(October 13, 2003) Sunnyvale, CA--KNPB Channel 5, the PBS member station in Reno, NV, has selected an Omneon Video Networks SPECTRUM media server solution as its playout platform for broadcasting a new digital channel that will include both locally produced content and national material.

According to Evie Chmura, technology manager at KNOM, the Omneon system was selected because of its unique scalability and flexibility: "We looked at a number of proposals before making a decision, and in our judgment it was clear that Omneon has the right system at the right time at the right price."

The Omneon SPECTRUM media server system, which is being controlled by a Crispin automation system, will handle the playout-to-air of one of KNPB's planned four digital channels. Three of the digital channels will pass through national feeds and simulcast the local analog programming, while the fourth, earmarked for its own digital Nevada PBS channel, will combine locally produced material with national content and playout from the Omneon SPECTRUM.

Omneon
www.omneon.com