MID Public Meeting Chambers in session

A wide shot of MID’s new Public Meeting Chambers in session, showcasing the PTZ cameras and modern AV setup.

When the Modesto Irrigation District (MID) set out to modernize its Public Meeting Chambers, the objective was more than a technology upgrade—it was a long-term investment in transparent, accessible public communication. Serving Stanislaus County with irrigation, drinking water, and electricity, MID recognized that modern citizens expect more than public access—they expect clarity, professionalism, and accessibility.

“Security, flexibility, and ease of use were non-negotiable.”

— Sam Kneiss, Final Cut Media

A Legacy of Bold Communication

This vision wasn’t new. During a contentious water rights battle several years ago, MID bypassed media spin by producing a feature-length documentary with original footage and professional narration. Created by Sam Kneiss of Final Cut Media, the film garnered recognition at festivals in Los Angeles and New York, shifted public opinion, and won California’s top award for public advocacy media—usually reserved for high-profile organizations.

Reimagining the Meeting Chambers

Broadcast Pix GX Hybrid system close-up

Close-up of the Broadcast Pix GX Hybrid system and control interface in use by a staff member.

As demand for hybrid meetings increased, MID identified key goals for the upgrade:

  • High-quality Zoom integration and live streaming
  • Intuitive, non-technical operation
  • Secure architecture suitable for a public utility
  • Scalable, IP-based infrastructure to support future needs

“This felt more like a federal-level integration than a local government job.”

— Sam Kneiss

To meet the challenge, Final Cut Media collaborated with Carl Pride of Pride Haus, known for systems that balance functionality, creativity, and cost-effectiveness.

“Everything is possible—we just had to figure out how.”

— Carl Pride, Pride Haus

Asking Better Questions, Building Smarter Systems

Rather than retrofit a boilerplate RFP, Pride and Kneiss engaged MID leadership in a discovery process—identifying not just what they wanted, but what they didn’t need.

“We replaced a $25,000 TV control system with handheld remotes and spent the savings on what really mattered—quality and reliability.”

— Carl Pride

The result? A streamlined, scalable system including:

  • 10 RoboPix PTZ cameras, up from the original plan of four
  • Broadcast Pix GX Hybrid switcher
  • On-air indicator lights inside and outside the chamber
  • Custom Commander interface for simplified, centralized control

Why Broadcast Pix Was the Right Fit

Pride reviewed Ross, Blackmagic, and TriCaster but selected Broadcast Pix for its:

  • Expandability and automation features
  • Responsive customer support—even from the CEO
  • Cost-effective pricing for public sector clients

Having worked with Broadcast Pix since the early 2000s, Pride knew it could deliver broadcast-quality results with minimal staffing.

Inside the System

“The OpTechs love it. Clean files, easy to use, and consistently high quality.”

— Carl Pride

Raising the Bar for Government Meetings

MID’s public meetings are now visually professional, ADA-compliant, and streamlined for staff. From day one, the system has performed reliably, allowing MID to focus on governance—not troubleshooting.

“This wasn’t about flashy gear,” said Kneiss. “It was about enabling public servants to better serve the public. Broadcast Pix made that mission achievable.”

Behind the scenes staff using the system

Behind-the-scenes shot of staff monitoring the Broadcast Pix system during a live stream.

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Want to read the original article? Check it out on SCN.