STUDIOMATIC’s One Button Studio: No crew. Just you.
Jason Jenkins has long maintained that the production of high-quality video content can easily be accomplished with user-friendly studios.
Several years ago, following a lengthy career as a video editor/producer, Jenkins pivoted into design, development and sales after being introduced to the “one button studio” concept.
Today, he owns and operates StudioMatic, a compact Washington state-based enterprise that integrates the best of a one button studio with revolutionary macOS software that, according to Jenkins, does the heavy pixel lifting behind the screens.
“I build, deliver, and install One Button Studio systems, which are designed to turn small office spaces into automated presentation recording studios,” he explains. “There is no easier, or more cost-effective way to produce a large amount of high quality video content. No crew. Just you.”
PENN STATE MODEL
The one button studio concept was allegedly put forth at an early-2010s Educause (non-profit association advancing higher education through the use of information technology) conference.
Pennsylvania State University representatives loved the idea. The PSU team returned to its home campus with a plan to simplify video recording.
By 2014, faculty and students had come up with a working system run through a free MacOS app that automates recording, lighting and other studio elements with the simple press of a single button.
Before long, there were more than 20 one button studios on Penn State campuses. The university then opted to make its designs, parts lists, software and setup instructions public so that other institutions could take advantage of the technology.
ROADBLOCKS
One of those most interested was Jenkins, who was by then working as an AV systems developer, integrator and reseller.
“The idea was to take the one button studio concept and put it into a kit so it would be easy for customers to purchase one,” he says.
“I thought it would be cool if we just took all those pieces and put it together in a kit because otherwise everybody had to order from different vendors and it was just a lot of work. So, we thought we would make it easy for them. One piece, One Button Studio, one click purchase. That was the original concept.”
But making the one button experience easier was not easy. It turns out the app had not been updated for several years and the hardware button that was supposed to make things go was not compatible with the then-current version of macOS. There were other problems as well, including a delay in the video play.
“It was just awkward to use and it was crashing – I wouldn’t buy it, so there was no way I could sell it to anybody,” recalls Jenkins.
THE SOLUTION
Undeterred, he pushed on, focusing on his familiarity with live-streaming and live-switching software.
“I felt confident that I could make something better with that software as the backbone, which is what I ended up doing,” Jenkins explains.
The software he refers to is mimoLive, created by Germany-based Boinx. The software, exclusive to macOS platforms, allows users to create content like high-quality live streams, webinars and video podcasts. It combines features such as a video switcher, live streaming capabilities, multi-view, green screen keying and built-in graphics into one interface.
Ironically, the father of Boinx founders Oliver and Achim Breidenbach is known as the first person to import an Apple 1 computer to Europe. That computer ended up in the basement of the Breidenbach family home, where the brothers grew up surrounded by computers and technology.
“The magic of the One Button Studio is made possible through our partnership with the Breidenbach brothers – they were excited about the One Button project from the beginning and were more than willing to add requested feature and custom code.”
WHAT’S ON OFFER?
Jenkins estimates that 90% of his customer base is higher educational institutions, although his more advanced product iterations are attracting more and more corporate interest.
StudioMatic offers two One Button Studio kit options – OBS Pro and OBS Go – along with a number of add-ons such as digital lightboards and zoom teleprompters. Both versions are available with either turnkey installation or a turnkey kit for building the One Button Studio space.
Jenkins defines his One Button Studios as an automated, self-serve presentation recording studio.
“The whole concept is to remove all the technical hurdles that come with recording a presentation – customers follow on-screen instructions every step of the way and it leads them right through the entire process,” he says.
The One Button experience begins with facial recognition technology that identifies the user and automatically turns on the lights and the system.
“And when they’re ready to go, they hit the big red button. That’s what makes it a one button studio. There is actually a big red button.”
WORKING WITH PROTOCASE
During the development of his One Button Studios, Jenkins recognized the need for an enclosure to house wires and switches.
“Initially, I had this AV cabinet, a keyboard and mouse, two different USB hubs on top – there was just wires everywhere, even the red button had its own wire,” he says. “It all worked and it was cool for what it was, but it looked like a DIY project. I knew we had to integrate these components into some kind of console to make it look more professional.”
Jenkins then set about finding a supplier who could provide a solution to his enclosure issue.
“I must have found Protocase through an internet search and I was amazed that they could get something to me in two or three days – I mean, I live on Whidbey Island in Puget Sound in Washington, so that’s really cool that I can get something to me so fast.”
After contacting Protocase, Jenkins was introduced to the supplier’s proprietary Protocase Designer.
“I think the concept behind Protocase Designer is really cool, but I always ended up frustrated because of a learning curve that I didn’t want to spend too much time on,” he recounts.
“So that’s why I really appreciate Protocase’s engineering and design services. I got to the point where I didn’t even want to try. I just contacted them and explained what I wanted. And the results speak for themselves. Protocase helped make our One Button Studio look more professional.”