Media Lab: From mobile green screen to recording studio
- 30.04.2025
- Research
The modern equipment in the Media Lab offers ideal conditions for producing and publishing multimedia content such as videos, podcasts, and interactive presentations.
The audio and video production lab at the University of Applied Sciences Kufstein Tirol has come a long way. What began with a mobile green screen in an office with simple lighting provided by two LED panels has now grown into a fully functional recording studio. And the journey is far from over.
Glaring spotlights hanging from the ceiling, numerous cameras scattered throughout the room, and microphones everywhere—what sounds like a television studio is actually the Media Lab at the University of Applied Sciences Kufstein Tirol. However, the rooms in the basement of Building A were not always so lavishly equipped: It all started with a mobile green screen and two LED panels, reports Asc. Prof. (FH) Mag. (FH) Hans-Peter Steinbacher, MA, who is both the laboratory manager and the head of the E-Learning Center. Since 2017, he has been responsible for the production and distribution of digital course content. He is supported by laboratory coordinator and multimedia designer Victor Heim.
Due to the higher education institution's blended learning concept—a learning model that combines computer-based learning and traditional classroom teaching—the Media Lab was already a popular destination for lecturers who wanted to digitize their course content before the coronavirus pandemic. The increasing demand led to an expansion of equipment, and with the construction of the new A building and its completion in 2020, the Media Lab found a permanent home.
FLOODING IN KUFSTEIN: LUCK IN DISASTER
The devastating floods in June 2021 also hit the Media Lab hard. Many devices fell victim to the floods and had to be replaced. “But we made the best of it,” reports the lab manager.
IN THE CONTEXT OF NEW ACQUISITIONS, WE HAVE REACHED A NEW LEVEL OF EXPERTISE BY PURCHASING THE LATEST EQUIPMENT.
Asc. Prof. (FH) Mag. (FH) Hans-Peter Steinbacher, MA
Head of Media Lab
Since then, the basement room has been modernly equipped and regularly upgraded. The latest addition is a digital podcast station that makes creating audio content almost self-explanatory.
The new digital podcast station in the Media Lab at the University of Applied Sciences Kufstein Tirol.
“When we purchase new equipment, we always make sure that as many people as possible can operate it easily,” says Hans-Peter Steinbacher. Because one thing is particularly important to him: the Media Lab is and will remain a laboratory for experimentation and hands-on learning, even if it has the atmosphere of a studio. For this reason, the team relies on One Button Solutions, which literally requires only the push of a button to start a process when recording videos for online courses. With this simple system, lecturers can record their content independently in front of a green screen. Scripts, lecture notes, and presentations can be integrated into the green screen in the background so that the speaker can refer to them directly. “The recording itself works completely autonomously and independently, which is no problem at all. For most people, the biggest challenge is standing in front of the camera and seeing themselves. It doesn't matter if they usually speak in front of large audiences – this new situation always makes them feel very insecure. But here, too, we help them overcome this with tips and tricks,” says Hans-Peter Steinbacher.
MOBILE EQUIPMENT FOR ALL REQUIREMENTS
Students and staff are also free to use the Media Lab's facilities at any time. After an introductory briefing, all equipment can be used independently – with additional support from Victor Heim. He is on hand to advise during recording sessions and ensures that everything runs smoothly before, during, and after production. Victor Heim is also on duty for in-house events and can usually be found with the streaming cart. This equipment is also designed as a mobile device so that it can be used flexibly at various locations outside the Media Lab. The box mounted on casters contains a permanently installed computer with Wi-Fi connection, a screen, a mixer, and other technical equipment for live streaming from anywhere on campus.
Currently, Hans-Peter Steinbacher and his team are working on a new image film for the International School Kufstein (ISK): “Both areas are growing for us, both requests for external productions and demand for educational packages in the field of e-learning. A big topic at the moment is instructional videos for teaching – short explanatory films that help reduce complex topics and contexts to their essentials. With the help of inserted image and text elements, important content can be visually presented in this format and explained by a speaker.” With the Media Lab, the FH Kufstein Tirol impressively demonstrates how modern learning concepts can be combined with state-of-the-art technical equipment and a cutting-edge laboratory concept.
Links:
- Media Lab | Science Lab
