MINNEAPOLIS—Tightrope Media Systems, the developers of the Cablecast Community Media station automation, playout, and publishing platform, have announced that they will be relaunching the PEGMedia.org local access television media exchange site during the week of June 27. 

The relaunch will include an overhauled user interface and will make it easier for channel programmers and producers to find and upload compelling content, Tightrope said. 

Tightrope will showcase the new PEGMedia.org at the Alliance for Community Media (ACM) 2022 Annual Conference from June 28 to 30 in Chicago.

PEGMedia.org is a content sharing site for the PEG (Public, Educational, and Government) television community. Founded in 2007 by Robert Nichols to allow stations in his home state of Maine to exchange content, it quickly expanded to serve stations and content producers across the United States. Tightrope took over operation and development of PEGMedia.org in 2021.

PEG stations and independent producers who wish to air their content anywhere in the country can upload programming to PEGMedia.org. Participating stations can then download and air the shows locally on their channels. Programs can be uploaded for free, while nominal download fees – less than $1 per show – cover only the costs of site bandwidth and storage. 

While Tightrope offers its own Cablecast automation and playout platform, PEGMedia.org is available to all community broadcasters regardless of which hardware and software solutions they are using.

“Community media organizations need reliable, ongoing sources of content to keep their channels fresh and engaging for their audiences,” said Steve Israelsky, president, Cablecast Community Media. “There is a broad range of high-quality content out there that has relevance and interest beyond the local area that it was created in, and PEGMedia.org provides the opportunity to bring it to other regions. We want to make it as easy and inexpensive as possible to exchange content not only for our Cablecast customers, but for the entire PEG community at large. We’re pleased to enhance this service with these significant updates.”

The completely redesigned user interface replaces the text-heavy design of the original offering and provides an intuitive, graphical, thumbnail-driven dashboard while eliminating time-consuming manual steps, the company said. 

Stations can easily see collections of the most recent uploads; the most popular programs; and shows or episodes specifically relevant to their state. Users can then easily drill down to discover and download other episodes of the same shows.

The new PEGMedia.org also makes it faster and simpler for stations and content producers to contribute their content. The site’s new cloud-based ingest pipeline combines with automated background processing to maximize efficiency and enable seamless scalability as the site grows, Tightrope said. 

PEGMedia.org’s discussion forums have also been enhanced to better facilitate collaboration between the site’s users and sharing of ideas about PEG content.

“Over a thousand stations and programmers are participating on PEGMedia.org, and with the relaunch making it even easier for users to find and submit content, that footprint will continue to grow,” added Israelsky. “Uploading content is free and is a great way for stations and producers to gain recognition for their work, grow their audience, expand their reach, and help strengthen the industry. We encourage the entire PEG community to upload content that is of value to stations across the country.”

The new PEGMedia.org site is slated to go live the week of June 27. 

Interested producers and stations can sign up to be notified of its availability at https://go.cablecast.tv/pegmedia-launch.

MINNEAPOLIS—Tightrope Media Systems has upgraded its Cablecast Community Media broadcast automation, playout, and content publishing platform that adds greater flexibility and efficiency in how PEG broadcasters store and distribute media content. The new Smart Asset Manager (SAM) feature automates content archiving, backup, and retrieval to simplify video server storage management, while the new Cablecast REFLECT+ delivery service combines the robust delivery benefits of the Cablecast REFLECT CDN with the ability to store all VOD content in the cloud.

Tightrope will highlight SAM, Cablecast REFLECT+, and other Cablecast advances in suite 739 at the Renaissance Las Vegas Hotel during the 2022 NAB Show, April 24-27.

Tightly integrated into the Cablecast automation software, SAM intelligently moves or copies content between the video server and alternative storage locations such as a SAN (storage area network), NAS (network attached storage) or cloud storage. Rules-based archiving automatically moves content to archive storage if it is not scheduled to be used within a user-specified number of days, while SAM’s rules-based backup feature copies media files to a designated file store for safekeeping. Users can also manually trigger the archiving of an individual show. Automatic archive retrieval brings assets back onto the playout server when they are needed based on the program schedule, minimizing user effort and helping avoid errors related to missing media.

“Community media organizations’ content libraries eventually grow beyond their video server’s storage capacity, but manually moving content off and back onto the server is time-consuming and labor-intensive,” said Steve Israelsky, President, Cablecast Community Media. “Smart Asset Manager is designed to make archiving and retrieving content painless, flexible, and efficient.”

While Tightrope’s original Cablecast REFLECT delivery service automatically caches content in the cloud when it is first requested from the on-premises VOD server, the new Cablecast REFLECT+ allows users to easily push some or all of their media into cloud storage even before it is first accessed. Customers can use as little or as much cloud storage as they want, with user-configurable rules—for example, all shows from the past month, or all council meetings and high school sports from the current year—automatically pushing matching VOD content to the cloud. A web-based dashboard allows administrators to monitor cloud storage usage.

“Customers love Cablecast REFLECT’s ability to reliably and cost-effectively deliver live streams and VOD content with rich metadata to audiences of any size through Cablecast’s turnkey web pages, OTT and mobile apps. However, some organizations want to further isolate their media delivery away from their own network,” said Israelsky. “Cablecast REFLECT+ provides all of this same powerful functionality and adds the scalability and flexibility of cloud storage while keeping everything outside the local network.”

Cablecast REFLECT+ is offered as an optional service with pricing based on tiered storage capacities. The original Cablecast REFLECT service continues to be available for media organizations who want the scalable delivery advantages of the REFLECT CDN but prefer the economics of on-premises storage.

The Smart Asset Manager is a standard feature of v7.5 of the Cablecast software, slated for release by the end of April. The upgrade to v7.5 is free for Cablecast FLEX and Cablecast VIO customers on active software assurance agreements. The optional Cablecast REFLECT+ service also requires the Cablecast 7.5 software.

MINNEAPOLIS—The Cablecast Community Media platform from Tightrope Media Systems was already in place for Massachusetts’ Cambridge Public Schools (CPS), but a recent addition of the Cablecast Pro VOD option has helped boost online video delivery for the group’s educational purposes.

CPS hosts complete TV production capabilities, including playout operations, from its Media Arts Studio. Cablecast had been in use in this studio for many years, but Cablecast Pro VOD was brought in as an upgrade to a previous online VOD system, which wasn’t consistent with ingest and processing functions, according to Matt Mena-Landry, Media Arts program manager at CPS.

The Cablecast Pro VOD option allows for videos to be embedded within webpages, as well as provides high-quality video with no playback issues thanks to adaptive bitrate support. There’s also an ability to add chapter markers and display related PDF content and metadata next to the video.

In addition to the VOD option, CPS also upgraded to a new Cablecast VIO server and added Tightrope’s Screenweave LIVE service to bring Zoom-based video conferences directly to Cablecast.

With the COVID-19 pandemic and the transition to remote learning for much of the last year, Mean-Landry says that video has become a major form of communication. “Being able to easily share that video in the highest quality possible has been critical for us, and Cablecast is enabling us to do that,” he added.

For more information, visit www.cablecast.tv.  

MINNEAPOLIS—Tightrope Media Systems has debuted the Cablecast VIO Stream, an automated system for bringing live event streams and on-demand video to various platforms, including OTT platforms like Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV or Android TV. Local governments, schools, churches and businesses can get particular use out of the system, according to Tightrope.

VIO Stream has brandable, turnkey web pages that let users showcase their VOD clips, live streams and program schedule in consistent content portals. A set of APIs is also available for customers to integrate dynamic schedules, live streams and VOD playlists into their existing websites.

As live or file-based content is added or scheduled through VIO Stream’s interface, the system automatically performs any required transcoding for online and OTT delivery, as well as updates the live event schedule on their bulletin board and website. VOD collections on all platforms can be automatically populated, with users only needed to upload a program or event once, from which VIO Stream publishes it everywhere and updates all content portals and apps.

Users can combine VIO Stream with Tightrope’s Screenweave LIVE cloud service to livestream or record conferencing sessions from Zoom and Microsoft Teams.

Additional features include remote management through a mobile-friendly interface; the ability to bring in IP input streams and NDI sources directly for live playout or recording; integrated graphic tools; a VIO Stream digital bulletin board to display program schedule information and integrate external data; VOD chaptering; and embedding documents alongside related media.

“Just as the proliferation of online and OTT platforms has enabled consumers to stay entertained and informed even without cable television service, VIO Stream enables all types of organizations to bring their content attractively and efficiently to audiences without needing a cable channel,” said Steve Israelsky, president of Tightrope’s Cablecast Community Media division. “We’re excited to bring this publishing power to a wider range of producers.”

For more information, visit www.cablecast.tv.  

MINNEAPOLIS—Tightrope Media Systems has announced that it is taking over as the owner of PegMedia.org, a public access media exchange site, from PegMedia Inc. As the new owner, Tightrope will handle all operations and development of PegMedia.org while continuing to provide low-cost content sharing between community media organizations and producers.

Through PegMedia.org, content producers can make their programming available to multiple PEG TV stations simultaneously, while also giving stations access to a range of programming to fill out their channels.

According to Robert Nichols, who founded PegMedia Inc. in 2007 in Maine, PegMedia.org has a growing library of more than 35,000 videos that PEG stations can access for an undisclosed transfer fee. Today, PegMedia.org reportedly has thousands of users across the U.S. and internationally.

“Being under the Tightrope umbrella will ensure its long-term survival and growth,” said Nichols. “With a whole team of passionate PEG experts from operations and engineering to marketing, Tightrope is well positioned to take what I started to the next level.”

Despite operating Cablecast Community Media, Tightrope says it plans to continue to make PegMedia.org available to PEG stations regardless of which hardware or software solutions they use. Tightrope will also work to help grow the site’s user base to continue to add to the available content.

“We are honored that Robert is entrusting us to continue what he started,” said Steve Israelsky, president, Cablecast Community Media. “PegMedia.org provides a valuable service to the PEG community, and we very much want it to continue to succeed. With our large nationwide customer base, close relationships with the PEG industry at large and our planned efforts to promote PegMedia.org, we believe we can significantly expand its active user base. We look forward to further developing the PegMedia.org service while keeping it affordable and widely accessible.”

For more information, visit www.cablecast.tv.  

MINNEAPOLIS & SOUTHFIELD, Mich.—Tightrope Media Systems and Enco Systems have agreed to a strategic partnership that is designed to help community media organizations incorporate automated closed captioning into their broadcast, online and OTT workflows.

With the new partnership, Enco’s enCaption automated captioning platform is being made available to Tightrope’s Cablecast Community Media customers at a special price. The Cablecast customer service team will also offer support for integrated Cablecast and enCaption workflows. Tightrope and Enco are expected to continue to explore other opportunities for technical integration between the two products.

Cablecast is designed to help community media organizations reach audiences across cable television channels and OTT services. With integrated enCaption technology, users will be able to add closed or open captions to live and pre-recorded content in near-real-time, according to the companies.

“[B]y partnering with Enco to offer this proven combination, we can save community media centers the time and effort of separately researching, purchasing and implementing a captioning solution,” said Steve Israelsky, president, Cablecast Community Media.

The enCaption platform, which uses AI technology for things like word recognition and spelling precision, has already been a popular service among community media organizations, like North Penn Television in Southeastern Pennsylvania.

For more information, visit www.cablecast.tv or www.enco.com.  

MINNEAPOLIS & PELHAM, N.Y.—Tightrope Media Systems has announced a new partnership with the digital platform Burbio that will integrate Tightrope’s Cablecast Community Media platform with Burbio’s zip-code level event database to automatically update calendar information on broadcast and online bulletin boards.

Cablecast is a broadcast automation, playout and streaming platform that allows users to reach both traditional and cord-cutting audiences. With the combination of Burbio services, media centers can now easily update hyper-local community event information, including from school districts, governments, libraries, nonprofits, businesses and sports leagues. Users can set their own specifications within the Cablecast CG and Carousel user interface on what Burbio sources to draw from, and how long they appear in the bulletin.

Tightrope reports that the Massachusetts-based Billerica Access Television station is among the first media centers to implement the Cablecast-Burbio combination.

Both Tightrope and Burbio will highlight the technology at the 2020 NAB Show in Las Vegas from April 18-22. Tightrope will do so from Hospitality Suite 739 at the Renaissance Las Vegas Hotel, while Burbio will exhibit as part of the Sprockit startup hub in the North Hall of the Las Vegas Convention Center.

For more information, visit www.cablecast.tv.  

MINNEAPOLIS—Tightrope Media Systems has upgraded the software for its Cablecast Community Media broadcast automation, playout and content publishing platform, officially announcing Cablecast version 7.1.

The Cablecast 7.1 update adds expanded IP input and closed captioning functionality, as well as SSL (Secure Socket Layer) support for securing web content portals. V7.1 also provides many features of Cablecast’s seventh-generation software to users of earlier Cablecast Flex servers after previously only being available on new Cablecast VIO video servers.

With its new support for sidecar caption files, Cablecast 7.1 can add closed captions to individual programs or complete libraries of existing file-based content. When media files are sent out for captioning, they return as editable sidecar files in MCC or SCC formats. The files can then be applied to corresponding media in Cablecast.

The SSL support in v7.1 comes through Let’s Encrypt, a free open certificate authority from the Internet Security Research Group, for conforming to today’s web security standards. With SSL, content portals powered by Cablecast’s “public site” web publishing templates can be securely browsed and can promote secure embed codes and streaming links for distribution.

An expanded IP input and file format support is also offered in Cablecast 7.1 that works with both Cablecast VIO an Cablecast Flex systems. Live, H.264-encoded RTP, RTMP or HLS streams can be brought directly into the system for recording or broadcast without an external decoder. Programs can also be recorded with H.264 compression, while broader codec compatibility—including VP8 and Theora—can be played out without transcoding.

For Cablecast Flex operators, they now have access to the new, broadcast-optimized Cablecast CB bulletin board software directly within the Cablecast user interface. 

Cablecast’s live channel branding capabilities are also integrated directly into v7.1’s browser-based user interface. Live branding also has greater control over individual elements and attributes, as well as having a new media file upload feature.

In addition, v7.1 has a confidence monitoring feature for Cablecast Flex and Cablecast VIO customers to see live video previews of each output within the web-based user interface.

This latest version of Cablecast Community Media’s software will be shown during the 2020 NAB Show, April 18-22 in Las Vegas, at the Renaissance Las Vegas Hotel.

MINNEAPOLIS—Tightrope Media Systems is rolling out its new Cablecast VIO series, the latest version of its multi-format video servers from the Cablecast Community Media platform. With VIO, Tightrope has consolidated more of the platform’s functionality into a single hardware unit while also offering broader live and file-based native format support.

VIO is designed for station automation, playout, branding and multi-platform content distribution. Through a web-based interface, users can control content scheduling, publishing and playout from any device. Further integration includes enabling more software options to run through the single server, including the ability to run multiple instances of bulletin board software Cablecast CG, allowing for the operation of community bulletin boards on the same server handling scheduling, automation and playout.

On the hardware side, Cablecast VIO delivers increased channel density. For instance, the Cablecast VIO 4 Plus model provides six SDI interfaces that can be configured as four outputs with two recording channels, or three inputs and three outputs. This versatility is advantageous for PEG stations, according to Steve Israelsky, president, Cablecast Community Media.

The VIO series’ baseband I/O features support for live, IP-based inputs. With Cablecast’s RTP stream input, VIO can ingest live, H.264-encoded RTP, RTMP or HLS streams without needing an external decoder or consuming an SDI interface, allowing for the playing of live feeds or pulling from sources like YouTube or Facebook Live.

The new platforms also expand Cablecast’s multi-format playout capabilities. VP8 and Theora now combine with support for non-broadcast-standard frame rates for use of internet-originated content. VIO also adds H.264 encoding for channel recording.

In addition to the Cablecast VIO 4 Plus model, other iterations of the VIO line include VIO Lite with 8TB of storage and two SDI interfaces; the VIO 2 with 10-40TB of storage; and the VIO 4, which has four SDI channels that be configured as outputs or inputs. All of these models have the latest version of Cablecast Broadcast Automation software and an option for Cablecast CG. There is a VIO CG model with dedicated bulletin board applications, but does not have automation and playout features.

LAS VEGAS—Taking residency outside of the Las Vegas Convention Center exhibit floors, Tightrope Media Systems is preparing a sneak preview of a new feature to its Cablecast Community Media platform for NAB Show attendees. The latest update of Cablecast, version 6.7, provides turnkey VOD and live streaming publishing for the web and OTT to customers, including schools and local governments. These new publishing workflows allow users to maintain control of how their content is presented.

Cablecast 6.7 features a new digital file uploader that enables content managers to copy media files onto their server from anywhere. Users can now add metadata information at the same time they submit content files through a single, unified interface page. There is also a new thumbnail selection feature that lets users scrub through video clips to select a promotional image for program schedules on public website and VOD libraries.

Cablecast’s online and OTT content presentations do not insert unwanted advertising in front of producers’ videos, nor suggest third-party content to viewers, per Tightrope.

Tightrope is slating a May release for this latest version of the Cablecast and its new standalone VOD publishing functionality. To see a demo of the system, NAB show attendees can schedule a visit for Tightrope’s suite at the Renaissance Las Vegas Hotel (Hospitality Suite 739).

The 2019 NAB Show runs from April 6-11, to register for the NAB Show, visit www.nabshow.com.

MINNEAPOLIS—When the Miami Valley Communications Council sought to enhance the quality of its online offerings, the group of cities in the Ohio region chose to go with Tightrope Media Systems’ Cablecast Community Media Platform to upgrade its master control and playout infrastructure for HD.

MVCC is limited to broadcasting in SD for cable distribution of its four PEG channels, but it sought to use the Cablecast system to provide HD quality for online VOD and live streams.

The configuration for MVCC’s updated system is made up of the Cablecast Broadcast Automation software and two quad-channel Cablecast Flex 4 playout servers. The system provides one recording input and one playout pathway for each of the council’s four cable channels. A Cablecast Pro VOD server automatically creates on-demand clips of the station’s programs, which can then be delivered through the cloud-based Cablecast Reflect service. In addition, four Tightrope Carousel systems drive independent bulletin boards on each channel. The new installation was launched in September 2018.

Beyond the system’s capabilities, MVCC staffers praise the ease of use and how the workflow simplifies their process.

MVCC has plans to add Cablecast Live systems for HD live streaming, while updating the video content area of their website with Cablecast’s “public site” publishing tools.

MINNEAPOLIS—A new software upgrade is coming for Tightrope Media Systems’ Cablecast Community Media broadcast automation, playout and publishing platform with the launch of Cablecast 6.6. The platform’s new features are designed to automate repetitive scheduling tasks and simplify the day-to-day programming operations for broadcasters.

One of these new features is the Gap Filler tool, which fills breaks between shows with content beyond the channel’s community bulletin board. Programmers can click on a gap in the schedule and select a saved search made up of short-form content, Gap Filler will then automatically calculate and schedule appropriate clips from that search to fill any gaps. Additional options include defining intro and outro messages and “Do Not Allow Repeats.”

An Auto-Scheduler feature automatically populates recurring time slots. Users can define recurring time slots indefinitely into the future and set the Auto-Scheduler to populate them with the most recent show from a specified project. Programmers can also intentionally repeat a single show across all recurring slots and can flexibly override automatically-scheduled entries.

These new features utilize this version of Cablecast’s new allowable date range parameters. Start and/or end dates can be set for each show with any scheduling done by the automatic system outside of those dates will be denied, and if it is scheduled manually a warning message will appear.

Tightrope Media Systems will roll out the latest version of Cablecast at the end of February. The company is also expected to demonstrate Cablecast 6.6 at its suite in the Renaissance Las Vegas Hotel during the 2019 NAB Show.

AMHERST, MASS.—More colleges and universities are producing their own sporting events and delivering them across multiple platforms including broadcast partners, digital online sites and social media platforms.

The Zeplay system is located in UMass’ Mullen Center, home for basketball and hockey games. The University of Massachusetts now produces 80–100 NCAA Division I games each year. Currently we produce games for the Atlantic 10 Digital Network and soon will take part in the A-10’s Facebook Live initiative. Thanks to the vision of our Director of Athletics Ryan Bamford, we now offer these and a multitude of other delivery options to our fans and alumni.

To do this, during the Fall 2016 semester, we launched our new master control room, featuring a Zeplay instant replay server from Tightrope Media Systems, among other professional gear.

MAKING THE GRADE

The new broadcast infrastructure was designed to support our current initiatives, and provide external programming capabilities to current and future broadcast partners. Located on the concourse of The Mullins Center—home to UMass basketball and ice hockey programs—we will also use the control room to send a separate program feed, rich with Zeplay-driven instant replay video, to the new in-stadium displays in the Mullins Center set to open later this year.

Zeplay is a critical production element because it embellishes our programs with network-quality instant replays and highlights. Zeplay’s multichannel capability (four inputs, four outputs) provides the dexterity to accommodate simultaneous separate replay workflows, including outputs for multiple external and live stream programs.

A prime example of Zeplay’s flexibility is how it supports official replay. The Zeplay operator creates replays from multiple camera angles, leveraging Zeplay’s built-in multiviewer, and uses the switching options to output any of its four outputs to the officials’ monitor at a courtside table. These official replays are done without interfering with the main program feed, which allows a smooth production workflow.

BEYOND THE COURT

Zeplay’s storage and native codec support also provide benefits post-game. Operators export 10–12 replay clips for use in highlight reels used for promotions and UMass’ athletics website and social media sites.

Beyond its technical capabilities, Zeplay was an ideal choice because it interoperates very cleanly with our acquisition and infrastructure gear. With about 20 students trained to handle all facets of live production, including producing the replays and highlights, it is easy to learn, which is important given the varying skillsets of student operators. Zeplay’s user-friendly, intuitive interface accelerates the learning curve, and operates dependably during our live events. Above all, Zeplay is a highly reliable system that never misses a beat, providing an exceptional fan experience for all.

John Sinnett can be reached atjsinnett@admin.umass.edu.

For more information, please visitwww.trms.comor call 866-866-4118.

ST. PAUL, MINN.—Government access television provider for Edison, N.J., Edison TV offers its viewers content both on cable and online. To help ensure this, the station recently replaced its older playout and automation system with the Cablecast platform from Tightrope Media Systems for visual and workflow enhancements.

Specifically, Edison TV acquired a Cablecast SXLEHD server and Cablecast Broadcast Automation software to power playout for cable broadcasts, while Cablecast Live and Cablecast VOD servers create live HD streams and on-demand clips for online and mobile viewing. Edison also brought in Tightrope’s Carousel Digital Signage software, which is able to integrate with Cablecast to manage the station’s video bulletin board.

In addition, Cablecast’s Public Site web templates helped launch a feature-rich Edison TV website that can be automatically populated with the station’s latest content.

Edison intends to use the Tightrope Cablecast system to continue its HD transition.

ST. PAUL, MINN.—HD came to local stations in Hampton Roads area of Virginia, as James City County began offering its public, education and government programming in HD with help from Tightrope Media Systems. Tightrope provided its Cablecast Flex multi-format video servers and Cablecast Broadcast Automation software to power playout for broadcaster’s HD channels.

James City County's Chief Video Engineer Randall Hisle with the new Tightrope Cablecast system.

James City County, which operates the studio in a joint venture with the City of Williamsburg, can now offer three of its four channels in both HD and SD—the county and city’s jointly-run community and education stations, and James City County TV, the county’s government station.

Two Cablecast Flex 4 servers were provided to the broadcaster for playout of the four channels plus dual simultaneous recording capabilities, while also offering two additional, configurable input or output channels for future expansion. The servers also offer integrated up/down conversion for blending existing SD content into HD channels.

In addition, James City County utilizes Tightrope’s Carousel Digital Signage software to manage the bulletin boards related to each of the county’s three channels.

Tightrope Media Systems is a provider of station automation, video servers and live streaming products and is based in St. Paul, Minn.

ST. PAUL, MINN.—Tightrope Media Systems is giving a boost to Larchmont-Mamaroneck Community Television (LMCTV) in New York, announcing it has upgraded the broadcaster’s video playout capabilities and online offerings with Cablecast HD video servers and streaming technology.

LMCTV features three channels that recently made the move toward HD distribution. Having used Cablecast automation and playout systems for the past eight year, LMCTV upgraded its equipment to the Cablecast SX2HD and Cablecast SXHD LE multi-format video servers for HD playout, and a Cablecast Live streaming server and Cablecast Reflect cloud-based delivery service to offer HD streams to online and mobile viewers. The new systems also integrate with LMCTV’s existing Carousel technology from Tightrope for its bulletin board service.

Though LMCTV is only able to offer HD content online through live streaming, its Chief Operating Officer Matt Sullivan says that the new technology allows them to be ready for HD television distribution when it becomes available.

ST. PAUL, MINN.—Fans of the Mean Green can get more of the action with the addition of Tightrope Media Systems’ Zeplay instant replay server to the University of North Texas’ Athletics video department.

Replacing its previous instant replay system, the Zeplay offers the university multi-channel capacity with the ability to provide eight channels; four in and four out. The Zeplay system allows operators to switch camera angles on the fly during replay playback, while also continuing to record during playback. Tightrope’s replay system also features integrated sequence editing and export capabilities.

Tightrope Media Systems is a provider of digital signage and broadcast automation systems headquartered in Saint Paul, Minn.

ST. PAUL, MINN.—WACA TV is the Public, Education and Government station for Ashland, Mass. After its 10-year-old broadcast server reached end of life, the station chose to go with Tightrope Media Systems’ Cablecast SX-HD servers for its three PEG channels and one Cablecast ProVOD server for its online Video on Demand services.

Cablecast Scheduler

Coinciding with the move to a fully digital HD studio, WACA has migrated its legacy shows to the Cablecast servers for VOD and broadcast purposes. As part of the new infrastructure, the station also went with Tightrope’s Carousel system for bulletin board feeds across channels.

Tightrope Media Systems is a provider of station automation, video servers, Internet video on demand, live streaming, digital signage and multi-channel instant replay systems. The company is based in St. Paul, Minn.

ST. PAUL, MINN.—Whether it be a earth shattering slam dunk or a game-winning touchdown, Northwestern University has decided to go with Tightrope Media Systems ZEPLAY instant replay system in an effort to capture all the highlights from the school’s athletic teams.

Northwestern’s Broadcast Operations department is responsible for creating HD highlights and other video messages during games through the new HD control room that connects with the Ryan Field football stadium and Welsh-Ryan Arena. With the installation of ZEPLAY, the Broadcast Operations department is able to capture and send signals to the appropriate location via a switching feature. ZEPLAY features eight feeds—four input and four output—independent control of every outputs channel, and a built-in multiviewer to monitor all angles. The system also allows video to be quickly added to the department website.

Tightrope Media Systems is a digital signage and broadcast automation systems provider based in St. Paul, Minn. 

ST. PAUL, MINN. – Pittsfield Community Television, a local provider of three Public, Educational and Government access channels, has upgraded its production and playout capabilities with Tightrope Media Systems’ Cablecast 6.0 automation and playout software.

PCTV's set-up of Tightrope Media Systems products

PCTV has used Tightrope systems since 2003 and was able to integrate Cablecast 6.0 with its existing Tightrope hardware. This latest version of Cablecast offers a redesigned user interface to help users work across more devices, including cell phones and tablets. PCTV’s other Tightrope systems include Cablecast Pro VOD server and two Cablecast SX2HD 2x1 video servers for a total of four playout channels and two encode channels. These systems are able to intelligently automate and update information across Tightrope products.

PCTV provides service to more than 20,000 cable subscribers in the Pittsfield, Dalton and Richmond, Mass., areas.

Tightrope Media Systems is a provider of digital signage and broadcast automation systems based in St. Paul, Minn.

ST. PAUL, MINN. - Tightrope Media Systems is California dreaming as its Cablecast Reflect cloud-based service will be used by Community Media Access Collaborative, a Fresno and Clovis, Calif.-based community access TV facility, to deliver public, educational and government programs as live or on-demand video streams to the Internet.

Tightrope will allow CMAC to deliver live and on-demand programs to the internet via the cloud.

The Tightrope workflow being employed by CMAC includes Cablecast Live and VOD servers that deliver high-quality, bandwidth-efficient H.264 streams to broadcast and online viewers. Cablecast Reflect then interfaces with these on-site servers to aggregate, cache and distribute the media from its cloud platform and off of CMAC’s internet connection.

“Regardless of a show’s popularity, many viewers want to watch it on the device of their choosing,” said Bryan Harley, facilities and operations manager for CMAC. “We can count on Reflect to deliver it to them reliably.”