At Granbury High School, the audiovisual (AV) program has undergone an extraordinary transformation, thanks to the adoption of NewBlue’s Captivate software. What started as a simple project with a couple of low-end cameras has evolved into a sophisticated production system that rivals professional-level broadcasts. Led by AV teacher Adam O’Hanlan, the program has not only enhanced the way sports events are covered but also given students hands-on experience with cutting-edge technology that prepares them for future careers in media production.
Humble Beginnings: From Simple Cameras to Digital Graphics
When O’Hanlan first took over the AV program, the setup was basic. “We started with two cameras—one main camera for capturing the game and a secondary camera that was fixed on the scoreboard,” he recalls. “We were doing picture-in-picture shots, but the equipment was far from ideal.”
A small handheld Panasonic camera on an outdated tripod was the backbone of their early broadcasts, and the scoreboard was still being operated manually.
Everything changed when the team discovered NewBlue Captivate, a software solution that allowed them to create
digital on-screen graphics. With Captivate, the scoreboard became fully digital, marking a major leap forward in the quality of their broadcasts. This initial step was the catalyst for upgrading other parts of their production. “Once we started using Captivate, we quickly realized how much more we could do,” O’Hanlan explains. “We incorporated better cameras, more stable tripods, and higher-quality graphics, turning our simple setup into something much more professional.”
The Role of Students: A Hands-On Learning Experience
The AV program at Granbury High isn’t just about enhancing sports broadcasts—it’s also about giving students invaluable hands-on experience in live production. “I’m Mr. Practicum, and I’ve been part of this program for quite some time,” one student recalls. “I’ve seen where we started and where we are now, and the change has been incredible.” The students are involved in every aspect of the production, from camera operation to graphic design and directing live broadcasts.
One of the most exciting aspects of the program is the role students play in managing real-time statistics during games. Through Google Sheets, students track player stats and game data, which is then automatically synced with Captivate to update on-screen graphics in real-time. “It’s amazing how easy it is to keep everything up to date,” O’Hanlan says. “As soon as a student enters a new stat, it’s reflected in the graphics instantly, and the person managing the graphics can push it live with just one click.”
Instant Replay: A Professional Touch
A recent addition to the program that has truly elevated their broadcasts is the instant replay feature. “During baseball and softball games, we added the ability to do instant replays, which has been a game-changer,” says O’Hanlan. Captivate allows the team to constantly record 15-second clips that recycle automatically, making it easy to grab key moments and play them back for the audience.
The students have also personalized this feature with custom graphics and transitions. “We created a ‘Pirate Replay’ transition that plays before and after the replay,” one student explains. “The fans love it. We can even control the speed, typically playing it back at half-speed for dramatic effect.” After the replay, the system seamlessly returns to the regular broadcast, with all the on-screen graphics—like the scoreboard and player stats—appearing exactly as they were before the replay.
Looking to the Future: Expansion and New Opportunities
With each success, the program continues to grow. O’Hanlan and his students have big plans for the future of their sports network. “Right now, we’re covering sports like baseball, football, and softball, but we want to expand,” O’Hanlan says. “In the future, we hope to include more sports like swimming, track and field, cross country, and even our RC Rifle Team and powerlifting.”
The technical side of the program is also set to advance further. “We’re looking at running six to eight camera angles, all equipped with TerraDeck transmitters to connect wirelessly,” O’Hanlan explains. “Our audio will be wireless too, for better coordination with our commentators.” This expansion will allow the students to cover a wider variety of sports while offering even more professional-level broadcasts to their audience.
A Lasting Impact on Students and the Community
For the students involved, the experience has been more than just a fun extracurricular activity—it’s been a launchpad into the world of media production. “I’m the director here at Pirate Sports Network, and my job is to coordinate all the camera operators and tell them what angles to get,” one student proudly shares. “Our program has changed so much compared to last year. We’ve had a completely new set of personnel, software, and equipment, and Captivate has played a major role in that transformation.”
Not only does the program give students real-world experience, but it also fosters a sense of pride in their school and community. By showcasing sports events with high-quality production values, the AV team helps bring the excitement of the game to fans who may not be able to attend in person. “The fans seem to really enjoy the replays and graphics, and it’s great knowing we’re creating something people appreciate,” another student remarks.
As Granbury High School’s AV program continues to evolve, one thing is certain: NewBlue Captivate has been a driving force behind its success. From integrating real-time stats to creating custom graphics and enabling instant replays, Captivate has given the students the tools they need to produce professional-level broadcasts. And with plans for even more sports coverage and technical upgrades on the horizon, the future looks brighter than ever for the program.
In the end, it’s not just about covering sports—it’s about teaching students valuable skills, engaging the community, and creating something truly special. As O’Hanlan puts it, “The goal of the program is to highlight as many different sports and activities as possible, and we’ve only just begun.”
Granbury High School’s AV program has truly embraced the power of NewBlue Captivate to bring professional-level sports broadcasts to their community, and the future looks bright as they continue to innovate and grow.