shared processing, expanded ME capacity and enhanced resilience. Importantly, this latest deployment followed pre-existing investments. Pitt’s original LDX 86 cameras, installed in 2018, were seamlessly integrated into the IP infrastructure, demonstrating the longevity and adaptability of Grass Valley systems. “With over 150 events annually, our production demands continue to grow across both broadcast and in-venue platforms,” says director of operations and strategy, University of Pittsburgh athletics, Patrick O’Shea. “The original LDX 86 installation allowed us to operate in 1080p from day one, and this upgrade now positions us for IP, HDR and expanded slow-motion capabilities.” From an engineering perspective, the transition to IP unlocks new efficiencies. Tucker notes: “By leveraging Grass Valley’s K-Frame XP ecosystem in a full 2110 architecture, we were able to centralise resources, increase capacity and create a clear path toward HDR and expanded super slow-motion workflows.” Built to scale At Texas A&M, the focus shifted, with the main goal being to build a forward-looking production ecosystem that bridges today’s needs with tomorrow’s possibilities. The university deployed a suite of Grass Valley solutions, including K-Frame X switchers, LDX 135 cameras and LDX 150 cameras, creating a robust foundation for high-quality 1080p production with a clear upgrade path to UHD. 12th Man Productions’ associate athletic director Andy Richardson emphasises how, originally, “12th Man Productions first invested in Grass Valley camera technology in 2014 when we upgraded our facility to support the Videoboard shows and ESPN/SEC Network live event programming for Texas A&M Athletics. In 2024, as we turned over a new page in technology by upgrading our live camera systems to support IP 2110 infrastructure and transitioning to HD 1080p, we saw Grass Valley as the ideal partner to elevate our productions. And we couldn’t be happier with the results.”
NATIVE ST 2110 LDX 150 cameras were deployed
Crucially, the integration was not only for immediate results, but also long-term growth. As Tony Gaston of Diversified tells us: “This deployment not only meets the university’s current needs, but also sets the stage for future technological growth.” Airwaves to athletics Taken together, these three projects illustrate a seismic shift in the role of broadcast technology within education. Universities are no longer just training grounds, they are fully fledged production hubs, delivering professional-grade content across linear, digital and in-venue platforms. And it’s also clear that Grass Valley’s IP-enabled ecosystem – cameras, switchers and control systems – provides a sophisticated technical foundation for this evolution. As Greg Doggett, VP of sales NAM sports at Grass Valley, summarises: “Across Illinois, Pittsburgh and Texas A&M, we’re seeing a clear shift in how collegiate programmes approach live production. These projects show how flexible, IP-based infrastructures can scale from hybrid environments to full ST 2110, providing the performance teams need today while creating a path to future workflows.”
education: universities are not simply replacing legacy systems, they are evolving them. “The hybrid 2110/SDI architecture preserves operational familiarity while leveraging IP where it creates tangible benefits. Deploying the LDX 150 cameras natively over 2110 reduced rack space, heat load and integration complexity while creating a scalable foundation for future expansion.” Pittsburgh powers up If Illinois represents a carefully phased evolution, the University of Pittsburgh shows what full IP transformation looks like within a high-demand environment. Supporting more than 150 live events annually across 19 NCAA Division I programmes, Pitt Athletics required a system that could handle scale and complexity. Grass Valley’s solution centred on a complete transition to a SMPTE ST 2110 IP backbone, anchored by K-Frame XP switcher architecture. The upgrade enables six switcher suites across control rooms, with
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