University Of Illinois Debuts Hybrid IP Game-Day Control Room With Grass Valley

Grass Valley, working with systems integrator Tab M Solutions, has completed Phase One of a new broadcast production control room for the University of Illinois Division of Intercollegiate Athletics: Fighting Illini Productions.

Delivered ahead of the football season, the hub will primarily drive football and basketball videoboard productions, with secondary integration into Big Ten+ broadcasts.

The first phase of a multi-stage project, the build required a complete broadcast infrastructure within an existing facility, addressing tight space and heat dissipation limits. Tab M Solutions designed a hybrid SMPTE ST 2110/SDI architecture, enabling staff to retain familiar SDI workflows while adopting IP where it improves efficiency and scalability.

The deployment features five Grass Valley LDX 150 cameras with super slow‑motion licences, one LDX 135 RF wireless system, and a CCS‑ONE camera control server. The LDX 150 units operate natively over ST 2110, removing traditional baseband CCUs and allowing direct venue connectivity to the core IP switch. CCS‑ONE centralises camera shading and enables remote monitoring.

"Our objective was to elevate our game-day production while positioning Fighting Illini Productions for long-term growth," said Derryl Myles, Associate Director of Athletics, Fighting Illini Productions & Technology. "The hybrid architecture allows us to incorporate IP strategically while maintaining familiar workflows, and the LDX 150 cameras provide the image quality, flexibility and performance we need to meet the expectations of Big Ten and our fanbase."

By eliminating CCUs and cutting hardware density, the design reduces rack footprint and thermal load, simplifying integration within the current control room.

"This was an intentional transition strategy," said Kevin Tucker, Partner & CTO, Tab M Solutions. "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."

Phase One sets the platform for Illinois' long-term production ambitions, strengthening storytelling while future‑proofing infrastructure. "It's another example of the innovations we’re proud to be bringing to collegiate sports production with our partners at Tab M Solutions," said Greg Doggett, VP of Sales, NAM Sports at Grass Valley. "Fighting Illini are now equipped with a production control room and hybrid infrastructure that positions it perfectly to meet the needs of today while building scale and flexibility for the challenges and opportunities of tomorrow. We're delighted to be supporting them on that journey."

grassvalley.com