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Automating multichannel playout

Dec 1, 2008 12:00 PM, By Sid Guel

Be sure your system can meet today's and tomorrow's needs.

When automating multichannel playout, many solutions are available. On the world stage, it takes on an even broader, more complex meaning. Broadcasters design, configure, implement and operate multichannel playout in as many different ways as manufacturers design, develop, sell and install multichannel playout.

Multichannel playout can mean a terrestrial station with two, three or more HD and SD channels. It can also be a satellite delivery-to-home system (DTH). Cable systems are also known as multichannel operations in which 100, 200 or more channels originate from one facility. Uplink facilities and master control service providers add yet another dimension to automated multichannel playout.

Single-channel operations are harder to find nowadays. Only small broadcast operations such as LPTV, public access and education still operate single-channel systems. Many broadcast facilities today originate more than one channel. As the economy continues to sour and the competitive landscape changes, TV networks are searching for new ways to generate revenue. With the switch to digital television, they now have the opportunity to operate multiple channels from their facility.

Many broadcasters are consolidating by combining and centralizing their production, news, traffic, sales, programming and engineering operations to save on costs and increase profits.

Types of multichannel playout

Multichannel playout is defined by differentiating factors. For example:

• A multichannel playout operation is a single facility or multiple facilities that broadcast more than one channel on-air.

• Multichannel playout operations span from simple pass-through channels or origination channels to complex master control origination channels.

• Simple multichannel playout may be performed by large and advanced video server systems with preproduced media.

• Each broadcaster approaches automating multichannel playout differently. There is no one correct solution.

Automating multichannel playout today

When it comes to staffing for multichannel playout, consider the following scenarios:

• One operator controlling/monitoring just one channel;

• One operator controlling/monitoring a few channels;

• One operator controlling and monitoring many channels; and

• Few operators controlling and monitoring many channels in a tiered control configuration.

In centralcasting models, multichannel playout can be at the video/audio playout level or the control and monitoring level. Not all centralcasting facilities play out audio and video from their central hub location. Some only control and monitor from the central hub facility while the audio and video are actually played out locally. Here are some control room configurations:

Lights-out automation

• BXF

  a single master control room for a single-channel operation;

• IPTV and mobile TV

  a single master control room with shared and/or transferable control/monitoring in which control of channels can be moved from master control room to master control room within the same facility;

• SOA and workflow management

  a single master control room for the control/monitoring of multiple channels within a facility or on a LAN or WAN network in a centralcasting configuration (most commonly used outside of the United States.);

• The bottom line

  a tiered multilevel control center for the control/monitoring of multiple channels ; and

• peer-to-peer control in which automation control is shared among a group of channels from the same owner over a LAN or WAN network, also known as peer-to-peer centralcasting.

There are a variety of automation types, master control room configurations and operator topologies being used to deliver content. Table 1 outlines the broadcaster level and the various types of factors most associated with these broadcasters.

Channel-in-a-box and hybrid solutions are becoming popular because of current economics and the commoditization of broadcast automation. There has been a steady increase in interest for hybrid and channel-in-the-box solutions for multichannel operations, especially in green field configurations. As new multichannel business models like IPTV, mobile TV and terrestrial SD and HD begin to appear, the demand for low-cost and integrated feature-rich hybrid and channel-in-a-box solutions will continue to grow.

There are four types of automation systems in the market today: standard, combo, hybrid and stand-alone video servers.

The standard type is the premier, legacy automation system most used for third-party device control. These systems are typically used for single and low-count multichannel configurations. Standard systems operate between two to 16 channels. Some can scale to higher numbers without major changes.

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