NAB 2012: Volicon Products Preview

2012 NAB Show Preview
Volicon
Booth SU5715

Website: www.volicon.com 

Volicon provides the broadcast and cable industries with scalable, reliable, cost-effective and easy-to-use video content logging and monitoring system for compliance, media analysis, content repurposing and quality of experience.

Observer TS 7.0 (New)
The Observer TS MPEG Transport Stream logging and monitoring system helps cable, satellite, broadcast, and IPTV operators address the volume and complexity of broadcast and network services. The newly enhanced version of Observer TS accommodates an even broader array of inputs, including ASI, QAM, 8-VSB, and DVB-T MPEG TS interfaces; improved system density for HD and SD programs; and simpler ease-of-use interfaces.

The system allows users to record (log) MPEG transport streams continuously, and monitor the A/V content including BS.1770-2 loudness, NAVE, and other correlations of data and video. Observer also allows users to remotely stream and export content to all stakeholders in the media enterprise. Because Observer TS logs the full transport stream, the user is able to go back an hour, a day, a week, or a month to examine and/or export content and effectively eliminate chronic issues with service handoffs. Low bit rate proxies, WMV or H.264, and DVR-like frame-accurate controls allow for easy content review, even when operating over an enterprise network or WAN. The logging, review, and export capabilities allow operators to troubleshoot problems quickly and distinguish customers’ issues in their network from issues with the service handoff.

Loudness Monitoring Module (New)
With commercial and program loudness being legislated worldwide, it’s more important than ever that broadcasters, networks, and video service providers be able to monitor loudness in real time, as well as provide an affidavit of compliance for regulators and advertisers. Equipped to measure AC3 dialnorm levels and compliant with ITU BS.1770-1 and BS.1770-2, ATSC A/85 RP 2011, CALM Act (FCC Report 11-182A1), EBU R128 (Tech 3341/2/3/4), and ARIB TR-B32, Volicon’s Observer system offers a uniquely powerful combination of logging and loudness measurement. With these tools, the system provides better visibility of audio, video, and measurement data; more accurate selection of aired content; and faster, more practical access to any given piece of content.

New to the loudness module are graphing, exporting measurements, and integration and reports with as-run logs (ARL). Volicon’s unique logging plus loudness measurements allows both monitoring as well as effective troubleshooting. Intuitive overlay controls within the Observer system’s Web-based interface allow users to maintain continuous measurements that identify program loudness and loudness range.

The Volicon system measures momentary, short-term, and integrated measurements, with adjustable short-form (e.g., 10, 15, 30, 60 seconds) and long-form (days) time frames that make it easy to compare the ad loudness to surrounding content. Users can view and export ad A/V affidavits with audio, video, and frame-accurate loudness measurements burned in, which facilitates fast resolution of loudness complaints. The system’s fully compliant integrated loudness monitoring not only simplifies the overall monitoring workflow, but also adds value by eliminating the hassle and cost of working with external systems.

Loudness monitoring is available on all Observer product lines.

Observer Mobile
Observer Mobile allows access to content anywhere, anytime through an iPad or iPhone. Designed specifically for media executives on the go, the interface provides greater flexibility, unsurpassed portability, and the added convenience of accessing live Observer streaming along with back-navigation of previously recorded content from both local and remote locations. The ability to play, pause, search, and create logged content on demand using smart devices provides broadcasters with instant access to the final broadcast product to ensure quality, compliance, and communication within the media enterprise.

NAVE Decoding, Logging and Alerting Module
The NAVE decoding, logging and alerting module is a ratings assurance tool for broadcasters or networks to ensure proper transmission and delivery of NAVE codes to Nielsen monitoring equipment. Unlike expensive standalone equipment, Volicon’s NAVE Decoding, Logging, and Alerting module affordably logs NAVE IDs (SIDs) along with the broadcast content, allowing effective troubleshooting as well as cost-effective monitoring of Video Service Provider return feeds. Broadcasters and networks can now ensure the proper generation and delivery of NAVE ID codes to ensure ratings credit for advertisements.

Read other NAB 2012 stories here.