Migrating to IT-based playout
Feb 1, 2009 12:00 PM, By Michel Proulx
Perhaps more importantly, the cost efficiency of these highly integrated products makes it much easier for stations to add levels of redundancy to their system. This can be done by adding extra channel-in-a-box devices to the system to create back-up channels. Indeed, the very different cost structure makes a full, mirrored off-site back-up facility a much more realistic option for many broadcasters.
Hybrid model
For many stations, the real need is for a development path that enables them to move toward IT-based playout, without abandoning all their existing investment in hardware and business systems. It takes years for a station to develop effective processes across media management, traffic and sales, with this task made more complex because key systems, like automation and media management, tend to come from separate vendors specializing in these disciplines. Hence, many broadcasters need something quite different from the first approaches to IT-based playout, which were focused primarily on green field site operations, where there is more scope to install completely new hardware and software systems.
Figure 3. Hybrid model combining traditional and IT-based playout
Click to enlarge
This requirement has spurred the development of the hybrid model, which allows co-existence of traditional and IT-based playout. (See Figure 3.) This allows new channels to be added that operate with IT-based playout, while the existing channels are unaffected. The important thing about this approach is that it allows a phased migration path toward new technology, without the high level of disruption caused by a complete technology shift. With a hybrid model, broadcasters can leave their critical business systems alone until they are ready to make changes.
The key to successful hybrid operation is the ability of the IT-based playout devices to operate under the same playout automation as the traditional playout chain. For instance, the server portion of an IT-based playout device can be controlled by the widely adopted VDCP protocol, while the switching and branding functions are controlled by established switching and branding control protocols. This may seem like a pretty unremarkable concept, but the reality is that this is not the norm in the industry, and the impact of this approach is far-reaching in terms of enabling the adoption of new technology among broadcasters.
These hybrid-ready playout servers with integral switching and branding are now available, and they have been shown to work effectively with many of the leading international automation vendors. Importantly, these devices feature uncompromised operation, with high-performance playback of long-form and short-form clips, clean switching between sources, and advanced multilevel graphics capabilities.
To be a practical proposition, the automation integration to these channel-in-a-box systems needs to be mature and richly featured. For instance, the control of switching and branding should include full control of secondary events, with graphic template population directly from the playout automation. Effective automated control of graphics is an important issue because competitive pressures in the television industry are driving the production of larger volumes of in-show and episodic promos to encourage audience awareness and retention. This high volume demands the use of highly automated, database driven graphics techniques.
Ideally, the graphics workflows should be integrated across the traditional and IT-based elements in a hybrid system, with common workflows across work order management, graphics preparation, data-interfacing and playout. This high level of graphics workflow efficiency is important because operating costs are subject to just as much scrutiny as capital costs, with a drive toward leaner, more centralized operations evident across the industry.
Conclusion
The latest developments in hybrid systems will enable IT-based playout to move from an exciting concept to a very real and practical path forward for mainstream broadcasters. It offers the opportunity to realize an IT-dominated playout infrastructure in the longer term, without the high risks associated with a sudden and complete technology shift. By following this way forward, the industry can expect to further reduce its costs per channel, while opening up opportunities for additional low-cost channels.
Michel Proulx is chief technology officer for Miranda Technologies.
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