MARSHALL — The computer systems needed to televise local events like Marshall government meetings and Marshall Tigers games are in need of some important updates, Studio 1 operators said this week. But the cost for a new Cablecast system will be covered by funds raised through local cable subscriptions, said Marshall media communications specialist Alex Peterson.

At Tuesday’s meeting of the Marshall City Council, Peterson brought forward a $42,435 quote to replace the Studio 1 Cablecast system.

“We have a quote that we received to replace the vast majority of our Cablecast hardware system that we use,” Peterson said. “We originally bought the system in 2016, and we’ve been limping it along for many years.”

Peterson said Studio 1 could no longer get needed security updates for the Cablecast system, so it was time to replace it.

The Cablecast platform used by Studio 1 to broadcast programs over cable and internet is made of several computer servers working together. The servers help provide video recording, playback, digital signage, and video-on-demand delivery, according to information included in the city council agenda packet for Tuesday’s meeting.

Studio 1, Tiger TV and SMSU Media channels all use the Cablecast platform.

Peterson said the $42,435 quote for new equipment was the state contract price.

“We do have a PEG fund – the Public, Educational and Government fund – that is funded by cable subscribers specifically for this type of equipment,” Peterson said. As part of Marshall’s cable franchise agreements with Spectrum and Bluepeak, the city receives payments of $1.50 per cable subscriber per month.

“So that fund we’ve been holding a reserve balance in for many years, anticipating this update. We have just about $100,000 in there now,” Peterson said.

Council members spoke in favor of the equipment updates.

“This is money well spent,” said council member Craig Schafer. He said Studio 1 was providing high-quality local programs for the Marshall community. “I’ve had input form a number of people who are regular watchers of the services that Alex and his team provide. I think we’re blessed to have a very high level of technical expertise and a very quality production.”

Council members voted to approve the use of $42,435 from PEG funds for new Cablecast equipment.