is to load the video file server prior to air.
The video file server is based not on tape but rather on computer disc technology. This
provides the advantage of being able to repeat a program multiple times without having to run
a tape machine each time. Once the programs are loaded, the file server can play them back
in any order, and for any number of times. Program editing and timing are much more efficient
and, schedule changes are much easier to accomplish. The file server has the ability to
maintain consistent quality with less operator attention.
Cable Consortfum.doc
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FIBER DELIVERY SYSTEM FOR SEMINOLE GOVERNMENT CABLE CHANNEL
LOW COST
ITEM QTY DESCRIPTION TOTAL
1 1 CONTROLLER TO SWITCH TAPE MACHINES TO AIR, TECH PVC-2 32,240
2 4 S-VHS CONSUMER S-VHS MACHINE 33,080
3 1 EXPANSION SYSTEM, DPS (HOLDS TBC CARDS) 33,080
4 2 TBC, DPS VT-2500 (TIME BASE CORRECTOR CARD TO STABILIZE S-VHS MACHINES) 32,380
5 1 CHARACTER GENERATOR, CODI W \ SOFTWARE 18,780
6 1 MODEM Sri
7 1 COMPUTER (SCHEDULES EVENTS) 32,380
8 1 COMPUTER (FOR GRAPHICS SYSTEM) 52 380
9 1 PRINTER 3630
10 1 AUDIO INTERFACE (CONVERTS CONSUMER AUDIO LEVEL TO BROADCAST SPEC.) 3350
11 1 MIXER, HACKIE MS1402, AND CD Pll1YER FOR AUDIO BED (PROVIDES AUDIO BEO AND USED FOR PACKAGING) 51,260
12 1 MODULATOR, FIBER (SENDS PROGRAMMING TO CABLE HEADEND VIA FIBEROPTIC LINE) 15,800
13 1 DEMODULATOR, FIBER (RECENES PROORAMMOVG AT HEADEND) 34,200
14 1 EQUIPMENT RACK W/ POWERSTRIP (HOLDS EQUIPMENT) 31,750
15 1 MISC WIRING AND CABLES (WIRING TO INNTERCONNECT /ILL EQUIPMENT) 3700
16 1 UPS (UNINTERRUPTABLE POWER SUPPLY) 3700
17 TOTAL 398,080
MID COST
ITEM QTY DESCRIPTION TOTAL
18 1 CONTROLLER,LEIGHTRONOC TS-18 (CONTROLS TAPE MACHINES) 18,400
19 2 S-VHS PLAYER INDUSTRWL,J1/C BRS522DX (PLAYBACK ONLY) 312,992
20 2 S-VHS RECORDER INDUSTRIAL,JVC BRS822DX W1 TBC (EDITING RECORDER) 117,850
21 1 CHARACTER GENERATOR, ALLADIN (TEXT AND GRAPHK:S GENERATOR. ALSO STILL STORE AND DVE) 114,000
22 1 MODEM iS80
23 1 COMPUTER (SCHEDULES EVENTS) i2,3g0
24 1 COMPUTER (FOR GRAPHICS SYSTEM) 52,380
25 1 PRINTER 3830
28 1 MIXER, HACKIE MS7402, AND CD PLAYER FOR AUDIO BED 51,280
27 1 MODULATOR, FIBER 55,800
28 1 DEMODULATOR, FIBER 34,200
29 t EQUIPMENT RACK W/ POWERSTRIP 31,750
30 1 MISC WIRING AND CABLES 5700
31 1 UPS (UNINTERRUPTABLE POWER SUPPLY) 5700
32 TOTAL 379,402
HIGH COST
ITEM QTY DESCRIPTION TOTAL
33 1 FILE SERVER, MEDUIPOOL, BTS XL-2100,11 HRS AT 8:1 COMPRESSION (PLAYS VIDEO/ AUDIO TO'AIR'~ 1210,000
34 2 S-VHS PLAYER INDUSTRIAL,JVC 55000 (USED TO LOAD FILE SERVER) 57,700
35 t CHARACTER GENERATOR, ALLADIN (TEXT AND GRAPHK:S GENERATOR. ALSO STILL STORE AND DVE) 114,000
38 1 MODEM SSgO
37 1 COMPUTER (SCHEDULES EVENTS) 32,380
38 1 COMPUTER (FOR GRAPHICS SYSTEM) 52,380
39 1 MIXER, HACKIE MS1402, AND CD PLAYER FOR AUDIO BED 51,260
40 1 MODULATOR, FlBER 55,800
41 1 DEMODULATOR, FIBER 14,200
42 1 EQUIPMENT RACK W/ POWERSTRIP 51,750
43 1 MISC WIRING AND CABLES 1700
44 1 EQUIPMENT RACK W/ POWERSTRIP 51,750
45 1 MISC WIRING MID CABLES 5700
46 t UPS (UNINTERRUPTABLE POWER SUPPLY) 54,200
47 TOTAL 3267,160
Cable $$$.xls
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