TV Studio Automation

Over the course of five years, I developed the Tribune Control System—an early, web-based broadcast control platform that enabled producers to remotely operate video equipment across multiple stations and bureaus. Through a standard web browser, users could control cameras, switchers, lighting, tape decks, and servers over any network connection.

Featured in multiple computer and broadcast trade publications for its innovative approach to remote production.

Built in Java with a browser-based client (supporting Netscape and Internet Explorer), the system delivered seamless, real-time control without the need for specialized on-site software. With deployment costs under $5,000, it was implemented across several Tribune properties, including WGN-TV Chicago, Chicagoland TV, WPIX New York, WXMI Grand Rapids, KSWB San Diego, KTLA Los Angeles, KWGN Denver, Chicago Tribune, Central Florida News (Orlando), and the Sun-Sentinel (Fort Lauderdale).

In Chicago, the system connected the Chicago Tribune newsroom with WGN-TV and CLTV operations, enabling coordinated, live responses during breaking news events.

This work represented an early step toward internet-based remote production—demonstrating how networked video control could unify print and broadcast workflows while reducing costs and improving speed and flexibility.

Broadcast Equipment Interfaces

• Camera Pan/Tilt/Zoom
• Camera Setup
• Audio Mixer
• Video Routers
• Video Servers
• Lighting Panels
• Emergency Broadcast Systems 
• Waveform Analyzers

Core Technologies

• Java Applet Client
• Apache Web Server
• Oracle DBMS 
• HTTP Client-Server Communication

Interface Protocols

• RS-232
• RS-485
• GPIO
• TCP/IP