Versio™:  The Next-Generation “Channel in a Box” Solution

Automated channel playout has been around for more than 20 years. The traditional model uses a network of computers to control devices like switchers, servers and graphics.

Recently, an alternative has emerged, known as the “channel in a box (CIB),” now that commodity computers have reached a level of power where they can deliver broadcast-quality video.  Most use PCs with a video I/O board and storage.

The thinking behind the CIB concept is two-fold. First, cost is significantly reduced, making it attractive to start-up/niche channels that may not expect large revenues. Second, it comes pre-integrated, meaning a channel can launch very quickly.

Harris identified a need for a CIB solution that was not only fully integrated with a low hardware cost, but also offered uncompromised performance and flexibility. The result is Versio™.

What distinguishes Versio from existing offerings is that its design is founded on proven Harris technology designed to meet real end-to-end workflow needs. This is in contrast to systems that took a PC processor board and commodity video card, and created ground-up software to deliver a solution.

Harris has market-leading products in automation, servers, storage and branding/graphics.  The Versio approach to CIB brings these functions together in a single device. This means reliable and predictable performance, along with familiarity for users — who do not have to learn new user interfaces, create new workflows and define new emergency procedures.

Versio can be used either standalone with integral automation or as part of a larger automated network. In fact, there are four configurations of the Versio platform to maximize flexibility. In addition to internal or external automation, it can draw its content either from the internal disk drive or from a storage area network (SAN).

Versio is designed to be flexible. At the base level, it can be used as any other CIB system: as a self-contained unit, managed from a computer over a network, but with the advantages of proven hardware and applications inside. Versio can also be networked together to create a cost-effective and energy-efficient playout center, or to quickly establish a disaster recovery center that can be switched online in an instant.

Versio channels can be added to existing playout centers based on traditional architectures. The Versio channels can share resources, streaming content direct from the SAN, for example, and draw on exactly the same graphics templates and data sources as the rest of the channels. This allows new channels to be added very quickly.  Because the hardware cost is relatively low, major playout operators may consider having a couple of Versio units in use, only paying the license fee when they go on air.

The addition of new channels to a traditional architecture project is usually measured in months. Adding Versio channels takes days, or if the hardware is in place, hours.   A broadcaster and playout specialist can test a new channel almost as soon as the idea is formed.

CIB systems are unlikely to fully replace every playout system, but Versio gives broadcasters the freedom to explore new revenue streams, allowing hands-on trials and full production channel rollouts, while retaining flexibility to evolve as the channel grows.

Related Links:

Take a Guided Tour of Versio (hint: activate audio play button at bottom of pages)

Application Notes:

• Versio Single-Channel Launch
• Versio Multichannel Platform Expansion
• Versio Multichannel Launch
• Versio Disaster Recovery

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