Site Survey
A site survey is a detailed technical assessment of the venue before event production.
Where we use this- Before anything is quoted in detail: a walk of the venue with an engineer.
- It finds the power, network and sightline problems while there is time to fix them.
- Testing the internet at a quiet time, then going live with a full room.
What it means in live production.
A site survey is a detailed technical assessment of the venue before event production. It's where engineers walk every inch of the space, measure distances, test network connectivity, plan camera positions, identify challenges, and develop service. A good site survey prevents surprises during the event.
Site surveys include multiple components. Physical assessment: Is there power available where we need equipment? Are there obstacles blocking camera sight lines? Can we run fiber cables between control room and stage without creating trip hazards? Do we need equipment lifts (cranes or scaffolding) to position cameras for proper angles?
How it works on a live production.
Network assessment is critical for modern productions. We test internet bandwidth at each location where we'll place equipment. For a remote speaker location or field reporter position, we measure WiFi signal strength and compare it to cellular coverage. We might discover that the boardroom has terrible WiFi but excellent cellular, so we'll use 5G hotspot instead of venue WiFi. For the main control room, we verify fiber connectivity or plan for ISP redundancy.
We assess power distribution. Each camera needs power (or battery with swaps during the event). The vision mixer, encoder, graphics system, and monitoring equipment each need power. Are there sufficient outlets? Do they need UPS (uninterruptible power supply) backup? If the venue loses power for 30 seconds, will our streaming continue or drop?
For esports productions, site surveys include the gaming setup. testing consistency of network latency to game servers, verifying monitor refresh rates, checking for electromagnetic interference that might affect wireless microphones. Game tournaments demand precision that venue surveys can't replicate but that professional surveys can identify.
We document everything: floor plans with camera positions, equipment lists with serial numbers, network topology diagrams, power distribution maps, and contingency plans. During the actual event, these documents tell operators exactly where every cable should run and what to do if problems occur.
Site surveys typically require 4-8 hours depending on venue complexity and are scheduled weeks before the event. We charge for surveys because they require experienced engineers and are critical to event success. A survey identifies issues that would otherwise create disasters during the event itself.
Full event production
Every full production starts with a site survey and a written signal-flow plan.
Live event streaming
Live event streaming services in Dubai for conferences, summits and corporate events. Multi-camera production, redundant uplinks, one team from camera to viewer.
ReadComms Systems
Comms (communications) systems connect production team members through headsets and microphones so they can coordinate in real time.
ReadBroadcast Systems Design
Broadcast systems design is the foundational engineering discipline that determines whether a live event succeeds or fails.
ReadOutside broadcast services: OB truck or flypack?
An OB (outside broadcast) truck is a mobile production gallery: vision mixing, sound, graphics, recording and transmission built into a vehicle and driven to the venue.
ReadFibre Distribution
Fibre optic distribution provides high-bandwidth, long-distance signal transport from event venues to broadcast facilities or from broadcast facilities to remote studios.
ReadQuestions people ask about this.
When should we schedule a site survey?
3-4 weeks before the event if the venue is new to us, 1-2 weeks if we've worked there before. This timeline allows us to design service, order any specialized equipment, and plan crew assignments before the event. Last-minute surveys are less thorough and miss problems.
What should we prepare before the survey team arrives?
Have someone who knows the venue available to open locked areas and answer questions about power, internet, and venue policies. Provide details about the event format (number of speakers, expected attendees, key announcements) so surveyors understand production requirements.
How much do site surveys cost?
Typically AED 3,000-5,000 depending on venue size and complexity. This is one of the most cost-effective expenses because identifying a major issue (inadequate internet, power problems, infrastructure obstacles/) during survey avoids expensive emergency service during the actual event.
Can we skip the site survey if we've worked at a venue before?
Sometimes, but not always. Venues change. new flooring, renovated AV systems, different furniture layouts. Even familiar venues can surprise you. We recommend surveys for any new event, even at familiar venues. The cost is trivial compared to potential event disruption.
Tell us the date, the venue and who is watching.
We scope every live production against its run of show, not a package.
CBA produces live event streaming for conferences, launches and ceremonies across the Emirates and the GCC.