WVIZ-TV joins radio station
and performing arts center
to create the Idea Center
The Idea Center in Cleveland is the
result of a unique partnership between
three longtime Cleveland
institutions: WVIZ-TV, WCPN-FM
and performing arts center Playhouse Square
Foundation (PSF).
By renovating one of Cleveland’s historic
landmarks, the group created a single space to
house all three diverse operations. The building,
originally built in 1912, required extensive
interior and exterior restoration to transform
it into the 90,000sq-ft technology, arts and
education complex called the Idea Center.
The Systems Group (TSG) provided systems
design and architectural infrastructure
planning and consulting support as well as
turnkey broadcast, A/V and distance learning
system implementation.
TSG studied the operations of each media
entity, including radio, TV, educational services,
theatrical reinforcement, online Web
delivery and A/V branding. It then worked to
dovetail connectivity and operational subsystems
for each entity to support current operations
and long-term expansion of programming
initiatives.
All signal routing, processing and transmission
activities are monitored in the technical
monitoring center. A pair of Barco OverView
cDR+67-DLs driven by Miranda Kaleido-K2
display the more than 40 incoming and outgoing
signals. This allows the operational staff
to monitor and access all mission critical systems
for troubleshooting and repair.
The technical equipment room required
more than 90 racks to house core systems including
Grass Valley Apex, Concerto and Trinix
routers; RTS/Telex intercom systems; and
Evertz reference generators. An Andrews 5.6m
Ku steerable antenna and Comtek -3.8m Ku
antenna were installed on the roof to receive
both PBS and NPR programming.
Studio 1 features 300 retractable seats, dual
lighting systems and custom fl oor covering,
making it ideal for theater and TV production.
Town hall meetings and live musical performances
can be broadcast by WCPN with
the help of KLOTZ DIGITAL’s VADIS facilitywide
audio networking solution.
WCPN’s radio and streaming facilities are
housed in three control rooms and three performance
studios, which allow for simultaneous
set up and production of mutable programs.
Studio 4 houses WCPN’s primary production
location during the morning and evening
drive times. Studio 5 serves as a recording
and packaging studio, with voice tracking and
multitrack editing for more elaborate pieces
aired throughout the day.
The Idea Center marks the continued
growth and evolution of Playhouse Square, as
a performing arts center and as part of a successful
downtown revitalization project with
demonstrated economic impact. | 
