Automating multichannel playout
Dec 1, 2008 12:00 PM, By Sid Guel
Be sure your system can meet today's and tomorrow's needs.
Table 1. Control room configurations
Select table to enlarge.
A combo system is a video server with built-in automation. This type is most common at smaller broadcast stations in which a simple master control operation is needed for playout. Combo systems are becoming more common with new startup channels and local broadcasters who have little or no graphics requirements in master control. Sales are booming right now because of their low cost, ease of implementation and HD playout.
A hybrid system is the next-generation automation system. It consists of a video server with an automation system built-in, plus everything else needed to handle a complete broadcast channel operation. What differentiates the hybrid system from a standard or combo system is that it is a channel-in-a-box solution. Like typical third-party device control with standard automation systems, the hybrid system has an array of third-party devices integrated into the automation system itself. Features such as character generators, keys, logos, routers and switchers are commonly a built-in functionality of a hybrid system. A hybrid is more of an IT platform automation system that is well-suited for new multichannel operations. IPTV, mobile TV, satellite uplink facilities and cable facilities are a good fit for hybrids.
A video server multichannel playout solution may not include automation at all. Several large multichannel operations do not use standard, combo or hybrid automation solutions. There are two reasons. First, the facility may only be uplinking pass-through channels with no physical control of the interstitials and the programs. Second, large facilities may have multichannel video servers using a simple playlist to control playout. Many broadcasters preproduce their media content for playout. In this scenario, no additional branding or tagging is required. This simple way of broadcasting multichannels is often seen in satellite and cable systems.
Lights-out automation
Broadcasters today are looking for more solutions that provide smart multichannel automated workflows that require fewer operators. At some point, there will no longer be a person in master control. Traffic will be responsible for the metadata, schedules and as-run logs. Production will be accountable for the physical interstitials and programs. IT and engineering will handle the maintenance and upkeep of the automation software and hardware.
BXF
The Broadcast Exchange Format (BXF) is the next big step in advancing workflows between traffic and master control. As the standard becomes more popular, expect to see traffic departments playing a larger role in the control and monitoring of automation systems. Improving and advancing operations, procedures and workflows will be required in those areas upstream of master control. Traffic, using BXF capabilities, can help maximize the profits for broadcast operations by having the ability to make real-time changes. BXF messaging allows traffic departments to react to missing media scenarios in real time, thus lowering revenue losses.
IPTV and mobile TV
Automation vendors are discovering that IPTV and mobile TV will require the same high-end broadcast products they produce for broadcasters. Likewise, IPTV and mobile TV companies are just now realizing the need for more advanced systems with rich master control capabilities. Initially, IPTV and mobile TV operators relied on inexpensive and mostly inadequate solutions for playback. Now they are looking for more professional broadcast systems to deliver their content. These new business model broadcasters are slowly beginning to align themselves with mainstream broadcast technology for ingest and playout.
SOA and workflow management
In shopping for an automation system or in upgrading an existing system, there are two other factors to keep in mind: a service-oriented architecture (SOA) and workflow management. With SOA and workflow management, a broadcast facility is designed and configured from end-to-end to be as efficient as possible by giving operators limited control of the decision-making process when the system is online. Good automation systems with an intelligent SOA can question operational requests made by operators. An SOA provides a built-in intelligence that can make split-second decisions to help secure the fundamental operation of a broadcast system.
The bottom line
One size does not fit all, however. Broadcasters need to find a solution that meets their specific needs. The total number of broadcast channels is the first factor to consider. For example, there's a difference between a broadcaster with hundreds of channels and one with 20 channels. Automation systems are an absolute must for multichannel playout operations with hundreds of channels.
Find the right configuration and automation system for your facility. This may entail a variety of configurations within the same facility, depending on cost and client requirements. Do a risk assessment to determine the uptime requirements, features and cost capabilities for your operation. Look for companies with more, not less, built-in functionality, options and features. Consider built-in features like transcoding and A/V formats.
Scalability is a key factor when selecting an automation system. It is especially important for the smaller channel count operations who have between two channels and 20 channels. Be sure you know the costs and implementation requirements of adding new channels to a system.
Development roadmaps are important. Understand the development direction the automation company is moving toward. See if the vendor's plans closely match where your operation is going.
At the end of the day, the more automated a broadcast facility is, the more efficient it becomes. Economics will continue to drive the need for modern broadcast automation systems. Properly used automation saves on costs, provides a better on-air look and maximizes profits. BE
Sid Guel is CEO of Broadcast Automation Consulting.
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