Regular broadcasting, from a high school studio via a Comcast cable channel accessible to viewers in all three towns in the Valley, is slated to begin within four to six weeks.
By John Tredrea
A major upgrade of the television studio at Hopewell Valley Central High School is under way.
Regular broadcasting, from a high school studio via a Comcast cable channel accessible to viewers in all three towns in the Valley, is slated to begin within four to six weeks. That channel is expected to be Channel 19.
The upgrade will switch the school’s studio from the analog mode to the more modern digital mode of production.
As currently proposed, the project would cost $212,000. Of that total, $14,000 has been spent thus far on new studio lighting, school district Technology Supervisor Doug Brower told the school board Monday night.
At that meeting, the board voted unanimously in favor of a no-bid professional services agreement with the Toms River firm of Radio Visions. Under that agreement, which allows the district to pay Radio Visions up to $18,000, the firm will "help us plan the studio," Mr. Brower said. "They’ll help us with purchasing and install and test the equipment for us as well."
Mr. Brower said the studio is to be linked with all classrooms and common areas at Central High School and Timberlane Middle School. He added: "We’ve had a few vendors visit with us and talk with us on tentative pricing on all types of equipment including sound devices, digital conversion hardware, editing equipment, cameras, switchers, etc."
The cable channel, expected to be up and running from the studio this summer, will include a message board and programs produced in the studio. Eventually programming can be expanded to include "all kinds of community-wide events," Mr. Brower said.
Mr. Brower said the $102,500 for the project as currently proposed would come from funding approved by the voters in the last election. The balance would come from Comcast grants.
Classes expected to be offered in the CHS television studio next year include Television Production I, II and III. "Classes will be fully enrolled," Mr. Brower said.
"There are many activities being taped in the television studio each day, including fine arts productions, the staff and student table tennis tournament, the League of Women Voters’ Candidates Night and many student-centered activities," he said.

