New audio-video system and multi-camera control room at the Rome Opera Theater
12G-HDSDI video production, live streaming and signal distribution system for theatrical performances
Rome Opera Theater has made a major technological upgrade to enhance its audiovisual production, multi-camera direction and show streaming capabilities.
The project involved the design and installation of a professional audio video infrastructure based on 12G-HDSDI technology, Dante network and broadcast systems, with the aim of allowing the recording and live broadcast of operas, concerts and theatrical productions.
Thanks to the new AV architecture, the theatre now has dedicated audio and video control rooms, a professional multi-camera system and a live streaming platform, making it possible to distribute content on digital platforms and broadcast channels.
The objectives of the project
The project was born from the need to create an integrated system capable of supporting the professional video production of theatrical shows and the distribution of audio-video signals within the structure.
- create a professional multi-camera shooting system.
- implement high-capacity video distribution in 12G-HDSDI standard.
- create dedicated audio and video directories for live productions.
- integrate show recording and streaming systems.
- develop a scalable and modular AV infrastructure.
- support the management of LED walls, stage projections and visual content.
Audio Video Infrastructure of the Theater
The heart of the system is an audio-video star center which manages the distribution of signals coming from the stage, stalls and control rooms.
All video streams converge on a Blackmagic VideoHub 40x40 12G matrix, which allows the management and distribution of video signals within the theater.
Audio management is based on a core Allen & Heath dLive DM0, connected to the stageboxes distributed in various points of the structure.
This architecture allows for centralized, reliable, low-latency management of audio and video signals.
Dante Audio and Control Network
The network infrastructure has been designed to ensure stability and performance in live productions.
The system includes:
Cisco CBS220-48T for the equipment control network
Netgear AV Line M4250 for Dante audio traffic management
This configuration allows for efficient management of digital audio streams and professional network devices, ensuring flexibility and scalability.
12G-HDSDI and fiber optic video distribution
The video signal distribution infrastructure is based on HDSDI 12G technology, a broadcast standard that allows the transport of 4K video signals on a single coaxial cable.
We have installed:
- 5 WallBox on the back stage
- 1 WallBox in the audience
- Stagebox audio DX164
Furthermore, a single-mode fiber infrastructure has been created for the future integration of audio and video devices.
The fiber network includes 3 backstage stationsand 2 stations in the stallsand is a solution that allows the integration of projectors, LED walls, stage video systems and mobile control rooms.
Multi-camera shooting system for theatrical performances and video direction
The video production system is made up of 9 professional cameras, designed to ensure complete coverage of the stage and maximum direction flexibility.
Configurazione camere:
- 1 Panasonic AW-HE145
- 3 Panasonic AW-HE130
- 3 Panasonic AW-UE4KG
- 1 Panasonic AW-UE40
- 1 Marshall CV508
This configuration allows for dynamic multi-camera shooting for opera, ballet and theatrical performances, ensuring broadcast quality.
The new video control room of the Rome Opera House is designed for the live production and digital distribution of shows.
The system includes:
- Blackmagic VideoHub 20x20 12G matrix
- Blackmagic ATEM 2 M/E Constellation 4K video mixer
- Advanced Panel 20 control panel
For recording and streaming, a Blackmagic HyperDeck Studio 4K Pro was integrated for broadcast recording and a Kiloview E2 for encoding and live streaming of the shows.
This infrastructure allows the theater to broadcast live performances on streaming platforms and archive productions for digital distribution.
Effective teamwork, which led to a result fully in line with the client's expectations and the prestige of the location.
The system integrates a WatchOut control room with 8 outputs, used for the management of visual content within the theatre.
Signals can be transported between the control room and the stage via optical fibre and a 12G-HDSDI infrastructure, guaranteeing maximum flexibility in stage productions.
Professional audio system
The audio direction is based on a Allen & Heath dLive platform, with C3500 control surface connected directly to the DM0 core.
The system includes:
- 5 stagebox DX164
- 1 DX168
- 1 GX4816
- 1 DX012
The system is designed for the integration of Dante stageboxes for audio distribution on stage.
The audio infrastructure also includes:
- Sennheiser EW Digital radio microphone system
- Sennheiser SR2050 IEM system
- dBTechnologies VIO diffusion system
- Avid Pro Tools audio post-production system
This configuration allows you to manage live mixes, multitrack recordings and professional audio post-production.
Project results
The implementation of the new AV infrastructure has allowed the Rome Opera House to:
- produce professional multi-camera productions
- record shows in broadcast quality
- broadcast live streaming events
- manage integrated audio and video control
- control visual and stage systems
- have a scalable AV infrastructure ready for future technological evolutions
For Professional Show it was a challenging work, and our team is happy to have been able to allow this fantastic place of culture to be able to fully exploit the technological power at the service of art and entertainment.