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(NewsDakota.com) The television station run by the Oakes school is in the process of upgrading the equipment used to broadcast events over the internet.

“Tornado TV”, a community access station which has been around for the last seven years has purchased an $8,000 TriCaster, a video mixing piece of equipment to broadcast school board meetings, sporting events and a myriad of other Oakes School events.

The current Tricaster, which cost $11,000 seven years ago, has lost the ability to stream content over the internet; due to the internet protocol being changed from a Microsoft Windows format to an Adobe Flash format. The system can use Flash, however, it is not able to keep up with the internet protocols, and therefore cannot be used to stream online.   

Technology Support Advisor and Tornado TV Co-Advisor Larry Engel says Dickey Rural Networks and Oakes Enhancement have each given $2,500 to the project. In February, the Oakes City Council is set to have a second reading on using sales tax money for another $2,500. Engel says he’s confident the Council will act favorabily.

The new Tricaster will allow the station to use multiple cameras during a broadcast, something Engel notes is unique to the school district. 

Those who wish to donate can contact the Oakes School at 742-3234 and ask for Larry Engel.