The 35 or so biggest automation vendors have all assembled at NAB2008 to show the latest and greatest, but what is this year’s theme? There seems to be no single theme, but popular this year is the continuing shift to single-box solutions, the “channel in a box.” Because most new channels run relatively simple playlists compared to the complexities of prime networks, low-cost systems are the order of the day. Nearly all vendors now have a simple system to meet this need, most with integral storage, although some can use third-party video servers. These systems generally use the Windows platform on a commodity server, with a video card and time code reader to make it “broadcast friendly.”
Aside from those products, the big push seems to be improving integration with third-party systems — with BXF the leading route to the standardization of data interchange. As broadcasters move to file-based workflows and commodity IT platforms, broadcast automation has become a real-time island in that system, but is still delivering the cost advantages of the universal systems. The question then: In this environment, will we see broadcasters use technologies like Web services and SOAs to implement business process optimization? The sales and scheduling departments can dynamically manage playout in a way that wasn’t possible before.
After the show, “Automation Technology Update” will be reporting on emerging trends in this area.
This eBook provides both new and veteran shooters an in-depth understanding of the technology that lies between the camera lens and the recording medium and how to maximize a camera's performance.
File-based technologies have replaced video tape methods for a majority of production and broadcast operations. The worlds of AV and IT are coalescing to create new methods and workflows for media
Video compression, editing and displays is an in-depth tutorial on MPEG compression technology, editing MPEG content and evaluating color video monitors written by long-time video expert, trainer and writer Steve Mullen, Ph. D.
2012 will be the year of mobile DTV. That’s the view of Erik Moreno, who along with Salil Dalvi, senior VP for Mobile Platform Development at NBC Universal, is co-general manager of the Mobile Content Venture.
Hear snippets of podcast interviews done throughout 2011 with Pat McDonough of The Nielsen Company, Glen Friedman of Ideas & Solutions!, Danny Wilson of Pixelmetrix and Greg Herman of Watch TV. Pictured is Danny Wilson, Pixelmetrix.
