WHSV Harrisonburg launches SD/HD simulcast with Omneon

Omneon Video Networks, a provider of standard-, high- and mixed-definition media servers for the broadcast and video industries, announced that WHSV Harrisonburg, Va., has purchases new Omneon HD modules to enable simulcasting of ABC network content in both SD and HD. The new HD services are running alongside additional SD channels being launched from the station’s existing Omneon server platform.

“Omneon server systems really lend themselves to smaller, growing markets like ours,” said Sean Harper, chief engineer at WHSV. “We didn’t need to buy a whole new chassis or lock ourselves into a different configuration in order to expand our operations. Instead, we’re able to adapt the existing system to our needs and add new ports for playout or ingest as needed. In building the backbone of your transmission infrastructure and everything that lives on it, you’ve got to be sure you invest in the right equipment. For the Omneon system we’ve purchased, I feel every dollar has been well spent.”

WHSV-TV3 took its new HD service online on Sept. 25. In addition to launching the simulcast of its ABC network content, the station also added channels for Fox and My Network TV, as well as hub operations for a ghost station located in another market. The facility’s SD and HD Omneon server system, which operates under the control of Harris automation, replaced the facility’s tape-based system.

“Our Omneon server systems have redefined our workflow, allowing us to handle any media type and simplifying our access to those assets,” added Harper. “It’s a very intuitive system that’s been easy to use. In the launch of our multicasting with HD playout, the Omneon gear was the most rock-solid piece of the equation, and we have enjoyed excellent support from Omneon.”

Built on an open architecture that allows it to support a broad variety of third-party applications for control and transmission, media management, archiving, and collaborative production, the Omneon system allows stored media to be shared among many users and applications.

At WHSV, Harper is next looking at integrating the station’s Omneon server system with his Final Cut Pro editing systems.