WDSC Boosts Branding With StreamMaster Graphics Engine

Pixel Power, a global provider of master control playout, automation and graphics, has delivered a StreamMaster software-defined graphics engine to Daytona State College’s noncommercial WDSC Daytona Beach, Fla. The sophisticated graphics and branding system operates autonomously under the control of the station’s existing ADC automation system.

StreamMaster draws on Pixel Power’s four decades of graphics experience to deliver live lower thirds, bugs, promos and other branding. A set of defined rules determines its content and insertion is triggered by the station automation. At WDSC a link between StreamMaster and the broadcaster’s Myers Pro Track broadcast management system delivers the metadata required to populate the graphics templates and voiceovers.

WDSC had an old, simpler graphics insertion device that was no longer supported. Pixel Power was able to offer a direct, plug-compatible replacement with interface to their ADC automation system with greatly extended functionality and graphics quality. As a software-defined, virtualized device, StreamMaster is resolution independent (upscaling existing standard definition assets) and can work within IP or SDI environments.

“Pixel Power assured us that the StreamMaster software would be operationally identical to our old system, and so it proved to be,” said Larry Lowe, WDSC station manager. “We unplugged the old device, plugged in the StreamMaster and we were on air. It would be great if all systems were as well conceived and implemented, and in the time of COVID-19 to be able to commission something remotely without the need for teams of engineers getting involved is really important.”

Mike O’Connell of Pixel Power, added: “In a cost-effective, compact package we could first meet the current requirements for WDSC, then add the option for much more. The software licensing model for StreamMaster means that users can determine exactly what functionality they require, like realtime 3D graphics and multi-channel DVE, and precisely meet their branding image and budget.”

The StreamMaster at WDSC is now on air.