Grass Valley K2 Media Server from Thomson is now being bundled with FastBreak NXT XPress automation software from Sundance Digital. XPress combines SQL database functionality with control of the K2 Media Server to provide a powerful entry-level system.
FastBreak NXT XPress is the fourth generation of Sundance Digital's control package for basic commercial insertion and program play-to-air. The system consists of a Media Prep Station to manage communication with the traffic department and to load content into the Grass Valley K2 server. It works alongside one or more Air Control Stations to manage actual on-air playback. Each Air Control Station may be configured to handle up to four primary server outputs (playlists), plus a simultaneous backup ("protect") decoder for each playlist.
XPress also controls switchers and routers for basic source selections. Media Prep Stations may be added to facilitate the recording of long and short-form content, or to dub material into the K2 from several locations within a facility. The new Grass Valley K2 Media Server, with its advanced client-server architecture, can be configured with from 2 to over 100 channels. This includes both SD and HD or a mixture of the two formats.
