What is a One Button Studio?

What is a One Button Studio?

A One Button Studio (OBS) is a room configured for self-service video recording with the goal of making the process as easy as possible. A user can begin recording by pressing a single button. The user conducts their presentation and then pushes a button to stop recording.

Many one button studios include a Revolution Lightboard, but of course this simple-to-use approach is beneficial for any type of video.

The equipment in a one button studio includes a video camera, microphone, studio lighting, and video recording equipment that either saves videos to a computer or a USB drive. That device must have an easy to use interface (ideally “one button”) to start/stop the recording and it should perform the behind-the-scenes functions to automatically save the video onto the drive in a standard file format like mp4. Many systems are configured to control power to studio lighting as well. 

OBS setups are common at colleges and universities where the need for recording video content is well established and technical support staff often has limited available capacity to staff recording studios for faculty and students. 

Read more about the use of One Button Studios in colleges at https://library.educause.edu/~/media/files/library/2016/5/eli7132.pdf

One Button Studio Packages from Revolution

If you're looking to install a robust all-inclusive one button studio, look no further. The One Button Studio Package from Revolution is a great option for you. These fully integrated packages come with professional support to ensure you are up and running quickly. The included greenscreen (chroma key backdrop) technology gives users the ability to replace their backdrop with a variety of scenes. If desired, the presenter can use an image or slideshow of their choosing. Live streaming capabilities are already built-in! You provide the empty room and Revolution will provide the rest for a turnkey solution. Learn more about the features in the video below:

 

Lightboard Control Center Studio Packages

Looking for a lightboard video studio with the functions and of a One Button Studio? Look no further than the Revolution Lightboard Control Center Studio Packages. The studio is turned on and off with a single switch and integrated functions enable unattended self-service recording. The proprietary & patent pending Lightboard Control Center even allows you to live stream and interact with overlaid images/videos during recording or streaming. Learn more in the video below:

 

The Origin: Penn State University's One Button Studio

The one button studio concept was created at Penn State. PSU faculty and students created a free app that runs on the MacOS platform. They chose to share with their peers, so others could ultimately benefit as well. Read more about the Penn State approach, limitations and issues, and what has evolved since in our resource: The Start and Evolution of One Button Studios.

Final Thoughts/Recommendations:

  • Recording studio planning should start with a discussion of key stakeholders to identify must-have features and timelines before starting the purchase or construction of a one button studio. If considering a self-built solution, be sure to discuss the roles and capacity of team members to manage the process from research, design, and sourcing to setup and ongoing support. 
  • Often, self-service recording is the priority. Lighting automation isn't critical for some users and could be managed by more conventional methods - a light switch on the wall that controls ambient lights and one that turns on all studio equipment, including studio lighting.
  • There are a number of outdated components and software required to use the PSU’s One Button Studio app. These details along with reliability issues and functional limitations have caused a number of schools to migrate away from that platform.
  • For a one-stop shop, professionally built solution with extensive R&D and live post-sale support, consider a Revolution One Button Studio or Lightboard Studio Package. Customers receive a seamless, robust solution delivered on a predictable timeline. Typical deliveries are within 2-3 weeks to any location worldwide. 

 

Discussion questions for your team:

  1. Who is the intended user group of the studio?
  2. Will the recording studio be staffed or does it need to be a simple-to-use system for self-service?
  3. Do you have a need to live stream presentations?
  4. What type of presentations will users be recording? 
    • Spoken presentation only
    • 2-person interviews
    • Lightboard Presentations
    • Presenting while referencing a computer monitor on the wall
    • Picture-in-picture PowerPoint slide presentation with presenter
    • What background do you want? Is a simple solid color like black or gray sufficient or do you want a greenscreen to insert other graphics? 

 

Have your answers to the above questions ready to go or want to get more input on your application? Reach out to us at info@revolutionlightboards.com or call us at (563) 949-1160 to talk through your plans or learn more about the solutions discussed on this page!

 

Here is a small sample of the many colleges using some version of a One Button Studio: