Broadcast automation is critical in today's economy
Jul 1, 2009 12:00 PM, By Sid Guel
The keys to survival are automating processes, lowering staff count, smartening efficiencies and doing more with less.
They can also simultaneously transcode rich media for use in other areas such as proxy low-resolution copies for desktop viewing and EDL editing. Master control automation's ingest process can also auto transcode in a variety of formats such as Windows Media Player for Web VOD or Web streaming. In addition, master control can distribute content to where it's needed and wanted such as a local or remote playout video server, nearline system, archive system, or even a directory on a Web site.
Nearline and archive
Automated nearline and archive systems are available for smaller operations. Some master control automation companies have bypassed third-party traditional nearline and archive management systems. Several master control manufacturers can control and manage the storage and archiving within their systems using low-level API control. Master control automation companies now provide direct control automated solutions for nearline and archive storage.
Automated ingest
Automated ingest systems have been around for many years. Master control automation systems include these as a standard application with their systems. The difference is how new formats are prepared and transcoded for new business model audience delivery systems such as mobile, Internet, IPTV, etc. Master control and asset management companies now offer built-in transcoding options for the automated transcoding of rich media. Several master control automation companies include built-in transcoders as a built-in or external option with their systems.
Some third-party ingest systems are becoming more and more visible since the explosion in new media outlets. These systems were designed as ingest systems with an advanced level of transcoding, databasing, distribution and management.
Monitoring and control
Monitoring and control systems are now a must as multiple channels are a norm in any given broadcast facility. When stations combine channel facilities, they use less broadcast engineers and operators to manage more channels and facilities. Monitoring and control systems help an engineer do more with less. An engineer can be more efficient if he or she has tools to help monitor broadcast equipment and report on specific problems and/or errors. A good monitoring and control system can automate emergency backup signal scenarios and pin-point problem areas without having to spend wasteful time searching for the problem.
Workflow automation
Workflow automation systems are growing in popularity. Several new companies have exploded into the broadcast world with an array of workflow automation systems that control a multitude of subsystems via Serial, API and other forms of communication. Some are SNMP-compatible and can also report systems errors. These companies are IT-based and manage and monitor file distribution regardless if it is high-resolution or low-resolution. The companies are especially strong in new business models such as mobile, IPTV and iTV because they manage transcoding, distribution, storage and archiving.
All the while, they report continual status of operations. These are usually enterprise- or facility-wide systems that manage and monitor other systems from a high level. They are important in the sense that they will help identify workflow holes across the broadcast facility and work to resolve gaps and brick walls.
Standards
The control room at KNTV in San Jose, CA, features a Ross Video OverDrive automated production control system.
SMTPE standard MXF is the best proven audio/video standard for the interconnectivity and transporting of rich media. Since manufacturing companies are slow to build systems with more interoperability, the SMPTE standard MXF can act as the common ground between production, news, master control and other external groups.
The new SMPTE BXF standard is one of the biggest advances in master control automation in this decade. Creating a standard simplifies and automates metadata between traffic systems and master control systems. The holy grail of automation has always been to provide a system that uses a central database for metadata between traffic and master control. Of all the systems in a broadcast facility, there is more interaction between traffic and master control. Because a central database system is easier said than done, the next best thing is to standardize on a format. SMPTE took the standard one step further by establishing an HTML messaging protocol for the delivery of messages in real time or near real time. Traffic and master control can make or react to programming and interstitial changes or missing material throughout the broadcast day.
This year SMPTE is working on expanding BXF by creating a standard for extracting metadata from MXF files and using them in a normal metadata fashion. For example, if a station or network receives a file from a distributor, SMPTE is working on allowing BXF applications to extract the metadata from the BXF file without having to wait for a separate timing sheet. Combining metadata with rich media is a common operation in Europe. In fact, Europe extracts metadata that is automatically entered into the master control automation system for playout. Databases in master control and traffic for spot or programming metadata are not very common like it is in the United States.
Branding and graphics
Branding and graphics automation systems have been around for a while and are now advanced to the point in which they can literally fully automate a broadcast channel like a combo or hybrid automation system can. Although graphic systems companies don't advertise themselves as master control automation, they essentially are branding versions of master control automation systems. The major difference between graphic systems and master control combo or hybrid systems is usually the quality and sophistication of the graphics themselves. Some companies output stunningly good-looking graphics that are hard to match with a typical combo or hybrid automation system. If channel branding is important to your channel's success, consider a graphic automation system. There has been an increase in branding automation systems in secondary DTV channels from coast to coast.
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