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Top Story
Automation Technology at IBC
Oct 7, 2005 8:00 AM, Automation Update e-newsletter
 vsn system at TV Castilla Y León in Valladolid, Spain. |
At IBC2005, Automation Technology Update had the opportunity the talk to Pedro Serrano, sales director of JustEdit, developers of the vsn solutions for playout, digital newsroom and archive automation.
Automation Technology Update: What is single most important reason that a broadcaster should use automation?
Pedro Serrano: Of course economic reasons, to increase production and/or reduce costs.
ATU: What areas should a broadcaster automate first?
PS: It all depends on which channel we’re talking about and its specific programming and operation. For an average broadcaster, a general rule could be: on-air playout (including commercials), ingest, then newsroom, archive and digital asset management and finally facility management. As long as they select open systems, the process should be smooth and run at its own pace to get the desired result, without compromising daily operations.
ATU: So, does this mean the broadcaster can approach automation with a “building-block” approach? If so, doesn’t this mean that the broadcast is then forever locked into one vendor?
PS: Yes, the “building blocks” approach can be achieved today, through the appropriate consultancy and design. Again if the selected solutions are open and ‘standards compliant’ the channel will not be locked into a single vendor at all. We already have several examples of this.
ATU: What are some of the regional differences in how automation is implemented?
PS: From our experience, we have found that automation deployment works in the same way as past technological advance in the broadcasting world; in each country there are waves ridden by first movers and later by the mainstream. The first wave generally comprises master control automation whereas the second focuses more on newsrooms and network post-production. The third is based on archive, digital rights management and everything related to increasing revenue from the content and the production process.
There are three regional differences: the starting point of each wave, the duration of each wave and, last but not least, for some countries, what they can afford. Not every broadcaster in emerging nations can afford the cost of the systems offered by the larger players.
ATU: What immediate benefits would a broadcaster see with the implementation of automation?
PS: A broadcaster should see an increase in production, better cost control or reduced costs in some areas, less stressed staff, new sources of revenue, better control and usage of AV content. However, this is not always found to be the case. One crucial reason has been the staff getting familiar with new technology and processes. This means that the right consultancy, vendor choice, deployment and training plans are actually even more important than the products features.
ATU: There has been much discussion about moving control of playout from the master control area back into the traffic department, where programs and commercials are initially booked. What challenges does this place on an automation vendor? What differences does this make in the operation of the control room?
PS: There are two different scenarios. If the broadcaster purchased a complete, open, none-proprietary solution from one single vendor, there would be no challenge. The databases from both departments would already be integrated and therefore from a technical point of view could already provide full control to either department. The challenge arises when this is not the case and both departments would then need to be aware of the other’s issues. The solution is proper integration of both databases.
If the control of the playout is from traffic, the master control operators have less flexibility to manage breaking content when necessary and would also face some constraints to enable them to react quickly and reorganize when necessary. You will always require the involvement of the top management to make a final decision. Balance and compromise are good mantras to achieve a good solution.
ATU: What sort of interface is needed with traffic and sales?
PS: The key to success is 100 percent integration of the databases, along with customized software procedures that respect the approved workflow. By this we mean that the solution is designed to fit the channel’s workflow, not the other way around. If we have this in place, then it’s just a matter of designing the right queries/reports.
ATU: What key features should a customer look for in an automation system?
PS: Crucially, the technology must be open and none-proprietary. Also to be taken into account is the effect the system will have on the staff roles and workload. There are various economic issues such as ROI, TCO and average cost.
ATU: How can a customer estimate the ROI for an automation system?
PS: For a large system, they would need the vendor to provide a complete and thorough case study adapted to their situation and circumstances. For smaller systems or partial solutions it’s much easier. Talk to both the technical manager and the vendor, then add some contingency, and it’s done.
ATU: What do you think will be the next big idea in automation?
PS: We are probably looking at something really simple and smart, related to the standardization of open APIs. Perhaps a real use of AV contents’ metadata in the automation processes.
For more information, visit www.vsn-tv.com.
News
BBC R&D and Pro-MPEG Forum launch Media Dispatch Protocol
Oct 7, 2005 8:00 AM, Automation Update e-newsletter
BBC R&D in association with the Pro-MPEG Forum has released an open-source implementation of the new Media Dispatch Protocol for the automated and standardized transfer of media files between different production and broadcasting facilities.
The Media Dispatch Protocol is designed to enable secure, automated, tapeless delivery of professional media files in all formats over private and public networks including the Internet. The protocol reduces the complexity of file delivery making the process more transparent and efficient. It is designed to integrate easily with automation and business delivery systems.
Several companies are actively involved in interoperability testing and early trials of the new protocol and open-source implementation. BBC Technology Direction is implementing the standard for its Production Gateway Initiative. The project will last six months and will test how content can be passed between the BBC and post-production houses in the UK as files rather than on tape.
The Media Dispatch Protocol has been defined by the Pro-MPEG Forum with representatives from broadcasters, facility houses and equipment manufacturers.
A full description of the Media Dispatch Protocol and links to download the open source implementation can be found on the Pro-MPEG Web site.
For more information, visit www.pro-mpeg.org.
VertigoXmedia granted patent for template-based graphics
Oct 7, 2005 8:00 AM, Automation Update e-newsletter
VertigoXmedia has been granted a patent by the U.S. Patent Office that covers the use of templates to create and edit data-driven graphics quickly and easily and play them out to TV. These features make up the core functionality of Vertigo's centralized asset management system, the MOS-compliant Xmedia Suite.
Vertigo's Xmedia Suite, enables broadcasters to create, edit and control 2-D and 3-D digital assets throughout the graphics production workflow. Acting as a central management system, it stores and manages all digital assets and real-time data feeds from virtually any source. When users design graphical templates and link them to the data feeds, the system automatically produces up-to-date graphics ready for broadcast with any standard character generator, including the VertigoXG.
For more information, visit www.vertigoxmedia.com.
New Products
New browse system from Omneon
Oct 7, 2005 8:00 AM, Automation Update e-newsletter
Omneon has introduced ProBrowse, a complementary system to the Omneon Spectrum media server for creating and displaying low-resolution (proxy) versions of full-resolution material contained within the server system. Automatic proxy generation, coupled with user-selectable thumbnail images and metadata searching, significantly simplify clip identification and viewing for more efficient operations enterprise-wide.
The Omneon ProBrowse System monitors content directories within any number of networked Omneon Spectrum servers and automatically generates 1 Mb/s low-resolution versions of all material, including any new material being ingested or copied into the system via live recording or IP transfer. Proxies are made immediately available for viewing on any networked PC using standard viewers such as Windows Media Player and QuickTime Player, or Omneon ProBrowse Desktop. ProBrowse proxies are also available to broadcast applications including automation systems, newsroom systems, and content management systems.
The Omneon ProBrowse Desktop application allows users to view proxies on a standard PC, add or change metadata, and mark in and out points on clips for playback from the Omneon Spectrum server. In addition to jogging and shuttling through the proxy material, operators can select a specific frame to serve as the icon, or visual representation, of the clip.
For more information, visit www.omneon.com .
YES Networks selects VDS ticker system
Oct 7, 2005 8:00 AM, Automation Update e-newsletter
 VDS ticker developed for YES in two-line mode. |
VDS has developed and delivered a new ticker system to Yankees Entertainment and Sports Network (YES). The ticker provides for the flexible display of sports news and scores in content specific segments assembled into a complete playlist. These segments can be independently scheduled as one or more playlist entries, played out sequentially as required, and include MLB, NBA, NFL, NHL, NCAAF, NCAAB and NASCAR. In addition, YES can enter general news and promotional information in a separate YES segment.
The ticker also has as a source of information, the news ticker headlines generated by Fox News Channel. The design of the YES ticker is unique with three major sections: The YES Dial, the news and scores regions and the branding/sponsor region.
For more information, visit www.videodesignsoftware.com.
Gee Broadcast launches two new servers
Oct 7, 2005 8:00 AM, Automation Update e-newsletter
Gee Broadcast premiered two new versions of its server family at IBC. The Geevs SD and MR use the familiar and trusted client/server architecture of existing Geevs servers. The hardware acts as a platform for a variety of clients. These include AutoRun for clip list playout, EZ Delay for time shifting using minimal storage, Multicam recording, Live studio playback and Archive.
Additional clients are designed to facilitate management and control of Geevs servers and their content such as Link for automation control, Replicate for mirroring and Translate.
For SD operations, Geevs SD brings improved performance and a lower cost. Fast cue and play with support for DV25, MJPEG and MPEG-2 are featured along with the comprehensive cache of Geevs software tools developed over previous generations. Offering a wide range of applications, Geevs SD is easily integrated with existing systems and can be configured with up to four channels in and out.
The Geevs MR multi-definition, multi-channel ingest and playout server is designed to handle any content whether HD or SD. The architecture is scaleable and designed to work independently or as part of a mass-distribution or capture facility. Storage options include support for SATA, SCSI, or Fibre Channel storage. While purpose-designed for tight integration with Lightworks’ Alacrity and Touch NLE’s, Geevs MR is compatible with almost any editing system.
For more information, visit www. geebroadcast.co.uk.
MSA Focus announces ForeTV at IBC
Oct 7, 2005 8:00 AM, Automation Update e-newsletter
MSA Focus revealed details of an automated broadcast management solution at IBC2005. The new suite, ForeTV, is to migrate MSA Focus’ solutions onto an industry-standard Visual Studio.NET.
MSA Focus also detailed its launch roadmap, including beta testing by NAB2006 and availability at IBC2006. The new product will include enhanced workflow functionality for sales, scheduling and digital asset management of all content from adverts and programs through to promotions, secondary events and interactive elements.
ForeTV’s new operating platform improves accessibility to and interoperability with more databases and offers an intuitive, Windows-based look and feel. In addition to desktop-embedded passwords, resizable windows, the ability to open multiple screens simultaneously and standard Windows commands, it offers customizable dictionaries for multiple language support.
For more information, visit www.msafocus.com.
Volicon’s Observer System streamlines broadcast and cable network operations
Oct 7, 2005 8:00 AM, Automation Update e-newsletter
Volicon launched Observer, a desktop video, audio and data monitoring system at IBC2005. Observer is designed for multichannel capture, to seamlessly extend video storage efficiency. The client-side component requires only standard PC’s running Windows. The server-side hardware has redundant power supplies, hardware RAID-5 storage, and IPMI remote hardware management.
Broadcasters and cable operators seeking to replace their analog-based monitoring systems can view and log multiple broadcasts and monitor transmissions from numerous stations using only a desktop PC and the Internet with the Observer System. It uses MPEG-4 video streaming and is tailored to the video storage, retrieval and analysis needs of broadcasters and cable networks as well as media monitoring services and government agencies.
Broadcasters and cable operators can use the Observer to log their own broadcasts for government compliance, to monitor competitors’ broadcasts and to retrieve and analyze video clips based on as-run-log data. The Observer’s interface works with a regular web browser. Familiar VCR-style controls are combined with color cues to clearly indicate channels displayed, whether they are live or recorded and which channel is providing the audio feed. Users can add or subtract channels from their display and switch between windowed, split and full-screen display with a simple mouse click.
For more information, visit www.volicon.com.
Business Announcements
Turner chooses Pro-Bel Morpheus
Oct 7, 2005 8:00 AM, Automation Update e-newsletter
 Pro-Bel Morpheus automation at Turner Europe master control. |
Pro-Bel has announced that Turner Entertainment Networks International (TENIL) has selected core technology from the company for the construction of its new playout facility.
Based in the heart of London, the purpose-designed new facility will see TENIL bring its playout and transmission activities in-house, bringing the UK-based operation into line with other Turner facilities. The new operation covers services transmitted to Europe, the Middle East and Africa. The services involved are Cartoon Network, Boomerang, Toonami and TCM (Turner Classic Movies), spread out over a number of configurations and feeds.
TENIL has selected Morpheus automation from Pro-Bel with the media management solution including an interface to TransMedia Dynamics (TMD), developed with TMD as part of the Morpheus Partner Program. TENIL has also chosen Sirius routers, TX520 master control and Aurora router control.
The Morpheus architecture supports non-linear playout of not only conventional material, but a wide range of multi-media and data-based content. At the core of Morpheus is the MediaBall concept, allowing complex sequences of events to be packaged in a way that provides simple presentation to an operator and easy manipulation within a schedule.
For more information, visit www.pro-bel.com.
Saraha TV to use Omnibus for three new channels
Oct 7, 2005 8:00 AM, Automation Update e-newsletter
OmniBus Systems has added three further 24-hour news channels to its existing system at Indian commercial broadcaster Sahara TV. The channels, which went on-air in March and April 2005, bring the total of OmniBus-controlled 24-hour news services in Mumbai and Delhi to seven. Sahara TV uses OmniBus applications to control ingest, manage the media flow throughout the facility, and coordinate the operation of a wide range of broadcast devices, including VizRT on-air graphics solutions, Miranda mixers and Leitch video servers and routers.
The entire broadcast infrastructure is tightly integrated to AP's ENPS newsroom computer system, which delivers the news playlists to OmniBus via an MOS gateway. OmniBus' Columbus application checks the integrity of the playlist and the availability of the media, and plays it to air either in a fully automated mode, for the news wheel items, or with automation assist for live news.
OmniBus provides editing, audio control, and V/O functionality at each of 150 journalist workstations, from where journalists can search, view, and manipulate any piece of media in the system, even active feeds. The OmniBus system allows Sahara to provide multilingual services for different states across India, where some 40 different languages are spoken.
For more information, visit www.omnibus.tv.
Pebble Beach busy with expansion orders for exisiting systems
Oct 7, 2005 8:00 AM, Automation Update e-newsletter
Pebble Beach has announced a number of on-going expansion projects at existing customer sites. These include Telebärn in Switzerland, NTN in the Ukraine, AZ Media in Germany, CNBC Europe in the UK and RR Satellite Communications in Israel.
AZ Media in Cologne, Germany, has recently expanded its playout center to accommodate the launch of the center.tv channel.
In Switzerland, Telebärn has upgraded its Anemone system by adding a Pinnacle Vortex video server with four ports (two in and two out), which is now used to transmit its News channel.
In London, CNBC Europe continues its expansion plans to support new channels. The upgrade adds two additional playlists, three Omneon video server ports and a Pixel Power Clarity CG to the system. A Quantum 2500 provides near-online storage. Pebble Beach’s archive control software manages the movement of material to and from the archive.
NTN, in Ukraine, has upgraded its entry-level Anemone automation system into a full multi-channel Neptune system. The new Neptune system has five playlists and controls a total of seven video server ports, divided across Pinnacle’s Vortex and Thunder video servers. The Neptune system also controls a Ross Video switcher, a Sony VTR, a Pro-Bel router and a Pinnacle Deko CG.
RR Satellite Communications’ in Israel continues to expand. The RR Sat system began three years ago as a simple Anemone system transmitting only three channels. It has expanded to 50 transmission channels under Pebble Beach’s automation, and there are plans for further expansion before the end of the year.
For more information, visit www.pebble.tv.
S4C buys Dalet Media Library for broadcast operations
Oct 7, 2005 8:00 AM, Automation Update e-newsletter
Dalet has announced that S4C, public broadcaster for Wales, has chosen DaletPlus Media Library to manage media and programs for their broadcast operations. S4C has been airing a wide range of programs in both Welsh and English since 1982. The implementation of Dalet’s Media Library solution will enable the broadcast operations team to more effectively organize programs and create promos.
DaletPlus Media Library enables the S4C staff to ingest media and programs directly to workstations via Blackmagic Decklink cards or to the Omneon server. As programs are dubbed, they are indexed into the DaletPlus Media Library’ asset manager and automatically stored in the most appropriate place — this could be standard IT storage, a Ciprico NAS server or the Omneon playout server. The DaletPlus conversion server generates a Windows Media viewing proxy.
S4C has total of 15 DaletPlus Media Cutter editing workstations that allow the team to browse the Media Library catalogue, make slot selections and export to Final Cut Pro for promo production. Once finalized, promos are checked back into the DaletPlus Media Library catalogue. Program schedules are also imported into the Media Library.
For more information, visit www.dalet.com.
WSKG selects Crispin’s system 2000 for digital transition
Oct 7, 2005 8:00 AM, Automation Update e-newsletter
 Crispin’s on-air playback application, RapidPlayX provides playlist monitoring and control for their on-air channels, allowing operators to create and load playlists, edit events, issue playlist commands and monitor event status. |
Crispin received an order from WSKG-TV, a Binghamton, NY, non-profit public television station, to support asset management, satellite recording, media ingest, device control, traffic translation and control of six channels for on-air playback. The Crispin solution includes nine workstations, each focused on a specific workflow task.
WSKG’s traffic department uses Supervisory View to see, from a single screen, multiple play-to-air channel status complete with visual notification of messages, warnings and operator intervention requests.
The project includes Omneon servers and NVision routing controlled by Crispin System 2000 automation, enabling the station to transmit HD signals as well as multiple channels of SD. SignaSys, a San Jose, CA systems integrator was responsible for the station’s digital master control rebuild.
Crispin’s on-air playback application, RapidPlayX provides playlist monitoring and control for their on-air channels, allowing operators to create and load playlists, edit events, issue playlist commands and monitor event status. Crispin’s RecordScheduler is used to execute consecutive daily schedules of program acquisition events.
Crispin’s Mapper application converts WSKG’s daily ProTrack traffic schedule into an automated playlist, ready for on-air playback by RapidPlayX. Properly interfacing the traffic system is critical to successful automation. Crispin’s Mapper “rules files” were custom designed to WSKG’s specific requirements.
The facility uses AssetBase to monitor and track specific video assets through metadata such as house numbers, ISCI; these database features provide operators with additional methods to search and retrieve information.
For more information, visit www.crispincorp.com.
Technicolor expands with Pharos Mediator workflow and pilot system control
Oct 7, 2005 8:00 AM, Automation Update e-newsletter
 New master control room at Technicolor Network Services UK. |
Technicolor Network Services UK, part of the Services division of Thomson, has invested in Pharos Communications workflow management and control systems for its new multichannel playout facility at Chiswick Park, London.
The new facility went on-air in August, with immediate capacity for eight 1+1 resilient channels and capacity for upward of a further thirty channels. The suite supports both SD and HD playout and is designed with scale and cost-efficiency in mind.
Pharos Mediator now plays a central role in the facility, providing workflow management, which integrates asset tracking, rules management, reporting and status. The system delivered includes Pharos Pilot that enables all master control room functions to be performed via touch screens with an intuitive graphic user interface.
For more information, visit www.pharos-comms.com.
Sky Italia New goes tapeless with Avid Unity
Oct 7, 2005 8:00 AM, Automation Update e-newsletter
Avid has announced a project with Sky Italia, an Italian digital broadcaster, involving the implementation of a tapeless workflow based around two Avid Unity for News MediaNetwork shared-storage systems. The two-phased project will ultimately allow Sky Italia’s 24-hour news channel, Sky TG 24, and Sky’s Sports Channels to share media across a wide-area network.
For the first phase of the project — which involved installing the first Avid Unity system in June — Sky Italia upgraded its Rome-based Sky TG 24 news operations that included components from various manufacturers controlled by an Avid iNEWS newsroom computer system. Sky Italia replaced the system with a new integrated, tapeless Avid Unity solution to improve workflow and efficiency within the news environment.
The second phase of the project is scheduled to be complete by the end of October. Sky Italia’s Milan-based Sports Channels will use the second Avid Unity system to link to Sky TG 24’s Avid Unity system via Transfer Manager and allow media sharing between the two facilities.
The new environment also required 20 channels of ingest, which are handled by AirSpeed digital recorders. Airspeed allows broadcasters to capture incoming media directly into Avid Unity workspaces, freeing Avid editing systems that have previously acted as ingest stations. With this new workflow, Sky Italia can use its Avid editing systems purely for editing.
For more information, visit www.avid.com.
