The Communication Center’s La Salle TV Studio allows students to gain hands-on experience producing “live-to-tape” programs that focus on everything from news to entertainment to community issues. The University’s educational access cable station, La Salle TV, uses the studio every weekday for its productions while also offering workshops to visiting high school classes. Students from multiple majors, including communication, nursing, nutrition, and public health, use the studio for academic assignments such as public service announcements and educational segments.

The studio received an upgrade to 4K capability of its cameras and video equipment in 2023 thanks to fundraising efforts from former Communication Chair Marianne Dainton, Ph.D., Jerry Lezynski, ’82, and founding Chair Br. Gerry Molyneaux FSC, Ph.D. Further upgrades were made in early 2025 to audio and teleprompters.

1. Video switcher

This device controls what you see on screen. The technical director (TD) operates this video switcher and chooses which source is being shown in a multi-camera shoot. The TD can choose one of the four cameras, one of two video sources from the server, or one of the two graphics computers. Effects and transitions can be added as well.

2. Video server

This server records programs as well as plays video from two different sources. A student video operator records the segment while setting up material to be played live into the program, creating live edits that reduce the time needed to get the final piece to air.

3. 16-channel digital audio mixer

This device controls what you hear. The audio operator adjusts what sound the audience hears whether it’s microphones from the studio, audio from the video server, or music from the station’s computer. Volume levels must be adjusted constantly.

4. Studio cameras

Four studio cameras can move around to any spot in the studio to allow for different shots at different areas of the set (or between sets). Three of the cameras have teleprompters so the talent (person on camera) can read from the script while looking directly into the lens. While a student operates the movement of the camera in the studio, a remote control unit gives the control room staff the ability to change the brightness and color of the camera.

5. Movable sets

The main set area of the studio allows for multiple looks thanks to an array of flats, desks, chairs, and other pieces that are stored just beyond the blue curtain. Students assemble their set before each shoot with some shows sharing a similar set or pieces.

6. Four 55″ Samsung 4k TVs

The control room crew can see each video input as well as the volume level of the audio mixer with a multi-screen view with the switcher’s preview and program outputs.