feature automation & asset management
Up until recently automation, by its nature,
Feature sponsored by
involved a fairly simple set up. Its main
Harris.
requirement was to play commercials and
material from a cart machine. However, the
needs of broadcasters have become more
sophisticated and now automation has become
an integral part of the digital workflow. Rob
Leishman, marketing manager at Abit, reports.
Flexible automation
E
quipment now regularly In contrast, conventional broadcast Typically the Abit automation
needs to be reconfigured to automation has been based around system maintains the responsibility
handle different channels in device control. However, this leads to for copying tclips onto a second
addition to controlling the issues due to its interdependence on server, in addition to housekeeping
electronic delivery of certain devices if they do not continue on both servers, ensuring that the file
content and material. And to be supported - which looks like it structure in each is identical to play-
this is no longer simply commercial will be an increasing challenge in out identical clips frame accurately
and interstitial material. The today’s difficult economic times. with automatic switchover to the
automation system’s remit can For this reason the Abit system has backup device should the primary
Rob Leishman,
include anything from managing
marketing
been developed based on generic device fail. The change to workflow
digital effects, controlling subtitling,
manager at Abit.
workflow principals rather than being also incorporates the provision of
redundant backup and opt-out device specific. Its modular structure information about material duration
functionality to keep in line with ensures that when a component and availability in comparison to the
regional regulatory controls regarding becomes obsolete this does not result schedule information up to the point
content transmission. in an end of life notice for the of playout.
To match today’s changing and automation system itself. As an Over the years Abit has provided
complex requirements, automation example, when the processor card various bespoke solutions for major
systems have needed to become was becoming more difficult to source broadcasters such as CBC, RTL, MTV,
more flexible than ever before. One then Abit took a decision that the WDR and NRK. These have included,
of the key attributes of the Abit valuable software should be ported for example, Arabic subtitling, special
automation system is its centralised across to a different platform. effect generation, UK clip titling, and
architecture, which has created a However, to ensure support for amendments to schedule file
flexible, future-proofed solution not customers using both the old and handling. However, some of the most
As workflow
interdependent on the device it needs new systems, the baseline software is notable projects include the provision
in the
to control or interface with. This maintained in such a way that it can for opt-out channels.
broadcast
means any changes to the digital be compiled to work on both Standard functionality is used to
workflow can easily be
organisation
platforms keeping one baseline of launch any new channel. However,
accommodated with the minimum of
changes it is
software and hence one development Abit has also developed opt-out
re-configuration and - most team. functionality that works out theimperative
importantly - cost. As workflow in the broadcast schedule for the second channel
that the
organisation changes it is imperative which is generally altogether a more
automation
that the automation system be complex challenge.
system be
supported and easily configurable to The system receives a schedule for
supported
follow the evolution. This makes it the primary channel including both
and easily easy when a broadcaster introduces programmes and commercials in
electronic delivery of material into addition to a further list of
configurable
their transmission suite, for example. commercials for the secondary
to follow the
The automation system is easily channel/channels. The primary
evolution.
configured to check for the arrival of channel schedule has the commercial
material and update its internal removed and a schedule for the
database records from information in secondary channel is created with
both the schedule and transmission the new commercials inserted
server. ensuring that the programme
30 l ibe l march/april 2009 l www.ibeweb.com
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