TBU Is Preparing a Top-Class Centre for Digitization and Multimedia Technology
17. March 2023Tomas Bata University in Zlín is building a new digitization centre and a modern multimedia studio for teaching purposes. It will be used mainly by students of the Audiovisual Arts Studio at the Faculty of Multimedia Communications (FMC) and for the needs of the TBU Digitization Centre. It will be equipped with state-of-the-art technology available on the current market.
The new centre is being built at the location of the former Fénix student club near the Hall of Residence in Antonínova Street in Zlín. The name is the only thing left of the original premises. “The building dates back to the 1980s, it had to be completely renovated. The bar, dance area as well as the galleries that many still remember from the times when discotheques were held here have disappeared,” says Pavel Blažek, Head of the TBU Investment and Property Management.
“The premises will house a centre for digitization of the Zlín-based university. In order to increase cybersecurity, we will also acquire hardware and software systems and completely improve the quality of the Internet network,” said RNDr. Alexander Černý, TBU Bursar.
Moreover, the premises will be used by students of the Faculty of Multimedia Communications, and that as a teaching studio holding state-of-the-art technology. “However, students and teachers from any TBU Faculty will be enabled to produce various audiovisual materials for teaching, for example shoot popular educational videos, record lectures or commentaries,” said RNDr. Alexander Černý, TBU Bursar. The building comprises two studios with an area of 230 square metres; there is also a control room and make-up room. Podcasts will also be recorded here. Motion sensing technology is available as well. “Actors are wearing suits, and the system transmits the coordinates to a computer for processing in virtual reality or in 3D,” says Pavel Hruda, the chief coordinator on behalf of TBU. The equipment also includes a large screen 4K TV, which can provide a completely realistic image for the human eye and can simulate real space.
“In the final shot, the viewer cannot recognize that the actor is not in a natural environment. This is a method used today in film productions, thus saving a lot of money, as actors do not have to travel to several locations; by using such a screen, it is possible to simulate the environment in the studio. To name one example, such technology was used during the shoot of the Avatar movie,” says Petr Krkavec on behalf of the supplier.
“Students will have an opportunity to use plenty of cameras, cranes, a virtual studio and other types of equipment, including state-of-the-art lighting. It is also necessary to mention the issue of storage including the appropriate data management (the so-called MAM Archive storage), which will also be available and which is very important,” said project coordinator Pavel Hruda. “Students will come into contact with all technological elements and individual workplaces similar to those in the professional industry, and the subsequent transition to employment will then be much smoother,” he added.
At present, the installation of audiovisual equipment is being finalized in the studio; afterwards, the test operation will begin. The first big event will be a joint concert, to take place in May, with the Academy of Performing Arts in Prague and the Janáček Academy of Music and Performing Arts in Brno joining efforts with the Zlín-based studio and giving a musical performance together. During the annual Film Festival for Children and Youth, programmes will also be broadcast from here.
“The construction costs amounted to approximately CZK 21 million, provided from the TBU funds. Expenses related to the actual technological equipment amounted to CZK 34 million, with funding provided by the project funded by the National Recovery Plan of the Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports,” added Dr. Alexander Černý, TBU Bursar.
