Professional Communication Systems (PCS) was awarded a $3.2 million contract to design, supply equipment for and install a seven-channel SD/HD master control and digital infrastructure system for WMFE Channel 24, Orlando's PBS station. The six-SD channel, one-HD channel system will be supported by a wideband digital routing system for video and AES audio. A file server and archiving system will be used for storage and playback of program material, and software will allow content management and low-resolution browsing and playback.
The automated system will enable WMFE digital Channel 23 to air, record and play back HD programs from PBS and multicast four SD program channels. WMFE also will incorporate Channel 24 into its digital plant and bring it under automation control by digitizing the analog signal and feeding it through the file server. Installation is scheduled to begin in June, with WMFE multicasting SD programming by late fall.
