feature post production
directly into the Star TV eco-system rather than relying on tape. A key part of the eco-system which
PFT introduced is the Clear Edge server network, installed within the broadcaster’s local network and providing a secure connection for them to ingest files from production companies and agencies. This can be done without allowing suppliers access to their private cloud where the media files are processed and broadcast from to ensure that content remains safe. It may seem that the installation of
selective people can access it anywhere through a web browser. A new App, specifically designed for the iPad, has also been developed by PFT to allow creative and operational staff at Star TV to remotely access the Clear platform, search for, annotate and approve video clips. The unique hybrid cloud model means that the broadcaster can host elements of the workflow in the cloud and keep the media files safely in its own premises. The PFT digital media supply chain
connects Star TV to other players within the channel eco-system - leading Indian production and post production companies, as well as advertising agencies, are all encompassed by the tapeless integration strategy. Show TX masters, programme edits, rushes and TVCs can all be acquired as files rather than requiring physical delivery. Content can be prepared for both TV
broadcast and multi-platform syndication with processes like QC, transcoding, conform, packaging, editing, promo creation and delivery as file or stream being managed through the Clear portal, as can content services such as mastering and bulk digitisation, digital archiving, subtitling, cataloguing, dubbing and restoration. The beauty is that it can
EDGE PLAYOUT LEGAL PROGRAMMING MOVIES
BROADCAST OPERATIONS
RUSHES PROMO PRODUCTION EDITS EDGE DISTRIBUTOR EDGE MONITORING SHOWS MOBILE LIVE FEED META TAGGING PACKAGING COMMERCIALS DIGITAL ARCHIVING
QUALITY CHECK
EDGE BRAND / AGENCY SYNDICATION EDITORIAL LIVE STREAM VOD WEB RESEARCH
PLAYOUT READY
Prime Focus Technologies’ cataloguing tool.
all be done at the same time, so the time taken to get the content to air is drastically reduced. The migration to the cloud through
Clear has simplified Star TV’s workflows and driven efficiencies within the organisation, resulting in an overall increase in the speed of content management. Once the file is delivered by the supplier, a high res master is archived and a low res version is sent to the relevant people within the eco-system and can be viewed on a mobile phone or iPad. The low-res file is for people in the S&P or broadcast automation departments to suggest potential changes while the high-res version enables operational staff to work on or edit the content. At the acquisition stage, there is
The Star TV ecosystem.
unified multi-platform processing built into the workflow. This means that multi-platform delivery, which can open up welcome new revenue streams to the business, is achieved at no extra cost. The multi-platform processing has another benefit - the future proofing of content. As new platforms inevitably emerge, the content will be ready to distribute immediately. With all future content for Star TV
set to be shot and edited in HD and mixed in 5.1 surround sound, it was vital that the domain-centric cloud could handle the new format. PFT is one of the few content management specialists with a platform that can deal with HD multi-platform content operations. The bespoke infrastructure it offered was designed specifically to handle QC, transcoding and delivery of HD files with Dolby E audio. By linking production and post production companies, as well as agencies, content could be delivered as files
72 l ibe l september/october 2011 l
www.ibeweb.com
such an advanced system would be very time-consuming, but it is actually a relatively simple process due to the nature of the system. It can be up and running in days and weeks rather than months and years, and it does not require a large IT investment either, so the cost of implementing it is much lower than would be expected for such a major overhaul of internal operations. The flexible business model means that broadcasters can pay for either the technology of Clear or the content services that support it, or go for the full offering. Available for a monthly fee as a service based on how much it is used, it can be expanded to meet demand very easily. The domain-centric cloud from PFT
neatly addresses the three key issues that the broadcast industry identified as the major challenges it currently faced: multi-platform content delivery, file-based tapeless workflows and the transition to HDTV. So where does it go from here? The
next step for PFT is the creation of one-stop ‘broadcast hubs’ in locations with limited access to post production facilities. With work on the prototype already underway in Kolkata, a combined post production and content processing facility will soon be ready, providing a link to the channel eco- system for broadcast-ready content. This approach allows production
companies to concentrate on making programmes rather than worrying about technical issues and delivery formats. Once shot, they can deliver their work on tape to the broadcast hub where it will be post produced by Prime Focus, PFT’s parent company and one of the world’s leading visual entertainment services groups. PFT will then prepare the content for broadcast, and deliver it into the broadcaster’s eco-system via Clear, ensuring that broadcasters are not receiving multiple formats that require preparation prior to playout.
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