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Channel Playback Equipment Upgrades <br />In each of our cities we use the Leightronix Ultra Nexus to run our cable channels. This device <br />also encodes the video recorded at city meetings so that it can be used for live streaming and <br />Video On Demand. It also has built in scheduling software that controls when the meetings are <br />played back. The Nexus also acts as an interface with the cable systems in each of our cities. <br />The current Nexus is a standard definition video device. Many of our units have been in use for <br />over 10 years which is well beyond their normal replacement date. We have cobbled together <br />repairs and chosen not to upgrade the units because we knew that we would eventually need to <br />replace them with HD compatible devices. <br />Currently in 4 of our cities (Monticello, Big Lake, Elk River and Cokato) I'm getting requests <br />from Charter to give them a higher definition signal than what we currently offer. I should also <br />mention that we've also been getting inquiries from subscribers and city staff on when we will be <br />upgrading our signal. <br />This is proving to be difficult without upgrading the Nexus units. Up until now there hasn't been <br />a direct replacement. Now Leightronix has released a replacement for the Nexus that will <br />interface with our other city council equipment. <br />I've attached information about the unit. It is much more advanced than our current units but <br />actually more user friendly. It will be able to handle our playback needs and work with our <br />existing video On Demand and Streaming equipment. <br />I discussed this with the Chair and the Treasurer. My recommendation is to start in Elk River and <br />advance to Buffalo and SWTV. From there I will report back to the Commission on the progress <br />so we can decide on which cities to upgrade next. Elk River was chosen first because their <br />current unit is failing and also because they have a very strong IT department and this will be <br />very helpful in setting up the first unit. <br />Action Requested: Approve the purchase of a Leightronix ipMergeNX for the City of Elk River <br />plus training for a onetime equipment cost of $13,825.00 then in 2 months purchase 2 more units <br />for use in Buffalo and SWTV at the same cost. <br />01 <br />