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West Bend Community TV awaiting encoder repair, evaluating Castus stream keys and planning to sell surplus gear
Summary
Committee heard technical update: an AT&T encoder is being replaced under warranty with Keycode Media assistance; staff tested Castus stream keys but do not recommend purchase now; department plans to sell older equipment once new systems are confirmed.
The City of West Bend Community TV Committee received a technical update Feb. 10 about broadcasting equipment and distribution workflow, including a pending encoder replacement for AT&T channels, a successful Castus trial and plans to sell surplus gear once new systems are fully online.
John explained the department has experienced intermittent service on AT&T cable distribution because of a faulty encoder and related shipping errors. He said the encoder is under warranty and Keycode Media supplied a technician to install the replacement at no cost. “Once we get this piece that we need from the company, which is at no cost, he said it'll be up and going,” John explained.
The meeting included a light‑hearted description of a prior encoder compromise described as an encryption event that removed files from the encoder; staff said the transition to new equipment also provides an opportunity to clean and modernize the back room.
John said the department participated in a Castus stream key test to enable direct, on‑site transmission to cable channels. “It went really well, but at this time I'm not going to recommend purchasing the Stream Keys,” he said, adding the feature would ease workflows but is not essential given current processes.
Staff described plans to market and sell older production equipment once the new encoder is installed and operations are stable. The department plans to lean on the Keycode Media technician’s network to identify buyers and recover funds for the Community TV special fund.
Committee members noted the equipment sales and reduced capital needs could offset some uncertainty in franchise fees and department revenue. No purchase approvals or contract awards were made at the meeting; staff said they will return with financial details and a status report after the encoder is installed and 2020 accounts are closed.
