special report At this point, the quality of the


metadata that you capture will determine the material’s usefulness throughout the workflow. If performed correctly, then all downstream processes will be implemented easily and elegantly - hence the importance of thinking holistically and strategically. Issues are likely to include audio, sub-titles, stats and other factors that are relevant to a particular target screen, consumption device or delivery method. Harris ingest systems manage


assets at the element level with the application of appropriate metadata, which experience shows saves our customers significant time and money throughout the multi-screen workflow.


File-based workflow engines can take the strain


Assuming that the content has been efficiently ingested, then file-based workflow engines such as Harris’ Invenio Motion can perform the bulk of the processing tasks. With Invenio Motion, the operator can design a workflow which is appropriate to his/her organisation and the project they are engaged with. Invenio will move files around the


workflow automatically according to the rules engine that has been established. Importantly, the customer can describe their workflow and they can also modify it in response to the changing needs of the project. This ability for the user to make changes throughout the project is important since human nature is such that we rarely get things exactly right first time around. Whilst workflow automation is a


major source of efficiency, there will always be a requirement for skilled operators to provide a human touch to the workflow. For example, the editing of highlights packages is still a task that is best performed by skilled editors. In this respect, it is important to


enable human intervention at the right stages in the workflow. The amount of content that will be generated around the London Games will be massive. To manage this volume of material will require a combination of low resolution data streams for reviewing and editing combined with high resolution remote conform engines that can take the hi- res material from the asset store and insert it into the EDL. This approach


will limit high bandwidth traffic but, once again, it requires the ability for the various production systems to integrate alongside each other and work harmoniously. Throughout the workflow,


numerous processes can be automated or semi-automated. At Harris we have developed means for the quality control of files, loudness control and language organisation to name just a few in ways that are appropriate to different devices. The challenge facing a user is to integrate devices of this kind in ways that support the other system elements and also the entire workflow. This is the essence of the Harris approach to workflow design and construction.


Targeting the right devices


Today, there exists myriad different devices that are capable of replaying full motion video content. Service providers that seek to address every individual platform will find that they will create an incredibly complicated task, which can become a major operational issue. Whilst the temptation to address all


delivery platforms is significant, at Harris we promote an approach where the service provider identifies the principle delivery platforms and then produces versions of the content that are appropriate to those. Restricting your goals to devices


such as iPad, Android and Windows Mobile will enable the provider to reach the majority of the market whilst also being able to concentrate on creating files that are high quality, robust and reliable. The consumer only needs a few instances where the viewing experience does not meet their expectation before they seek an alternative source. Even if this approach is followed,


the content provider still faces the challenge of creating versions of their content for many different delivery platforms. Transcoding farms will be used extensively, as will the cloud virtualisation of service oriented architectures and auto conform engines. The key point here is that the content provider has the ability within their workflow to plug in to an IP infrastructure. There exists a mixture of different


content output channels from terrestrial and satellite broadcast to on-line downloads and continuous data streams which are distributed via various OTT methods. Once again, the delivery mechanisms need to be


olympics everywhere supplement


identified and planned for at an early stage of the system design.


The rise and rise of mobile viewing... offers content creators and broadcasters worldwide with a whole new dimension. It provides opportunities to generate entirely new revenue streams that did not exist in 2008. Furthermore, it provides broadcasters and telcos with an opportunity to create clear differentiators between their service and their brand, compared to those of rivals.


Don’t forget the commercial imperative


Much of the content generated around the London Games will be created by commercial channels where advertising and sponsorship is the lifeblood of that organisation. For these players, the ability to efficiently embed commercials within their content output is essential. At Harris, we have developed a


market leading capability through our scheduling and sales software systems, which can communicate through asset management systems into the linear and non-linear delivery systems. Connecting these delivery processes to revenue generation opportunities will be key to success.


Conclusions


Key to delivering a successful outcome at the London Games next year is the setting of realistic and achievable goals. Too many screens and too many resolutions will cause massive problems with a huge burden of content, all of which is expected to be delivered with minimal time delays. It will be valuable to be able to


modify the workflow within a media facility depending on fluctuations in consumer demand. This might sound impractical but at Harris, with our ingrained integration philosophy, this is very achievable. With our holistic approach, tracking usage such as ‘as run’ logs and download stats will enable a dynamic system that changes and adapts depending on predicted and actual demand. Next year’s London Games present


both a great opportunity and a threat simultaneously. The big winners will be those that have thought through the task strategically, identified a realistic number of target screens and applications, and devised a workflow that will cater for these new revenue generating opportunities. The need is for a production


workflow that is integrated, dynamically intelligent and responsive to constantly changing demand drivers and support needs. In short, this is Harris’ raison d’etre - already, we are working with numerous content providers worldwide and still we have ambitions to help other companies who understand the value of our integrated approach to the multi-screen challenge.


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