A new approach to software-based transmission and production using standard IT hardware and Windows Media technology was launched by OmniBus Systems at this year’s NAB exhibition. OmniBus iTX intelligent transmission software replicates all functions of master control, allowing small and mid-sized broadcasters to make a migration from a hardware-based MCR to a software based transmission facility.
The iTX system software fills a variety of roles: video server, master control, graphics, and logo inserter with functionality including automation, ingest, editing, and basic content management. This solution can mix DV, MPEG-1 through MPEG-4, AVI, and WMV formats and will scale incoming media of any resolution to the appropriate output format enabling SD and HD content to be mixed on the same playlist. Files can be ingested from tape or line using a real-time encode into a Windows Media file, or delivered to the server as a new file. Content also may be sourced directly from an existing broadcast server or from any industry-standard editor.
iTX playout is based on OmniBus’ latest automation system, which features a flexible and intuitive drag-and-drop interface that allows operators to monitor and control multiple channels and schedules on-screen simultaneously. Captions, logos, vision effects, and audio effects are built into the interface, and a preview function allows the user to validate complete sequences before they air.
More information is available at www.omnibus.tv.
