Our Capabilities

3Ci most recent commitments have been directed at preparing for the eventual convergence of media broadcasting methods. To be successful, system architecture must be based on current trends and standards in the industry. 3Ci uses adopted guidelines to develop a standard strategy that ensures operational functionally and integration. Our systems demonstrate insightful architecture that ensures future expandability and adaptability to the constantly evolving marketplace.

Transmission or Broadcast Headends
Over the last few years 3Ci has been fortunate enough to work with some of the most highly skilled individuals in the transmission industry. The distribution systems 3Ci has helped implement have been various types depending on the client's requirements. MMDS, terrestrial, cable and satellite systems have dominated the landscape and 3Ci client list recently.

3Ci has experience with all current standards of video formats such as DVB, ATSC, HDTV, SDTV, 4:2:0 or 4:2:2. Additionally, 3Ci has provided support with the integration of common elements found to be problematic like Conditional Access, Network Provisioning, Bandwidth Management and Traffic Control.

Services 3Ci has provided to past clients on various projects:

• System Design
• Program Management
• Budget Analysis
• Site Design, Planning and Preparation
• Equipment Installation
• Interoperability Testing and Certification
• Parts Inventory and Management
• Signal Reception and Transmission Integration
• End to End System Testing

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Test Bed / Lab Services
3Ci will plan a proper cable plant design and give rational to the often-chaotic environment commonly found in design labs. This is when a framework or system design must be at it's best, to help keep the timelines in sync with design, testing and research. To maintain technical standards and functionality to the highest degree ensures that engineers and technicians can concentrate on the task at hand. Preferably a method to manage the complexity can be settled upon. But often the dynamics of the industry requires that decisions are made on the fly. A good design will accommodate short-term solutions.

Some considerations 3Ci uses to design a robust system:

• CAD Documentation of Rack Design and Elevations
• Cable Identification Methods either Nomenclature, Color or Graphical
• Complex Switching and Routing Methods made User Friendly
• Interfacing or Integrating New Signals in a Live Environment
• Technical Interfacing Protocols
• Remote Access
• Workbench Functionality
• HVAC and Power Requirements
• Cable Management, Tray Design, and Seismic
• Bracing Infrastructure
• Technical Training

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Edit Suite and Production Facility
3Ci's most diverse and extensive background is in the broadcast industry dating back to 1983.Understanding broadcasting systems and operational requirements has been the strength of well designed systems that 3Ci has participated and contributed. Sometimes 3Ci has been called upon to solve what many believed to be insurmountable production obstacles or potential show stoppers. Knowing what is required to deliver a product to air or prioritizing system failures in a live broadcasting environment is mandatory to being successful in this profession.

Services 3Ci has provided in Production facilities:

• Staffing Live Broadcasting with Technical Support
• Design and Build Mobile Production Systems
• Qualify and Test Systems to Ensure Operational Capability
• Monitor and Video Projector Alignment
• Sound Reinforcement and Acoustical Treatment
• Switcher and DA Timing Requirements
• Audio dB Level Setting
• Switcher Maintenance

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Retail and Trade Show Systems
Limited to a handful of opportunities in a relatively consumer level driven environment. Levi flagship store at Union Square in San Francisco would be the largest, most complex retail system assembled by 3Ci. This store system incorporated the largest rear projection screens presently used in any retail environment featuring a nine projector alignment, over 100 independently hung speakers driven by a complex routing system utilizing 5.1 surround technology and numerous other one-off designed and integrated devices for customer interaction and use.

Trade show integration services have mainly taken place at NAB (National Association of Broadcasters) and the Western Cable Show. All systems have demonstrated the capabilities of broadcast equipment and in particular compression systems. More often than not onsite changes, modifications and the ability to handle off-hour requirements determine the success or failure of each show.

Retail presentation services provided:

• Rigging and Flying Various Apparatus
• Lighting Requirements
• Closed Circuit Remote Camera System
• User Interfaces to Provide Ease of Use
• Incorporating Electro Magnetic Locking Devices
• Telephone and Paging System
• Green Screen Superimposition Featuring Electronic Postcarding
• Incorporating Laser Measuring Device in Media Presentation

Trade show integration services provided:

• RF Distribution
• Modular Cabinet and Rack Configuration
• Video Wall Integration
• Wireless Audio System
• Automatic Video Tracking System

case study