TVNZ to upgrade IT-based news workflow

TVNZ plans to extend and upgrade its DigiKnow server-based newsroom system in Auckland, New Zealand, and extend it to its regional newsgathering bureaus in Wellington and Christchurch.

TVNZ is New Zealand's state-owned public-service broadcaster and is required under the terms of its charter to make a profit. DigiKnow, an inspiration system combining Quantel servers and craft edit stations with OmniBus automation and media management, has been in operation since 2002.

The new system is based on OmniBus Systems' modular G3 automation technology and OPUS asset management system, integrated with the latest Quantel Q series video servers and edit stations to provide full file-sharing among all three sites. There are three separate Quantel server zones with the OmniBus MAM operating as a single domain.

The DigiKnow system introduced a tapeless production system as a means of increasing the efficiency of TVNZ's news operation, the ratings driver for the broadcaster's TV ONE channel.

OPUS MAM tools and G3 controls are integrated with or have replaced existing G2 devices. The new G3 Feed Manager provides enhanced recording control of live feeds for recurring, scheduled and non-scheduled bookings. To assist efficient use and repurposing of archive material, OPUS Logging lets operators add custom-indexed metadata throughout the production process to provide searching in OPUS PinPoint using synonym, phonetic and proximity search criteria. OPUS and the OmniBus Desktop Control are integrated into the Quantel sQ View X client, allowing journalists to locate, view and edit material rapidly.

For more information, visit www.omnibus.tv.