SECTION 1
Introduction
Quiz with Balls is a high-stakes quiz show combined with large-scale physical competition, merging intellectual challenges with physical excitement.
Each episode showcases two families battling for a $100,000 prize in a “Battle of the Balls,” hosted by comedian Jay Pharoah. Contestants answer quiz questions, and a wrong answer triggers a massive ball that rapidly descends, knocking them into a pool below. The show airs on Fox in the USA and is produced by Eureka Productions, with technical management and facilities provided by The HELM Technology, a long-standing partner of Ross Video.
Section 2
The Challenge
Producing a prime-time game show with significant prize money requires a robust and adaptable graphics solution.
The system needed to manage the game engine, trigger automation, and handle real-time dynamic LED screen content and lighting effects—all while complying with Standards and Practices, accommodating a short lead time, and supporting flexible data input requirements. Ross Video’s creative services team, Rocket Surgery, was brought on board to build this complex system.
Collaborating with The HELM on Quiz with Balls provided an ideal platform to showcase the power of the Ross Video graphics ecosystem. By integrating Rocket Surgery Triggering & Control solutions, we developed a production control system that maximized audience engagement for the show.
Jim Doyle
Vice President, Ross Creative Services “Rocket Surgery”
Section 3
The Solution
The collaboration with The HELM focused on delivering an effective, customized graphics solution.
A Carbonite Ultra 60 switcher and TouchDrive TD3S control panel were selected for their versatility and proven reliability. Already a staple in news and sports production, the Carbonite Ultra, paired with TouchDrive, proved to be the perfect choice for the demanding live-to-tape requirements of Quiz with Balls.
Rocket Surgery developed a DashBoard interface to control XPression Tessera, automate set and lighting elements, and integrate DataLink for seamless data management. This setup enabled real-time rendering of episode variables on the LED screens and allowed for instant updates to the Carbonite Ultra 60 switcher—crucial for last-minute changes that traditional game engines, which rely on pre-rendered content, could not accommodate.
The HELM Technology also invested in a Carbonite Ultra 60 and TouchDrive TD3S, positioning them at the center of the production gallery. These tools were selected for their flexibility with various formats and standards, as well as their proven reliability, ensuring smooth operation throughout the production.
“We needed a flexible solution for our game engine, and Josh suggested partnering with Rocket Surgery to develop a custom interface and integration with the XPression Tessera system. The solution exceeded expectations, and the team went above and beyond to meet our requirements.
Emma Smith
Head of Production – Eureka Productions
The HELM Power Quiz with Balls by utilizing these Ross Video solutions:
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TouchDrive TD3S – Production Switcher Control Panels
- Carbonite Ultra 60 – Production Switchers
- DashBoard – Production Control System
- XPression Tessera – High-resolution graphics display solution
Section 4
The Impact
Ross Video and Rocket Surgery successfully delivered a flexible, innovative solution that met all production needs for Quiz with Balls.
The collaboration demonstrated the ability to effectively manage the complex, real-time demands of television production, resulting in an outstanding performance that contributed to the show’s success.
The partnership between Ross Video, Rocket Surgery, and The HELM on Quiz with Balls exemplifies the power of collaboration in creating cutting-edge broadcast solutions. As the show moves forward into its next season, the proven success of this partnership sets a strong foundation for future projects and continued innovation in the world of game show production.
Working with Ross and the Rocket Surgery team on this project has been an outstanding experience. We appreciate their solutions-oriented mindset and collaborative approach. They were extremely flexible in both the development and operation of the show, and we look forward to continuing our relationship on future projects, utilizing their world-class products
Josh Moffat
Technical Producer, Quiz with Balls & CEO, The HELM Technology
