User Report: RadioPix Creates Visual Radio Shows

LAKELAND, Fla. — For the past 20 years, I have been involved in a variety of roles within the radio broadcasting industry, both in front of and behind the mic. Through my experiences, I have grown to appreciate and value the experience that radio creates for the listener. As the industry continues to evolve, so have the challenges for radio stations that feel the pressure to produce more engaging shows with video content while working with limited budgets.

There had to be an easier way than using the piecemeal systems everyone has been cobbling together, so earlier this year, I partnered with Broadcast Pix out of my passion to simplify the video streaming process for both the radio host and the station’s producer. This has enabled me to help create RadioPix, a turnkey video streaming solution designed for radio stations, large or small.

I now “take my own medicine” and use RadioPix every day in my role as broadcaster and producer for the “Shannon Burke Show.” As one of the hosts for JVC Broadcasting, we broadcast in three markets, with stations located in Florida and New York.

When I received one of the first RadioPix systems in late March 2020, my plan was to install it in the “Florida Man Show,” WDYZ(AM/FM) 660 kHz/105.5 MHz, studio, but the coronavirus outbreak caused me to change my plans, installing it instead in my home studio, from where I now broadcast.

It took less time than I expected. RadioPix is an out-of-box solution that is easy to install with your current radio setup. The small form-factor server was indeed plug-and-play.

It includes PTZ cameras and a dedicated user interface. I connected my mics via Dante and the system output to our IP switch and I was streaming. Besides Dante, the system also works with Wheatstone WheatNet and Axia Livewire protocols.

The behavioral intelligence software works as advertised, by using mic activity to trigger the preconfigured visually aware macros, my voice is all that was needed to trigger camera moves, videos, lower-thirds and more. It is really that simple.

My personal favorite is the “boredom” macro that automatically triggers if my guest is speaking for longer than a minute. It starts a sequence of video production moves; the camera shot pulls back, brings up the lower-third title graphic, goes to a wide shot, and then goes back to a closeup. It’s great and lets me stay focused on my guest, while RadioPix automatically creates entertaining live video.

I now use on RadioPix every day and so far, I am impressed by its ease of use and dependability — the system just runs by itself. By pushing the “Live Stream” button, my show is streamed live to Facebook, YouTube, LinkedIn or Periscope. It has significantly reduced my workload; more importantly our viewers really seem to love it. We have been getting some great feedback.

We created RadioPix to be the perfect way to create live visual radio streaming, easy to install and set up in any existing radio station environment and our plan is to continually refine its features and content.

To learn more about RadioPix systems, click here.