DENVER—Comcast Technology Solutions has announced it has been selected by Altibox, a leading operator of TV and broadband services in Scandinavia, to provide the next-gen video platform for Altibox TV.

The deployment relies on CTS’ Cloud Video Platform to power the viewing experiences for Altibox’s suite of on-demand TV channels and streaming services for subscribers in Norway and Denmark across set-top boxes and connected devices.

Altibox, part of Lyse AS, offers a suite of IPTV and fiber broadband services to subscribers throughout Norway and Denmark, including its innovative Altibox TV service. Altibox TV lets consumers watch, or purchase, their favorite films, shows, sports, and entertainment content across set-top boxes, connected TVs, and mobile devices.

“Altibox TV is the ‘go-to’ destination for consumers across Norway and Denmark to watch, or purchase, their favorite shows, movies, sports, and entertainment, and we’re very honored to help make that possible,” said Bart Spriester, senior vice president and general manager of streaming, broadcast, & advertising for Comcast Technology Solutions. “CTS’ Cloud Video Platform enables innovators like Altibox to streamline their next-gen video efforts from ingest through distribution to drive efficiency at scale.”

Altibox TV uses CTS’ Cloud Video Platform for centralized ingest of on-demand video and advanced metadata management, including the ability to treat duplicate show episodes or movies from different content providers as a single management asset while maintaining multi-tenant attribution. CTS’ Cloud Video Platform also provides Altibox with advanced content protection, concurrency, and rights enforcement; commerce and subscription management; and video playout across connected devices and apps.

“Altibox is on a continuous mission to provide the best possible entertainment experience to our customers by leveraging the most innovative and capable back-end systems possible, which is why we turned to Comcast Technology Solutions,” said Jarle Johnsen head of tv technology at Lyse Tele AS and Altibox TV. “CTS is enabling us to centralize video and subscriber management efforts across both legacy and new set-top boxes, connected TVs, and mobile apps to improve efficiency and position us for future innovation.”

CTS’ Cloud Video Platform can be used separately, or combined with other CTS services, to address the custom needs of content owners, broadcasters, and entertainment companies.

Key benefits of CTS’ services will be showcased from April 18 to April 22 at the upcoming 2026 NAB Show in CTS’ meeting suite at the Encore Tower Suites in Las Vegas.

Comcast Technology Solutions will also be speaking at the co-located PEAK Conference, April 20-22, at the Fontainebleau.

For more information about Comcast Technology Solutions, visit: www.comcasttechnologysolutions.com.

SEVILLE, Spain—Canal Sur, the public broadcasting service for Andalusia, Spain, has completed a total technology refresh based on Pebble’s resilient, software-defined Integrated Channel playout engines, refreshing an existing best-of-breed Pebble automation system running since 2011.

Canal Sur is responsible for delivering a portfolio of regional channels across multiple platforms, as well as for managing local opt-outs for seven cities in the community.With its existing Pebble playout automation platform nearing the end of life for both software and hardware, the Canal Sur team took a fresh look at the station’s requirements. Working with Pebble’s partner in Spain, systems integrator Datos Media, the broadcaster defined the requirements that would sustain it into the future, Pebble said.

Canal Sur selected an architecture based on Pebble Integrated Channel playout engines. Integrated Channel is highly resilient and supports multiple outputs per device, allowing Canal Sur to build a high-performing system in a compact footprint, it said.

The broadcaster deployed the latest version of Pebble’s Automation software to orchestrate playout and asset management. The software also manages ingest, automated quality control file transfers and graphics and handles outputs to new media platforms such as Movistar and YouTube, the company said.

“The nature of broadcast has changed completely since we first installed Pebble automation, 14 years ago,” said Pedro Espina, chief technology officer at Canal Sur. “We wanted to build much greater operational flexibility now and into the future to cover multiple channels and regional opt-outs, and of course, we expect absolute reliability.

“Our close relationship with Pebble over an extended period gave us a great deal of confidence, and they were able to demonstrate to us how they could meet all our expectations in a compact and efficient implementation,” Espina said. More information is available on the company’s website.

DENVER, Colo., and IRVINE, Calif.—Comcast Technology Solutions and digital asset management (DAM) platform specialist Orange Logic have formed a strategic partnership that aims to enhance how organizations manage and use their video content.

The collaboration integrates Comcast Technology Solutions’ VideoAI with Orange Logic's DAM platform to enable users to unlock the full potential of their video assets through enriched metadata and insights.

"Companies across the premium video landscape are looking for practical and scalable ways to leverage AI to improve operational efficiency and cost savings," Bart Spriester, senior vice president and general manager of streaming, broadcast and advertising for CTS, said.

"CTS's VideoAI was built for that very purpose, and we look forward to integrating with Orange Logic and enabling them to bring this value-added capability to their customers across the globe. Orange Logic is a proven leader in the DAM space and has built a fantastic marketplace for customers to trial, adopt and launch industry-leading AI tools for content orchestration."

Saying the goal of the collaboration is to unlock new value for media organizations, Mike Centioli, executive vice president of growth strategy at Orange Logic, noted that the partnership will make it possible to gain new insights into stored content.

“By integrating CTS’ VideoAI into our DAM platform, we're enabling organizations to automatically surface insights from their video content that were previously inaccessible, accelerating search, reducing manual tagging efforts and helping teams make faster, more informed decisions,” he said. “It’s a transformative step forward for any enterprise looking to scale their video operations with intelligence and efficiency.”

The integration leverages multimodal computer vision to generate actionable metadata at scale automatically, transforming video content into more valuable, searchable and analyzable information. With this partnership, Orange Logic customers will be able to unlock the power of semantic search, automate asset meta tagging and identify and deduplicate video assets.

CTS's VideoAI has been trained on millions of hours of premium entertainment content, from unscripted television to animation and live sports.

More information is available on the Comcast Technology Solutions and Orange Logic websites.

Chesapeake Systems, the industry’s leading workflow solutions architects and services group for highly advanced technology systems in media and entertainment, announced today that industry veteran Amy Lounsbury has joined the company’s Southwest team. Lounsbury will serve as Director of Business Development for the region.

“Amy brings deep industry expertise and technical understanding to our Los Angeles-based operations,” says CEO Jason Paquin. “Her trend-spotting capabilities, problem solving orientation, and long-term perspective will help our customers take advantage of new technologies, and plan for the future.”

In the newly created role, Lounsbury will focus on guiding media-centric companies in developing efficient, scalable workflow solutions with an eye toward ongoing growth.

Lounsbury joins Chesapeake after four years as an Enterprise Account Manager at Diversified. She is active in the Hollywood Professional Association (HPA), including its Women in Post initiative, and in MESA’s Women in Technology, Hollywood section. She joined the industry 13 years ago during a disruptive and evolutionary time of transition from DVD to streaming and VOD and has been integrally involved in technological changes since that time. Early on, she worked with studios’ home media divisions and their changing distribution methods. Lounsbury’s interest in asset management’s importance to stakeholders was piqued during that time, leading her to help launch DAM conferences in Los Angeles, New York City, and Amsterdam for Media & Entertainment. She ultimately segued into helping clients with technical solutions to creative challenges.

“Over time, I became increasingly interested in analyzing client challenges and finding the best solutions in a constantly evolving landscape,” notes Lounsbury. “I find the process to be intellectually engaging and personally rewarding. Chesapeake’s ability to understand the creative perspective and the business imperative is truly rare, and I’m excited to bring that vision to customers.”

Lounsbury’s appointment follows the hiring of two key personnel for the Northeast region late last year, Peter Price and Chris May. She will work closely with LA-based Senior Systems Engineer Drew Hall and Account Manager Sarah Shechner. 

New York City, NY – July 10, 2018 –Frame.io, the leading workflow management platform for video, has made significant steps to strengthen security in media environments, announcing that the company has received SOC2 TYPE 1 compliance, ensuring customers’ data is protected. In addition, the Frame.io video collaboration platform now includes two new security features: Visual Watermarking and Asset Lifecycle Management, expanding security management to front-line workflows.

“At Frame.io content security matters. It doesn’t just matter, it’s everything,” said Emery Wells, co-founder and CEO of Frame.io. “Earlier this year, I wrote an open letter to our customers about our growing security team and initiatives, with a promise to not just meet security best practices, but far exceed them. Becoming SOC2 Type 1 compliant is a big step toward our goal to lead in the content security space. And releasing new security features like Visual Watermarking and Asset Lifecycle Management is another way we can deliver on our promise.”

Ensuring Data Protection Through SOC2 Type 1 Compliance

As part of this compliance, Frame.io underwent a rigorous audit process conducted in accordance with the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). The audit process evaluated Frame.io against service controls derived from three key trust principles of SOC2 - security, availability, and confidentiality. That means all customers can rest assured their valuable media assets are protected from security threats today and well into the future.

“SOC2 Type 1 certification is a milestone in our efforts to keep customers' data protected,” stated Wells. “Ensuring customers’ content is safe and accessible is a responsibility we take very seriously. So instead of just talking about our security processes, we invited an independent third-party auditor from an accredited auditing company and had them examine us against security, availability, and confidentiality controls. This is just the first of many measures Frame.io is taking to build the industry’s best security program. Now, when we say that your content is secure, you don't have to only take our word for it.”

As part of the audit process, auditors examined various internal controls and practices, including human resources, software development lifecycle, risk management & assessment, vendor management, change management, incident response process, security monitoring & operations, infrastructure & cloud security, physical security, and most importantly, the Frame.io management and board's commitment to security & privacy of Frame.io customers.

Customers can review a SOC2 Type 1 report, validating Frame.io security controls. The Frame.io SOC2 Type 1 report is available under NDA to all existing and potential customers.

Frame.io’s effort to obtain SOC2 Type 1 compliance was led by Frame.io Head of Information Security, Abhinav Srivastava. Abhinav joined Frame.io this past September from the AT&T Research Lab where he was leading a number of security research efforts. Abhinav and the Frame.io security team recently co-authored a white paper published on July 9th as a part of Usenix's HotCloud '18 Workshop on cloud computing.

Learn more on the Frame.io blog: https://blog.frame.io/2018/07/10/delivering-on-our-security-promise/.

Download the Frame.io Security white paper, Go Serverless: Securing Cloud via Serverless Design Patterns.

Security is not a checkbox, it is a never-ending part of the product development process. And so Frame.io has released two new features to further strengthen its ties with enterprise customers.

Introducing Visual Watermarking

Now admins and team managers can configure watermarks that are embedded onto any media their users upload to Frame.io. Admins can type out their own custom watermark, set its opacity, and choose where in the frame they want the watermark to appear. Then they can configure their team settings to automatically watermark the content their team uploads to Frame.io, helping deter any unauthorized sharing of their team's content.

Introducing Asset Lifecycle Management

With Asset Lifecycle Management, customers need not worry about cleaning out old videos from the platform; Frame.io does it for you on an automated cadence that you define. Admins and team managers can set a limit on the number of days a given asset will remain in Frame.io. Once an asset hits that limit, Frame.io automatically deletes it. Assets can be restored up to 30 days after deletion and admins can disable Asset Lifecycle Management on a per-project basis.

Asset Lifecycle Management is built for the enterprise admin that finds themselves removing assets from Frame.io constantly, whether that be for security, for better organization, or for increased storage capacity.

About Frame.io

Frame.io powers the future of creative collaboration. Today’s leading media companies use Frame.io to streamline their video review and collaboration process with teammates, clients and a variety of other stakeholders. Frame.io is all about what happens before distribution, before you reach the finish line. They make getting there faster, smoother and more efficient with a single platform that works seamlessly across web and mobile. Frame.io for iOS is the winner of a 2016 Apple Design Award.

Frame.io is backed by industry heavyweights including FirstMark Capital, Accel Partners and Jared Leto. To learn more please visit http://frame.io.

Press Contact

Megan Linebarger

Zazil Media Group

(e) megan@zazilmediagroup.com

(p) +1 (617) 480-367

###

Leading this year’s recurring themes and category catch-phrases were the inevitable and overworked IP and Cloud, followed closely by Workflow Orchestration, Virtualization and relative newcomer Artificial Intelligence, all well-intentioned to automate the routine, liberate creativity, and enable deeper-than-ever dives into metadata, both for content and—shades of George Orwell—its consumers.

MASTER CONTROL AUTOMATION & CHANNEL PLAYOUT

AVECO debuted Ad Juggler, an ad revenue optimization tool for live sports coverage. A single key-press instantaneously executes an “alternate list” video/graphic sponsorship when a peak audience-interest play occurs; events post to the as-run for traffic and billing reconciliation.

BITCENTRAL showcased Central Control with multiple redundancy modes and Join-in-Progress updates, plus enhanced user-interface efficiency with multichannel control and customizable maps to aggregate and view remotely managed channels.

BROADSTREAM introduced Media Exchange for transcoder-free PitchBlue and Pathfire file acquisition and native playout. Also, CompuSat integration for off-satellite recording, and closed-caption display within its OASYS Browser.

CINEGY brought v12 of Air, Desktop, and Capture, plus Multiviewer v14. Desktop added real-time access to live feeds and its Archive MAM content. Included tools support logging, editing, post-production, news, and import/export to non-linear editing and automation.

CRISPIN unveiled a Sonybased Disaster Recovery solution via its RapidPlayX Web GUI. The Cloud-native playlist software offers on-premises and virtual deployment flexibility for stations to stay on-air when their ground facility’s off-line. Also, user feedback-based Join-in-Progress enhancements.

DNF CONTROLS unveiled its Live Cloud Playout collaboration with AWS. Thirdparty automation “sees” its GTP-32 controller as a local server channel, although content is remote on Amazon S3, and updates status as clips are added or removed. Also GTP-V1, a new software-only virtual IP controller for video/KVM routers, switchers, multiviewers, servers, tally systems, and more regardless of physical location.

ENCO announced NewTek Network Device Interface (NDI) support for IP video, plus a new ClipBoard interface for its Media Operations Manager (MOM) playout automation. Also, live input cut-ins without external switcher and support for SCTE-35 triggers and CEA-608/708 Closed Caption pass-through.

EVERTZ featured OvertureRT-LIVE workflow integration with iPowow, a social media aggregator and moderator, to enhance the viewer experience through real-time interaction with favorite shows.

FLORICAL partnered with Harmonic to debut FéniX, a scalable automation/playout package for simple channel to highyield enterprise configurations. Acuitas, its COTS hardware channel-in-a-box platform, added SAN environment capabilities for greater channel scalability.

GRASS VALLEY unveiled its SAM-merged automation range: iTX Flex, a Cloudbased SaaS solution for rapid channel spin-up; iTX Integrated Platform, software-based SD, HD or UHD playout with HDR support; and iTX On-Demand for VOD workflows. Complementing them: Multi-channel/screen Morpheus for on-premises, virtualized or multifacility operations, and ICE (Integrated Channel Playout), now supporting graphic templates with dynamic realtime data.

HARMONIC expanded its media processing family with VOS SW Cluster software and VOS 360 SaaS. Both support Cloud and bare metal environments to speed OTT deployment and channel migrations with greater flexibility and lower cost-per-channel.

IMAGINE COMMUNICATIONS added “Vizrt Inside” graphics to Versio, its Cloud-native, microservices-based playout platform, plus version redundancy, geo-zone back-up synchronization, and Adobe Acrobat integration.

NVERZION debuted Aramyst to automate syndicated content acquisition, prep and playout from PitchBlue and Pathfire; also announced, a Utah Scientific partnership combining their master control offerings under the brand “Uinta.”

PEBBLE BEACH added low-latency NDI confidence monitoring for live, reactive channels, plus 3D graphics integration with Pixel Power and Ross for Orca, its virtualized IP solution for scalable playout using private or public Cloud infrastructure.

PIXEL POWER showcased the addition of NewTek’s NDI technology to its Stream-Master integrated playout platform to generate and monitor low latency proxies. The company also demonstrated Gallium Workflow Orchestration to automate adding/removing graphics, branding, content packaging and regionalization; and GalliumVOD for OTT, catch-up and multiplatform services.

PRIMESTREAM debuted IP stream ingest and transcoding, a SaaS-based Review and Approval system, 4K/UHD end-to-end workflows, a centralized configuration module, and public APIs for Xchange.

RUSHWORKS unveiled A-List Streamster, IP-based desktop scheduling and playback automation for Internet channels, with URL and NDI input/output support for YouTube and similar outlets.

NEWSROOM SYSTEMS & WORKFLOWS

AVID brought multiple Cloud-centric journalist apps to its MediaCentral platform, including: “Publish,” to repurpose on-air content for Web and social media; “Rundown,” for live news production; “Research,” news feed and social media consolidation; and “Maestro News,” to facilitate graphic workflows.

BITCENTRAL launched FUEL, designed to dynamically stream and monetize viewer-personalized news content, while boosting engagement and ad impressions. Fuel incorporates the necessary tools to version, upload, and publish to digital audiences anywhere. The company also highlighted functionality updates throughout its newsroom workflow, including multiple third-party integrations, enhanced Oasis collaboration, and heightened security.

DALET showcased smart journalist modules powered by Media Cortex, part of its Galaxy AI framework. Content Discovery creates contextual recommendations with auto-content tagging, topic extraction, and key phrase searches; Social Media Framework lets editorial teams harvest, analyze, produce and deliver fast-paced news with popularity tracking and an aggregator tool to identify and follow threads.

GRASS VALLEY augmented its newsroom workflows with social media tools for STRATUS 6.0; enhanced video, IT and cloud-based asset management in Momentum; and v11 of its Ignite newscast production automation with upgraded Event Builder, third-party switcher support, and editing via SAM’s Go!, Rio or Grass’s EDIUS.

ENCO showed advanced ENPS, Avid and Octopus plug-ins and a new MOS interface for its Media Operations Manager (MOM) playout platform. Journalists can search asset libraries within their NRCS interface to add graphics, audio or video to scripts; rundowns auto-synchronize and are controllable via MOS for play-to-air.

OCTOPUS featured v8.2 of its eponymous NRCS. Among enhancements: collaborative scripting, faster rundown editing with clip replacement and in/out point modification, plus direct posting to social media and new story slug shortcuts.

TRAFFIC, BUSINESS & RIGHTS MANAGEMENT

BROADVIEW SOFTWARE rolled-out Version 8, with tools for linking series, seasons and episodes; expanded live event metadata management; upgraded auto-promo placement; enhanced secondary event and ad break functionality; and streamlined workflows to create and publish bulk program content.

IMAGINE COMMUNICATIONS debuted xG Scorecard. Blending input from sales and traffic, operational databases, social media, ratings and more across the enterprise, it empowers media executives to organize, navigate, interpret and draw real-time insights from their data.

MYERS introduced Console, a Cloud-enabled single point-of-entry to the ProTrack suite with enhanced security and multi-factor authentication. Also, ProTrack’s transition to browser front-end with advanced sales capabilities and interactive scheduling grid, and a significant update to ProWeb scheduling.

OPERATIVE (formerly SintecMedia) released an open API and ContentDNA, a machine learning algorithm within OnTarget forecasting to its Cloud-based AOS sales, traffic, and content management ecosystem. Also, new alliances with MediaOcean and Freewheel, among others.

WIDEORBIT launched Cloud Analytics, a streamlined SaaS edition of its flagship business intelligence solution that lowers implementation costs, yet retains its powerful dashboards, integrated traffic data, and mobile access for improved sales and financial decision-making.

ARCHIVE & MEDIA ASSET MANAGEMENT SOLUTIONS

AVID demonstrated On Demand, a Cloud-based SaaS platform to securely manage and deliver content to any device, anywhere, while automating transformation and QC tasks. Also, new AI Suite creates searchable rich metadata libraries, applying machine learning and cognitive services to content indexing, closed caption verification, scene and facial recognition, and speech-to-text conversion.

DALET introduced Galaxy five, the latest edition of its asset management and workflow orchestration platform. The new version adds AI across the workflow, hybrid infrastructures with on-premises and cloud deployments, and a core emphasis on social media.

EVERTZ showcased third-party integrations with Mediator-X, its Cloud-enabled asset management platform, including a file-based QC solution from Interra Systems; automated closed caption and video description verification, alignment and language identification with Avid|Illuminate; and scalable object storage with Cloudian HyperStore.

MASSTECH introduced its “Metadata Mining” concept: a framework to relay archive or production content to third-party AI services to create metadata such as voice-to-text, facial, object or location recognition, even sentiment recognition that can be converted into searchable metadata linked to specific stored assets, thereby expanding potential content discovery and monetization.

PRIME FOCUS TECHNOLOGIES added work order automation modules to its CLEAR Media ERP, including a Content Acquisition Portal to manage, evaluate, cata-logue and schedule; OTT Distribution for multi-platform VOD publishing; and Ingest for Satellite & Terrestrial Distribution for centralized capture, prep, QC and automated delivery to station master controls.

SONY announced full integration between Media Backbone NavigatorX and its Ci Media Cloud Platform, plus Avid and Adobe edit integration; HTML5 apps to ingest, organize, manage, and search across multiple departments and locations; and an Optical Disc Archive collaboration with Qualstar to develop an enterprise-class library system.

TEDIAL debuted AI-based SMARTLIVE, a metadata engine and production support tool for sports and live events. It automatically builds logs, player grids and schedules, captures actual multi-camera or multi-venue content, and creates highlight clips based on actions, keywords or logged occurrences for live production enhancement, archive, or publication to social media.

TMD showed Media-flex-UMS Orchestrator with third-party device controls and business system integrations for simple-to-complex software-defined workflows that adapt automatically based on metadata values. Companion Composer’s workflow designs may be cloned and edited in-house without programmers or costly professional services.

TVU NETWORKS unveiled its cloud-based MediaMind, consisting of Contribution Automation, AI Engine, Producer Pro, plus Real-Time Search and Workflow Engines. It precisely indexes video from the start of production based on AI-generated metadata, enabling production workgroups to efficiently locate and interact with content.

VERIZON DIGITAL MEDIA SERVICES featured Path Monitoring for OTT, part of Volicon Media Intelligence, with end-to-end delivery chain visibility, including a “what aired” video affidavit. It simultaneously monitors, logs and records baseband or transport stream feeds to confirm content integrity across geo-separated locations.

VSN showed Explorer MAM with new auto-metadata detection using IBM, Google or Microsoft Azure integration to obtain real-time insights from content via facial and brand recognition, keywords, speakers, objects, and more. Explorer now includes Wedit (web-based editor) enabling users to edit videos and export EDLs from any location.

XYECH revealed new features for its MediaPulse facility management, including Azure PaaS support, Change Control for Approval Workflows, Personnel Entitlements and Payroll Penalties in Schedule Book, and Auto-Assign Resource.

SWITCHERS/VISION MIXING

BLACKMAGIC DESIGN launched ATEM Television Studio Pro 4K, an all-in-one live UHD switcher with integrated hardware control panel featuring eight independent 12G-SDI inputs, built-in Fair-light audio mixer, ATEM Advanced Chroma Keyer, multi-view, flash-based media players, creative transitions, DVE, and more.

BROADCAST PIX released a dual-channel BPfusion CG software option for its BPswitch production series. It streamlines data-intensive graphics creation via built-in NewBlueNTX multilayer 3D motion CG and auto-updates with IP-based scoreboard, Twitter, RSS, spreadsheet, and similar sports, election, and news data.

EVS debuted X-ONE, an all-in-one live production system with software-defined technology for small to mid-sized events. An intuitive touchscreen interface enables solo operators to create replays, control audio, mix video sources, and add graphics over live content with high quality broadcast-standard output.

FOR-A unwrapped a new 4K 3 M/E model for its HVS-6000 switcher platform with a maximum 64 inputs/48 outputs in 12G-SDI and 12RU, Designed for users upgrading from HD to full 4K, it’s future-scalable to 8K.

GRASS VALLEY introduced K-Frame X, which uses existing K-FRM boards plus a new 192x96 I/O video production engine. It supports TICO compression or uncompressed SMPTE ST-2110 4K, along with HDR, and operates from any GV Kayenne, Karrera or Korona switcher panel.

JLCOOPER ELECTRONICS upped its Proton and Ion switcher control surfaces with front panel input mapping, Hall-effect T-Bar, GPI-input, and QuickSwitch to support multiple Blackmagic ATEMs.

NEWTEK unveiled NDI 3.5–its widely accepted interface protocol–with performance, network connectivity, and device discovery enhancements. Flagship TriCaster gained LiveGraphics with real-time motion and dynamic, data-driven text and imagery via Adobe Photoshop or After Effects, and without needing proprietary hardware.

ROSS VIDEO launched Carbonite Black Solo13, a compact 13-in/6-out switcher and hardware panel combo. Acuity gained Floating 3D DVE; 2020 WCG HDR Conversion on Input and Output Processing Boards with HLG, PQ and Slog3 support; audio on the Global Store; and enhanced Custom Controls. Carbonite v13 added DashBoard Virtual-Panel; input/output Color Corrector and proc amp controls; color temperature presets; Any Bus Follow, and more.

RUSHWORKS updated its VDESK Radio/TV Production System with 3n1 multi-function PTZ camera and TALK-TAKE voice-activated, hands-off switching between host and guests.

SONY unveiled the XVS-9000, an advanced live switcher for 4K, HD and HDR content productions with up to 80-inputs/40-outputs in 4K or 160-inputs/80-outputs in HD, plus IP, 12G-SDI in 4K, and hybrids of both for large sporting and entertainment programming.

ROUTING

EVERTZ debuted the XRF4, a modular RF router with hot-swappable rear panels, 64x128 matrix, direct fiber-optic inputs, and control/monitoring touch-screen.

FOR-A launched the MFR-6000 SD/HD/3G/6G/12G, a router with 12G-SDI compatibility across a matrix of up to 144-in/outputs plus 4K and 8K support. A built-in Web server simplifies setup and it can be integrated within an SNMP system to monitor operational states, I/O signals, and cross-point status.

GRASS VALLEY introduced v1.5 of Convergent, its SDI/IP router with familiar interface to visualize IP network bandwidth; it supports SDN and IGMP, as well as audio breakaway, shuffling and AES profile conversion. Also new, the Sirius 840 Enterprise, a router with integrated MV 850 multi-viewer with support for SDI, AES, MADI, 4K UHD, IP and 12G, 840 with integral audio/video processing.

ROSS VIDEO debuted the Ultrix-FR5, a 5RU, 144x144 routing/AV processing platform featuring SD to 12G, clean/quiet switching, audio embedding/de-embedding, and up to 24 MultiViewers with 100 PIPs per head.

UTAH SCIENTIFIC unveiled a pass-through card for its 400 Series 2/3 routers or standalone operation. It converts SDI to IP while keeping the original SDI for use elsewhere. Twelve 3G/HD/SD signals can be switched in SDI with simultaneous IP copies (2022 or 2110) fed to IP fabric, easing the migration to IP-based workflows.

KVM SWITCHES

ADDER TECHNOLOGY introduced the ALIF100T, a dongle-sized USB power-capable KVM, part of its ADDER-Link INFINITY series. The diminutive unit consumes a quarter the power of conventional rack units yet delivers up to 1920x1200@60Hz via DVI or DisplayPort interface.

BLACK BOX debuted its Emerald Unified KVM Platform, a converged solution to distribute video, audio, and peripheral signals in hybrid environments, including IP and proprietary direct-connect networks, with mixed resolutions up to UHD/4K and beyond.

G&D NORTH AMERICA unwrapped a KVM-over-IP matrix with dynamic access, secure AES-128 encrypted operation, and control room functionality for monitoring, scripting and scenario-switching.

IHSE launched the Draco ultra-491 Series, HDMI extenders that pass video over long distances without quality loss in simple point-to-point applications or combined with enterprise or compact matrix switches. It can extend HDMI up to 10 kilometers over fiber or 140 meters usingCat-X cables. Digital audio options include AES/EBU and S/PDIF up to 96 kilohertz.

THINKLOGICAL introduced the TLX Client Integration module, a virtual machine processor and KVM extender offering secure, uncompressed signal management without adding latency, artifacts or dropped-frames. It’s deployable point-to-point or in-conjunction with a matrix switch for multi-source/destination connectivity in collaborative workflows.

Major shifts in the means of broadcasting— as well as what that term actually means going forward—are accelerating us down the IP highway and into the cloud. A Broadway show lyric seems apropos: “There are times I am not sure of what I absolutely know... very often find confusion in conclusion I concluded long ago” (“A Puzzlement” from “The King and I”). Challenging times indeed for manufacturers, next-gen technology decision-makers, and content consumers alike.

MASTER CONTROL AUTOMATION & CHANNEL PLAYOUT

ACTUS DIGITAL will showcase Clip-Factory-Pro, sporting video editing functions, such as blurring, muting, pre/post rolls, Ads removal and more. Clip-Factory-Pro also comes with a new set of metadata generating tools that can integrate to As- RunLog, automation and Ads insertion systems in view of a fully automated workflow from Linear to OTT.

AVECO will highlight Redwood Blue, a multipurpose channel origination engine with up to four channels of ingest and/or playout per chassis and services including graphics, DVEs, live switching, and audio processing.

BITCENTRAL will unveil performance enhancements to Central Control, its scalable play-to-air automation, including new multichannel environment modes, improved Time Delay functionality, and additional workflow support in the Management module.

CRISPIN will debut a master control in the cloud solution with interfaces and controls for OTT and IP streaming. Enhancements to LoadingDock include the ability to streamline content acquisition, preparation, and scalability for multistation distribution that enable operators to pull or upload cloud content, prep files, view lo-rez clips, and manage media status.

ENCO will introduce a new ClipBoard control interface for its playout and TV/radio automation systems. Media Operations Manager (MOM) enhancements include live inputs for cut-ins without an external switcher and support for its browser-based enCloud remote production control applications.

FLORICAL will launch FeniX, an integrated playout solution powered by Harmonic technology and Florical’s enterprise automation suite. It offers SDI and IP options, plus master control switching, branding, and DVE effects.

GRASS VALLEY will showcase iTX Flex, a cost-effective SaaS playout solution using “True Cloud Architectures” to leverage proven iTX and GV Cloud Orchestration technologies.

HARMONIC will debut VOS SW (Software) Cluster Media Processing, a comprehensive suite embedding the company’s best-of-breed encoding, playout, origination, and packaging applications.

IMAGINE COMMUNICATIONS returns with an enhanced Versio Platform, a cloud-native, microservices-based, modular playout solution designed for pure-IP, geo-dispersed environments using commercial-off-the-shelf [COTS] hardware.

PEBBLE BEACH has added NDI confidence monitoring to Orca, a software-defined, virtualized IP channel solution optimized for cloud deployment of high value channels. Also at their booth will be the Dolphin channel-in-a-box system, offering graphics plug-ins and live captioning capabilities.

PIXEL POWER has added NewTek’s NDI protocol to its StreamMaster integrated playout platform. NDI enables generation and monitoring of low latency proxies, letting operators view multiple output buses from within the Pixel Power Gallium Automation interface or a third-party multiviewer.

ROSS VIDEO will introduce a broadcast production and newsroom control bundle that combines OverDrive Express automation with its Graphite switcher, 3-D graphics, and a two-channel clip-server.

RUSHWORKS will introduce A-LIST Streamster, an IP-only edition of its broadcast automation system tailored for OTT content management and distribution.

NEWSROOM SYSTEMS & WORKFLOWS

BITCENTRAL will debut MultiPath, an Oasis media asset management module. Its intuitively structured interface complements the company’s integrated newsroom suite with an overview of the media publishing process for targeting and simultaneous content delivery to websites, apps, social media, and syndication.

DALET will unveil Content Discovery module, a core functionality within its Unified News Operation that presents relevant/related media to journalists and content producers as they develop news stories, thereby enriching narratives with expanded data and detail.

GRASS VALLEY has added a new web client and support of the GV I/O appliance to GV STRATUS 6.0 to enable complete virtualization.

ENCO will spotlight a MOS interface for ENPS, iNews and Octopus newsroom systems, plus NewTek NDI support within its Media Operations Manager (MOM) automation.

TRAFFIC, BUSINESS & RIGHTS MANAGEMENT

BROADVIEW SOFTWARE will showcase v8.0 of its On Demand management tools supporting a wide range of multiplatform services.

IMAGINE COMMUNICATIONS will reprise xG GamePlan, inventory optimization tools to help deliver target audiences with a minimum of commercial airtime.

MYERS will debut options for ProTrack, its management system for broadcast networks, affiliates, and independent media outlets. ProTrack HUB supports Network Operations Centers, integrating tightly with centralized master controls and their distribution to client stations. ProTrack MAM makes file-based media visible to programming and traffic teams.

ARCHIVE & MEDIA ASSET MANAGEMENT SOLUTIONS

AVID will introduce Media- Central | Asset Management to speed finding assets, streamline content delivery across any platform, and create new revenue opportunities.

DALET will feature AI-enhanced media workflow prototypes to help organizations capitalize on opportunities via intelligent auto-tagging, augmented production workflows with contextual recommendations, more advanced task and process automation, and adaptive scaling to leverage powerful predictive analytics.

EVERTZ will feature Mediator-X, a cloud-enabled media asset management platform that helps media companies monetize content and lower operating costs.

MASSTECH will highlight its efficient FlashNet media object storage application and MassStore media services framework for media and storage management on-premises, the cloud, or in hybrid configurations.

PRIME FOCUS TECHNOLOGIES will unveil AI-enabled MAM and subtitling tools for its CLEAR Media ERP range. Capabilities include facial detection, speech-to-text, and location/brand recognition to enrich content metadata and aid content discovery.

TEDIAL is introducing SMART Live, designed for sports and live events. Its metadata engine automatically generates metadata ingest processes to address complex sporting event workflows, creating clips based on actions, keywords or logged occurrences; video and audio recognition can generate additional locator data and annotate the media proxies.

TELESTREAM will add end-to-end Adaptive Bitrate and a new workflow to its iQ Quality Assurance solution, reducing issue report to resolution times.

TMD will unveil an integration between its Mediaflex-UMS workflow engine and Avid’s Interplay, enabling users to select content, master clips, or sequences and initiate actions to archive or distribute media.

VERIZON DIGITAL MEDIA SERVICES will bring enhancements to its Volicon Media Intelligence, Media Xperience Studio; Uplynk Video Streaming, and Edgecast Content Delivery Network service offerings.

SWITCHERS AND ROUTING

When it comes to switching and routing, new solutions on the NAB 2018 show floor are offering more inputs, more DVEs and expanded capabilities such as 4K and IP connectivity. Popular this year: customization and the ability to handling multiple formats and functionalities often in a smaller footprint.

BLACKMAGIC DESIGN will show the ATEM 4 M/E high frame-rate Ultra HD 2160p60 switcher, a 4K switcher with 20 inputs, 4 MEs, 16 ATEM advanced chroma keyers, two Ultra HD multi viewers, full 2D DVEs, and built-in compositing engines with four picture-in-picture DVEs. A smaller version of the ATEM will also be on the floor in the form of the ATEM 1 M/E Advanced Panel, a compact hardware control panel designed to work with all ATEM switchers.

BROADCAST PIX will show the BPswitch family of integrated production switchers, which include control-over-IP capabilities. Features include NewBlueNTX 3D motion graphics, clip stores, customizable multiview and device control.

EVS will demo the DYVI IT-based switching solution, which offers distributed live production and new scalability features.

FOR-A will unveil the HVS-6000 12GSDI video switcher, with support for 4K and scalability for users looking to transition to 8K in the future. The company will also introduce a system package that includes the HVS-490 video switcher, MFR-3000 routing switcher, MV-4200 multiviewer and ClassX suite of graphics solutions.

GRASS VALLEY will feature GV K-Frame X, a new processing engine that supports SDI, IP or hybrid SDI/IP configurations. The switcher offers an I/O footprint of 192x96, supports TICO compression or uncompressed SMPTE ST 2110 4K along with HDR, and connects to any Grass Valley panel.

JLCOOPER ELECTRONICS will feature its ION compact broadcast switcher panel control surface, designed for fast video switching in a live production environment such as mobile, sports, educational or house of worship.

NEWTEK will highlight the TriCaster TC1 production system, offering switching as well as streaming and recording in HD, 3G and 4K UHD 60p. Features include 16 external inputs and 4 MEs as well as an integrated video server for playback, replay and live editing.

PANASONIC plans to showcase the AVHLC100, a combination solution that pulls together a 1ME switcher, PTZ camera controller and audio mixer in a single device.

PIXEL POWER will demo the BrandMaster branding switcher and graphics playout system.

ROSS VIDEO will show the 12G Multi-Processing Input Module for Acuity, a 20-input card that adds single-link 12G connectivity and provides independent input signal management functions. The company will also bring its range of switcher options, including the Carbonite Black Solo single ME switcher, Graphite all-in-one production system and Carbonite midsize switcher.

RUSHWORKS will showcase its VDESK radio/TV production system, a multifunction integrated production system.

ROUTING

BARNFIND will feature BarnOne with Web Server, which offers a new web interface for configuration and operation of BarnOne frames; and new 4K Products as part of the BTF1-41 series.

FOR-A will introduce a system package that includes the MFR-3000 routing switcher that includes a HVS-490 video switcher, MV-4200 multiviewer and ClassX suite of graphics solutions.

GRASS VALLEY will show the latest in router control and configuration with GV Convergent, an IP/SDI router control/configuration system that works with both COTS switches and IP-enabled endpoint equipment to manage facility routing as the industry migrates from SDI to IP.

IMAGINE COMMUNICATIONS will showcase Platinum IP3, a 28 RU device that offers hybrid IP connectivity and offers mixed-format video and audio routing, multiviewer functionality, frame sync and advanced I/O options.

ROSS VIDEO will showcase Ultrix-FR5, a 5RU, 144 x 144 version of the Ultrix routing/AV processing platform.

UTAH SCIENTIFIC will debut updates to the 400 Series, a hybrid digital router designed to accommodate IP signals along with high-density SDI. The company will also show the UHD-12G 12G digital routing switcher which enables distribution of a full range of SDI video signals, from SD data rates up to 2160p60 in a single-link interconnect.

KVM SWITCHES

ADDER will feature the ADDERLink INFINITY 100T, an IP-based KVM transmitter that uses standard network infrastructure to extend and matrix computers away from the user environment.

BLACKBOX will showcase solutions that include its control room KVM options such as the InvisaPC, an IP-based KVM solution that offers access to physical and virtual servers and the DCX digital KVM matrix solution.

G&D NORTH AMERICA will introduce a new KVM-over-IP matrix system, as well as the DP1.2-Vision KVM extender system for 4K, which uses in-house HDIP compression technology and is compatible with G&D’s digital matrices and allows the extension, switching and distribution of 4K video signals through matrix systems. Also on display: the DP1.2-VisionXG, a high-end KVM extender system that extends computer signals up to 10,000 meters over fiber.

IHSE will show the 491 Series for extending HDMI signals; 496 Series SDI/KVM extender series, which converts 3G/SDI signals for sharing serial digital video with Draco tera KVM matrix switches; 494 Series DVI-I, which can interface with other Draco ultra extenders; 444 Series, which allows users to connect a keyboard, mouse and keypad as a single HID device to a KVM system through USB with an additional HID extension, and the OPS+ KVM extender, which is designed to simplify the installation, operation and management of remove displays.

THINKLOGICAL will showcase TLX, an uncompressed 4K/8K KVM solution that delivers extension and switching of KVM and uncompressed 4K DCI video (4096x2160 resolution, 4:4:4 color depth, 30 bits per pixel) at 60Hz frame rate with any-to-any matrix switching. The company will also show its new Virtual Machine Integrated Client Modules.

As often happens, what’s new isn’t always. IP, the “Holy Grail” of the past several NAB Shows, has been a fact of master control and file-based media life for some time. The category, which in the past, we’ve termed “automation and asset management” is evolving at a rapid pace. Some players have merged or changed names; a few new ones are emerging, all with ambitious plans to streamline, automate and bulletproof our workflows.

MASTER CONTROL & PLAYOUT AUTOMATION
Amagi will debut CUMULUS, a new cloud-based broadcast platform that simplifies content preparation, management, playout, delivery and monetization for broadcasters, all on a single cloud platform. Offered as a platform-as-a-service (PaaS), CUMULUS enables content owners and broadcasters to create and deliver linear and nonlinear streams across cable, satellite, IPTV and OTT on-demand platforms.

Aveco will return with its Astra master control/production automation as well as Redwood, the company’s channel-in-a-box and branding solution.

Axon will demonstrate its Cerebrum control and monitoring system for mobile production, news and studio live production, master control and remote production. Cerebrum offers a broad range of features and support for third-party devices, including routers, production switchers, servers, receiver decoders, multiviewers and waveform monitors. At the show, Axon will unveil new feature enhancements including automatic tie-line management across multiple routers for format conversion and multisite operations and various new third-party interface options including support for protocols from SAM, Imagine, ClearCom, Trilogy and Grass Valley.

Bitcenral Central ControlBitcentral will highlight Central Control, an IP-based all-in-one solution to handle ingest, archive and play-to-air tasks for individual stations and multichannel hub operators.

Cinegy will debut Cinegy-as-a-Service, which ports the company’s technology— starting with Cinegy Air—to the cloud via Amazon Web and similar services. Also at the company’s booth will be Cinegy Open Tools, a free utilities suite that helps broadcasters shift to IP and nontraditional platforms.

The next release of LoadingDock, Crispin'sl network file acquisition, preparation and distribution application, reduces duplication of effort across Group locations. A new Supervisory View feature lets operators oversee multiple channels at-a-glance; user access ranges from view-only to full control over content streams for multichannel managers.

DNF Controls IP Control BuddyDNF Controls will debut IP Control Buddy, device management and messaging for production or master control; it’s available in GPI/O and LCD pushbutton models. One button press triggers a GPI/O, sends a serial command or a TCP/UDP/SNMP/HTTP signal. The new USP3 Universal Switch Panel streamlines monitoring and control interfaces. Also new, Anywhere Interface Box (AIB) models with up to 16 GPI/Os and multiple control paths—Ethernet, two-way audio, DTMF, modem dial—all with non-volatile, programmer-free Web configurability.

ENCO Systems will demo its MOM (Media Operations Manager) to automate video playout, manage a library of video, audio and graphic cuts, and create content playlists.

Evertz will introduce OVRT-LIVE-4K, a UHD/HD/SD-capable playout engine with integrated master control and advanced channel branding/graphics. It seamlessly mixes SD, HD and UHD content via an internal up/down/cross conversion engine.

Florical is partnering with Vizrt to host a graphics engine on Acuitas, their channel-in-a-box solution. Also new: a “text-to-speech” functionality to meet FCC mandates; FlashForward, which adds schedule import for centralized asset acquisition and distribution; and AssetCollector and AssetDispatcher, which streamline media management, while Myers ProTrack integration gains BXF “live-log” capabilities.

Grass Valley has added IP/SDI format flexibility to its automated workflows with compressed IP I/O in v2.8 of its iTX Integrated Playout Platform. Multiresolution 4K/HD/SD capabilities provide a cost-effective 4K/UHD playout transition with proven scalability to 250-plus channels.

Imagine Communications will demo the latest version of Versio, the company’s integrated, software-based playout solution. With “any-to-any” transport, compressed or uncompressed IP and cloud deployment models, users can accelerate service launches, ensure business continuity, lower infrastructure costs, and virtualize master control.

NVerzion will unveil a Windows 10 version of their Component Level Automation System Solutions (CLASS) platform featuring a highly customizable GUI, video server mirroring, plus enhanced Join-in-Progress (JIP) and conflict reporting functionality. New NPoint Direct media prep lets broadcasters segment, preview and create text, events or effects (bugs, crawls, etc.) instantly and without tying up a server port.

Pebble Beach Systems will showcase Orca, an IP-enabled channel solution in a cloud-based virtual environment. Web tools facilitate deployment, signal design and monitoring of IP-based streams. Lighthouse, a new Web-based utility dashboard, extends Marina’s enterprise automation functionality to local or remote broadcast and business partners; multiple widgets include remote error monitoring, playlist control and resource management via a secure browser interface.

New StreamMaster builds on Pixel Power'sl Clarity platform with integrated playout for complex channels. Running on dedicated hardware, it can be virtualized in a data center or cloud. The format-agnostic, software-defined system is scalable, enabling new pricing models, including pay-as-you-go for pop-up channels.

PlayBox Technology will debut CloudAir, a software-as-a-service for rapid deployment of new channels with reduced infrastructure investment. It provides playout with graphics on any enterprise-class host server. Also, upgrades to Neo, the company’s modular channel-in-a-box series: Air- Box, TitleBox, CaptureBox and SafeBox.

Primestream will showcase new device control enhancements for its FORK content management system, which adds support for leading tape and digital formats— from SD to 4K—on Mac or PC platforms. Also featured, Xchange Suite, used to prepare, share, edit, review, approve and archive content via Web browser, adds publishing capabilities with native export to OTT networks and social media.

Rascular will showcase Mediant, for secondary-event handling. Version 3.0 reads automation schedules, locates media for secondary events and moves content to the correct on-air device. The company will also demo Clockwork, an app for their flagship Helm control suite, that schedules and executes simple to complex events, such as ingest and playout.

RUSHWORKS will demo dissolve transitions between playlist elements on its ALIST automation system, as well as BXF file parsing and interoperability for broadcasters employing Myers ProTrack, Broadview Software, and similar BXF-enabled traffic and billing solutions.

SAM (Snell Advanced Media) will debut a software-defined channel version of its ICE channel-in-a-box optimized for virtualized playout. Replacing SDI with IP streaming, it can easily migrate to a standby blade within the data center or at a redundant, mirrored facility in the event of a hardware failure.

Thomson Video Networks’ FUZE-1 Playout SystemThomson Video Networks , which was recently acquired by Harmonic, will unveil its FUZE-1 Playout System for ad insertion, branding, disaster recovery and EAS insertion. It integrates traditional channel-in-a-box functionality with premium-quality encoding/ transcoding for broadcast and OTT delivery.

IN THE NEWSROOM
AQ Broadcast will showcase QNews Automation Control Centre (ACC), designed to assist with devices during live broadcasts. Typically run with QNews, the company’s NRCS suite, ACC also accepts MOS event data from newsroom systems such as ENPS.

Aveco will introduce Take 2 production automation for high-end news magazines and similar shoots recording to a server. It controls switchers, video and graphics, camera robotics, audio, etc., via an intuitive director’s interface. Automatic “bestclips” compilation helps finish the program, avoiding delays and costly post production.

Bitcentral will debut enhancements to its OASIS MAM system with Web interfaces for mobile, tablet and PC. CORE:News adds hybrid ingest, hub and spoke distribution, plus a downscaled version for smaller markets. Their Create video editor gains closed-captioning pass-thru, audio VU meters and loudness measurement tools. The company will also demo new servers with faster, more reliable SSD storage.

Grass Valley will return with v4.5 of its GV STRATUS video production and content management system, with a full toolkit for managing on-air operations, live programming and production media workflows.

Masstech will feature MassStore for News, which lets users archive, retrieve and exchange content from within their familiar NRCS interface. Stories and media flow smoothly among users, systems and locations using drag-and-drop. It reduces technical and workflow disruptions, saves journalists time and effort, and lets them focus on creating content-rich stories.

Octopus will debut Newsroom 8, a platform-independent, newsroom computer system running natively on Windows, Mac OS X or Linux. The new version empowers cross-department teams to collaborate and share, as well as connect with social media and online news channels.

Ross Video will demonstrate the latest version of its OverDrive automated production control system, with enhanced integration to the company’s Acuity and Carbonite Black production switchers, as well as support for a variety of third-party switchers, newsroom computer and graphics systems.

TRAFFIC, BUSINESS & RIGHTS MANAGEMENT
Arvato Systems will showcase its Avatega Rights Management & Planning system with automated multiplatform scheduling, workflow engine and decision support. The company will also feature AdStore, which offers single-point access to an entire commercial inventory; it combines programmatic and traditional sales models, predefines cross-media packages, and tracks delivery progress across platforms.

Broadview Software will demo v2.0 of its OnDemand platform, designed to manage content for audiences fragmented by platform proliferation. With scheduling connected to fulfillment, its schedules serve traditional cable and new media platforms, as well as Web and mobile devices. Rules-based tools, such as linear casting, rights casting, and event treatments, simplify workflows.

Imagine Communications’ will introduce Landmark xG Open, a new open, APIbased solution that helps media companies participate in sales via programmatic exchanges.It helps users streamline their advertising buy-sell process and supports campaign stewardship with near real-time performance feedback to the buyer.

Myers will debut ProTrack Sales, based on HTML5. The module provides a sleek, intuitive interface to powerful sales capabilities and streamlined operational workflows. Myers will also demo enhancements to Pro-Track, which tighten bidirectional integration with key vendor partners.

Proconsultant Informatique will showcase LOUISE 5, the company’s modular business management solution, which helps multiscreen content providers streamline processes in a rapidly changing industry. The company’s CINDY 4 ad sales solution provides traffic, ad placement and revenue optimization; its integrated design handles global ad strategies with provisions for linear and nonlinear business, as well as programmatic and automated selling.

SintecMedia will feature OnAir 4.0, the company’s collaborative ad sales, programming, rights management, traffic and promotions platform. An intelligent interface anticipates user workflows with automated reminders and tasks. OnRights helps content owners earn licensing revenue across linear, nonlinear and digital platforms. The IBMS suite adds promo optimization tools that increase client control over placements, while OnDemand manages centralized multiplatform digital services. Cloud versions of OnAir and IBMS facilitate rapid deployment and lower cost-of-ownership.

WideOrbit will unveil station workflow enrichments to flagship WO Traffic, including tools to manage spot and digital together from order entry through to invoicing and reconciliation. Data from WO Media Sales—used to manage station/ group operations, proposals, avails, planning, order entry, research, analysis and reporting— now auto-populates directly into WO Traffic.

ARCHIVE & MEDIA ASSET MANAGEMENT SYSTEMS
Apace Systems will introduce postMAM, a browser-based collaborative media environment with seamless ingest, transcoding, search, playback and archiving of video, audio, still images and graphics. A global version provides secure, multisite asset management with frame-accurate hi-res proxy editing. Finder—a new class of unstructured, file-based search engines—automates file/folder name indexing within storage clusters; multisystem cataloging makes data search instantaneous.

Dalet will demonstrate current versions of its established products, featuring Galaxy, their enterprise MAM platform. It manages assets, metadata, workflows and processes across multiple, diverse production and distribution systems. The company will also showcase its AmberFin and Brio platforms.

Digital Nirvana will introduce a new collaborative Media Management Platform that includes tools to capture, edit and repurpose content from various sources and publish to multiple digital platforms, all while monitoring for quality and compliance.

Masstech will demo purpose-configured, high-volume storage systems: MassStore for MAM controls digital media and metadata throughout its lifecycle; intelligent storage management and native transcoding streamlines workflow and reduces cost. MassStore for Program & Spot Aggregation eliminates manual content-gathering steps and cuts turnaround time, errors and costs, with automated content detection, processing and migration. MassStore for Archive utilizes intelligent tiered storage and scalable online, nearline and deep storage options, from disk arrays to LTO data tapes.

Oracle will showcase DIVArchive, which features bit-accurate checksums throughout its rules-based storage workflow, verifying output, regardless of publication format, exactly matches original input.

Pronology will highlight the company’s MAM system’s global Location Intelligence feature, which allows users to collaborate, locate and transfer content to where it’s needed, ensuring efficient use of bandwidth and storage resources. A browser interface provides instant “at-a-glance” access to streamable proxy files for shot selection and organization.

SGL will debut its new FlashNet dashboard, which simplifies archiving workflow and adds reliability tools such as Checksum support to its content management and storage flagship product. New SMPTE Archive eXchange Format (AXF) support lets FlashNet read and process AXF objects, assuring long-term access to content despite evolving technologies. The company will also demo support for Ci, Sony’s Cloud service for creative collaboration.

Square Box Systems will introduce CatDV 12, a new MAM edition with native support for their Server 7, plus enhanced ingest and logging capabilities. Also, Worker 7 updates add Linux support and greater functionality for MAM workflow automation and integration.

Tedial will introduce Version Factory, which interfaces with content and rights management, traffic and work order systems to automate operations, stacks media engines, employs future-proof SMPTE standards, and provides scalability for OTT/VOD platforms, network operations and brands. The company will also showcase its Evolution BPM (business process management) workflow engine, which clocks 17x faster than competing systems—50,000 workflows in under three minutes—with unlimited physical or virtual scalability.

Enhancements to Telestream's file-based Vantage workflow engine include Open Workflows, which promises speedier, more efficient processing and decision-making. Sequential actions execute in-parallel and output generates as files are processing. New ABR Optimize constructs intelligent adaptive bitrate packages, cutting delivery bandwidth and distribution costs without losing perceived viewing quality.

TMD will showcase its Mediaflex Unified Media Services (UMS), a cloud platform for media services and host for third-party delivery of business and operational workflows. The company will also debut its Call- 4Media digital asset management service, which utilizes TMD’s Chameleon interface, enabling non-technical staff to search for and deal with content. Also new is Aperture for ingest, which digitizes, captures and manages content, either standalone or with other TMD services.

Volicon Observer Media Intelligence PlatformVolicon has added as-run log integration to Share, part of the company’s Observer Media Intelligence Platform. Available on-premise or as a cloud-service, it lets non-video editors remove ads, generate frame-accurate long-form VOD assets, or repurpose content for on-air, digital or social media platforms. The company will also demo Observer’s ability to draw content from the OTT pipeline and mobile devices.

VSN will feature VSNEXPLORER, which has been newly integrated with Microsoft’s Azure Media Services to create an enhanced MAM on cloud solution. Among the added features: auto-detection of adult content, multiformat cloud transcoding, face blurring in videos, and content finger-printing.