State-of-the-art live video production in the Heart of Chicago
Comedy Bar - Chicago
Live Video Production over IP made easy in the windy city with Brilliant
Learn MoreThe owners of Comedy Bar needed a top-tier video production setup to record and stream live comedy—all within a compact space. This project required a complete overhaul of the existing system, so we recommended a fully NDI-based solution. This included implementing a new network and optimized signal flow, connecting seamlessly to a video wall and stage inputs for comedians using laptops during their sets. Collaborating with a skilled stage builder, we added custom lighting to highlight the unique design of the stage. In just a few weeks, the upgraded system was fully operational, delivering a professional, high-quality experience for both in-house audiences and online viewers.
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Project Benefits
• Expandable Video Production System: Built around a powerful tower CPU to support long-term growth and future needs.
• Compact and Intuitive Workflow: Hardware-emulated video switching and camera control for fast, efficient live production in a small footprint.
• User-Friendly vMix Platform: Simplified workflow for young crews to learn and grow, enabling simultaneous live streaming, multi-camera recording, and mastering.
• High-Quality BirdDog 4K Cameras: Advanced camera system offering superior quality, versatile streaming options, and complete control over settings via the local network.
• High-Speed Ubiquiti Networking: Efficient routing and switching for smooth video traffic, eliminating complexity in setup and operation.
• NDI Workflow Integration: Flexible and cost-effective, supporting additional setups like a budget-friendly podcast studio with inexpensive NDI cameras.
• Enhanced Stage Lighting: Innovative fill lighting with easy color temperature adjustments, elevating stage aesthetics beyond expectations.
• Versatile Lighting Console: Seamlessly supports any DMX-controlled lighting fixtures for adaptable, creative control.
This project was the perfect opportunity to go all-in on NDI technology.
We delivered a cutting-edge production system featuring a vMix-powered CPU, Skaarhoj Rack Fusion Live controller, BirdDog 4K cameras, a 3x3 video wall, Blizzard Colorise and HotBox light fixtures, and an Enigma M4 lighting controller.
A standout challenge was enhancing the overhead lighting without creating excessive shadows while allowing the crew to adjust color temperature on the fly. To achieve this, we installed GLLS Wave Mini dynamic white fixtures, tying the front and back circuits to separate faders on the Enigma console. This setup provided precise control over brightness and color temperature, delivering the perfect fill lighting without hot spots and surpassing the designer’s expectations for the stage’s appearance.
The BirdDog cameras ensured crisp, high-quality 4K NDI video, while the integration of vMix with the Skaarhoj Rack Fusion Live controller gave the director-producer the functionality of a professional video switcher in a compact footprint. Everything is at their fingertips—camera switching with presets, audio monitoring, lighting control, and seamless content switching between the stage and video wall.
We also incorporated the existing Presonus active speakers and repurposed some leftover 6-channel RGB fixtures into the Blizzard Enigma lighting system. With vMix, the team can effortlessly record, stream, and multi-record with just a click, creating a streamlined, professional-grade setup that delivers exceptional results.
Project Partner Highlights
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Innovative AV design
Our designs leverage the full feature set of the equipment we specify with forward thinking design for scalability and a sound investment.
Advanced technology and transparent documentation
We implement the latest advancements in tech while providing the most stable performance. Our collaborative documentation helps you understand every aspect of your project.
User-centric, forward-thinking design
Our very own Brand-Aware Extended Control™ is the most intuitive, accessible, and scalable user experience for AV - period.
Sensible integration
Nothing over built. Nothing under specified. Simply the most sensible approach toward all aspects of an integration.
