Remote controlled studios and file-based QC are among developments providing production benefits for Peter Thomsen, deputy MD, Danmon Systems Group
Bridging the linear gap Opinion
Danmon Systems Group, as an international systems integrator, supports its broadcast customers in the business they are running, whether they are commercial or public-sector stations. We see ever stronger pressure
on broadcasters in competition between each other and with other communication platforms. I believe the long term real challenge is to attract children to watch the traditional linear television channels. The young generation is accustomed to having everything available on- demand. Their focus should be firmly on live television. Sport has been a driving factor this year. C-cast from EVS is a good example of bridge between old- fashioned linear television and new platforms. C-cast allows broadcasters to provide an enhanced viewing experience by streaming additional content, such as clips or alternative angles, to viewers with second screen devices such as tablet computers or smartphones that can be used
Peter Thomsen: ‘The most important part of any partnership comes at the start’
in parallel with watching an event on the television.
One answer to these challenges is to be more efficient. Examples of this are the use of remote controlled
studios, allowing fast and up-to- date contribution into the main network without the need for guests to travel to the channel’s headquarters and without the need for local operators.
Another answer is to implement more flexible infrastructures. Television studios, post production facilities and mobile production vehicles have hitherto been equipped to handle video and audio on separate routing and distribution layers. One of the most important recent developments currently taking place in broadcast system integration is the introduction of hybrid routers designed to handle video and audio in a single platform. A third area which I see as rational is the use of file-based quality assurance, allowing clips to be checked automatically, freeing staff for less tedious work than the chore of checking content in realtime. Danmon Systems Group keeps a steady eye on all aspects of the industry’s
progress. Our aim is to ensure not only that we can meet the demands of evolving technology but that current installations are as flexible as possible to match future origination, post production, archiving and transmission standards. Working in partnership with Danmon Systems Group in its systems integration role allows the maximum benefit systems to be implemented quickly and coherently.
The most important part of any such partnership comes right at the start through initial project discussions to identify not just the technical requirements but the operational, ergonomic and locational issues. Once these have been clarified, a project is well placed to progress into structural design, preliminary construction, on-site
installation, commissioning and operator training. As a broadcast systems integrator, Danmon Systems Group attends IBC primarily to promote its broad range of technical services. The show also gives us the opportunity to discuss with potential suppliers vital issues such as roadmaps and hardware and software compatibility between vendors. 8B51