High-performance upgrades in the new Schoo Inc. studios
Schoo Inc. offers a live and on-demand education programme via an online learning platform for working adults, as well as helping corporate clients to establish tailored learning environments for human resources training and organisational development. Its newly refurbished studios use Sony equipment to support lifelong learning across a wide range of fields, including business skills, technology, design and critical thinking, regardless of age or position. See how Sony PTZ Auto Framing cameras and the XDCAM Memory Camcorder have helped advance Schoo Inc.’s mission of eliminating graduation from the world.
Yohei Shishikura
Unit Manager, Broadcasting Production Unit
Content Division, Schoo Inc.
Masashi Sato
Technical Director, Broadcasting Production Unit
Content Division, Schoo Inc.
How we helped
The Challenge
- The studio equipment had been around for ten years and was reaching the end of its service life
- The remote cameras in use made it difficult to match colours across multiple units and were extremely cumbersome to adjust
- The studio had a number of practical issues, including the sub-control room being too small and no waiting area for instructors
The Solution
- Install four BRC-AM7 PTZ Auto Framing cameras in two studios, offering image quality, user-friendliness, easy-to-adjust white balance and colour matching
- Implement a production workflow with fewer staff, avoiding back-and-forth
- Ensure consistent Sony quality with PXW-Z200 XDCAM Memory Camcorders alongside Sony microphones and headphones
The Outcome
- Improved video quality translates directly into better learning experiences and concentration for participants
- Future-proofed studios that will adapt to changing trends to create efficient, high-quality video content and dynamic visuals
- Improved staff well-being thanks to reduced workload, improved morale and a better working environment
Modernising the studio for a high-performance setup
Shishikura: Most of the equipment in our previous studio had been in use for around ten years and it was reaching the end of its service life. Although we had installed remote cameras, it was difficult to match colours across multiple units and making adjustments was extremely cumbersome. We therefore decided to address these issues and aimed to create an environment that would support new creative approaches.
Sato: Our old studio had several practical issues. The sub-control room was cramped, forcing staff to work in confined conditions that hindered operational efficiency, plus there was no waiting area for instructors. With the new studio, we wanted to implement a more streamlined production workflow with fewer staff members, cutting down on the need to move between the main studio and the sub for an improved working environment and more efficient, high-quality video content.
Choosing and operating the BRC-AM7 PTZ Auto Framing camera
Shishikura: We spent three months selecting a remote camera model, considering image quality, user-friendliness, and white balance adjustment. We were drawn to the BRC-AM7 PTZ Auto Framing camera as it displays white balance values in Kelvin, making it easy to colour match with our PXW-Z200 XDCAM Memory Camcorders. During testing, we compared colour reproduction and auto-framing accuracy, and concluded that the BRC-AM7 was the superior option.
Sato: What surprised me most was the stable image quality we achieved from the moment we set up the camera. We expected the transition to full-scale operation to take a month, but its immediate out-of-the-box usability genuinely impressed us. The autofocus was outstanding and never faltered when switching from manual operation to automatic mode. We can also adjust parameters such as focus, colour temperature and gain using a browser-based interface, making fine-tuning remarkably smooth and greatly reducing setup time.
Enhancing participant concentration and improving staff efficiency
Shishikura: Improving video quality directly enhances the learning experience for our participants. By eliminating visual distractions such as noise and colour inconsistencies, we have created an environment where participants can focus more easily on the content. We’ve also received positive feedback from our staff, who appreciate the clearer images and higher resolution, and this has boosted production team morale, demonstrating the substantial impact that better image quality has had on both participants and staff.
Sato: Reducing the workload on our technical staff is one of the biggest achievements of the project. Previously, staff in the sub-control room and studio relied on headsets to adjust the camera settings, which took up time. Since installing the BRC-AM7, this is no longer necessary and we’ve been able to streamline operations from a team of three technical staff to two, establishing a system to handle the growing volume of filming while reducing each person’s workload.
Future-proofing the studio for creative and diverse content
Shishikura: Each new studio is equipped with two BRC-AM7 cameras, currently used mainly for single shots of instructors and course representatives. Going forward, we want to actively use more dynamic visuals and novel approaches to keep participants engaged. As content becomes increasingly diverse, we need cameras that can adapt, allowing us to try more challenging switching techniques and expand the range of visual effects without making drastic changes to our production structure.
Sato: We haven’t started using the PTZ Auto Framing function extensively yet, but we see significant potential in future updates, such as automatic framing features from preset camera positions. Previously, we needed an extra camera when an instructor stood up to explain something, but soon we hope to manage this with a single camera setup. We also hope to utilise auto-tracking in scenarios involving physical activity, such as fitness content, allowing us to produce high-quality content efficiently with a smaller team. We want to explore the potential of the BRC-AM7 with these new features and see how it can create a wide range of content.
