THE END OF TELEVISION AS WE KNOW IT
Dec 1, 2006 12:00 PM, BY BRAD DICK, EDITORIAL DIRECTOR
Equipment list
Broadcasters need to modify their workflow to provide viewers with mobile television. Using a sneakernet and linear editing techniques are neither fast or efficient enough to enable multichannel, mobile and streaming technologies. Let's look at some of the equipment that will be needed.
Automation
A multichannel, building block automation design is a must. Another option may be the one-box-per-channel solution. The system must accept business office drivers for scheduling and output commands to servers, for play-to-air, play-to-Web and play-to-mobile channels.
Allow for multiple play to air channels. While the station may only need an analog and digital channel now, expect more air channels to be added later.
Be sure the automation system can ingest multiple feeds, perform QC, and stage them for play without operator intervention. You will also need to build an as run log for billing on each channel.
Don't forget that sometimes the station will broadcast in HD, and other times in SD, with additional channels. The automation system must be able to make the proper multiplexer switches without visual or audio impairments. This can be more difficult than it may seem if the initial planning isn't done correctly.
Storage
Buy only what you need today. Storage costs are dropping, so don't pay today's prices for tomorrow's needs. Just be sure you can add capacity in modular chunks. Don't settle for a server that can only be upgraded with a forklift.
Format conversion
The streaming and mobile channels will need format and scan conversion. Again, these functions must be automatic and foolproof.
The images may also need to be groomed for proper display on small screens. Several companies have demonstrated equipment that has the intelligence to identify key image features and perform real-time zoom to them.
This type of function is key in light of mobile viewers' needs. Images must be properly groomed for display on small screens.
| Current television that is repackaged | New TV content | Prime times |
|---|---|---|
| Much shorter, concise news briefs | Talking heads, close-ups | 6 a.m. - 9 a.m. |
| User interactivity of reality television and game shows | Snackable content | Midday prime |
| User-generated content | Mobisodes | Midday |
| Segmented programs | Visual spectacle | 6 p.m. - 8 p.m. |
|
| Local content |
|
| Table 2. What will people watch? People will watch a combination of original broadcast content, plus new content specifically made for mobile consumption. This content must be supplied in snack-sized segments. Figure courtesy Nokia. | ||
Resources
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Palmer, Shelly, “Television Disrupted,” Focal Press.
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Orgad, Dr. Shani, “This box was made for walking: How will mobile television transform viewers' experience and change advertising?,” Department of Media and Communications London School of Economics and Political Science, commissioned by Nokia.
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“The end of television as we know it: A future industry perspective,” IBM Business Consulting Services, 2006.
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The State of the News Media 2006, Project for Excellence in Journalism, www.stateofthenewsmedia.com/2006.
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