TV stations are still putting most of their dollars into on-prem hardware for master control functions, with their cloud investments aimed at OTT and disaster recovery. Pictured: Imagine recently partnered with Vizrt to integrate its cloud playout software with Vizrt’s live production tools.
TV stations and groups are increasingly turning to the cloud for playout solutions, and vendors are meeting them there with SaaS options. Above: Imagine’s Aviator control interface. The cloud-based system is designed to support both linear and OTT playout.
On The IBC Exhibit Floor: Pebble Beach Systems
Pebble Beach Systems | Stand 8.B68 | Website: http://www.pebble.tv Pebble Beach Systems, an automation, content management and integrated channel specialist, will be showcasing its latest range of solutions, including: the […]
On The NAB Exhibit Floor: PlayBox Technology
PlayBox Technology | Booth N5311 | Website: www.playboxtechnology.com PlayBox Technology will introduce the latest versions of its CloudAir universal playout and streaming platform and Neo channel-in-a-box product suite. Seven new […]
Exclusives
Cordillera Communications’ NBC affiliate is adding a secondary channel using Harris Broadcasting’s Versio channel-in-a-box solution.
At IBC today, Harris became the latest vendor to offer a channel-in-the-box solution for quickly and cheaply putting signals on the air. The vendor says Versio incorporates proven Harris technology and integrates seamlessly with other Harris gear and software. Harris’ Andy Warman says it’s only a matter of time before broadcasters accept channel-in-a-box technology, even for news-laden main channels.
Channel-In-A-Box Tops Automation Options
A host of tech players are introducing new integrated master control technology at this year’s NAB Show. However, the fast-growing technology is not yet for everyone. “There are many reasons why traditional automation is still very viable for a lot of companies,” says Miranda’s Scott Rose. “But integration is really the trend. It’s too early to say traditional automation has had its day. There are still a lot of uses for it. But I don’t know many station engineers who want more boxes in an even longer chain.”
A Year’s Worth Of Innovation And Invention
This year’s major technology’s stories included growing acceptance of channel-in-a-box systems, slow progress in mobile DTV, work on the next-generation digital television broadcast standard, finally getting rules from the FCC on loudness, a potential cure for stations’ lip sync problems, growing use of Skype by station newsgathering operations and cautious use of the cloud. In addition, the move to high def continued, but hundreds of stations still haven’t made that upgrade.
