20 TVBEurope ForumChannel in a Box Platform in a Box
By Graham Sharp, chief marketing officer, Grass Valley
The Edge model has client and server on the same system
lBrand name (doesn’t imply expertise) l Support l Reliability l Existing features l Speed of feature release l Consolidated workflow offering or mix and match l Who to buy from: SI or one stop shop manufacturer l How does it all fit into your facility l What are you going to use it for l Flexible redundancy management including m:n as well as n:1 l Ease of reconfiguration l Initial capital cost l Cost of ownership l ROI Why is Oasys different from
other vendors? Well to start with Oasys pioneered the solutions over 20 years ago, and because of that is able to talk with authority on the subject — and prefers to call a spade a spade. We have the experience to design and deliver solutions for many different operating scenarios, using the same base servers, but configuring them to a customer’s playout requirements. Then if the requirements change over time, quickly reconfigure the servers in software to meet the new requirements, which minimises the initial outlay, lowers the cost of ownership and improves ROI. The servers truly deliver an
integrated solution and play a full channel, with each POD incorporating all the primary
and secondary events. With each box providing so much broadcasting functionality, the ongoing running costs are lower as less boxes equals less power, maintenance and support. Oasys has also now
developed solutions that take it beyond Channel in a Box to Playout in a Box (PiAB). This includes multiple channels in a single system, some with different video content, some with just different graphics content, different output resolutions, and different output types. Multiple inputs in a single system, from on-board SDI input mixing, to streaming inputs, to upstream router control – and advertising insertion, time delay playback, simulcasting or simple clip playback. You can reconfigure what a server does within 30 seconds, and the amount of flexibility depends only on the number of inputs and outputs to the server. Don’t be blinded by the
lights. See what is switching the lights on and off, get into the box and see what is really possible with a modern broadcast server — and let’s move the debate. Things have moved on from CiaB to PiaB and with so many vendors following the lead of the CiaB pioneers, the question is not if broadcasters should be using them, but when. The choice of supplier will depend on a much clearer articulation of attributes, and a more positive approach to the market.
OFF-THE-SHELF IT technology advances have made it practical to create a complete integrated playout solution, comprised of a suite of software tools that run on generic hardware. This concept of the Channel or Platform in a Box has resonated with many broadcasters as it can bring new levels of efficiency and consistency to their playout operations. Channel in a Box typically combines playout server (for content, advertising and interstitials), transcoding, automation, graphics, channel branding, and master control functionality all in a single integrated software suite. This
stations and content owners to create new revenue streams, by enabling cost-effective re-formatting of material for distribution across multiple platforms. Several vendors, fearing cannibalisation of their traditional playout channel business, see Channel in a Box as suitable only for disaster recovery and back up applications. Redundancy is one of its benefits, however, these integrated platforms can bring tremendous efficiencies to ‘structured’ channels – film, music, entertainment or shopping – that can be planned ahead with no manual intervention required GV saw the potential of the Channel in a Box solution some time ago — which is why we entered the market by purchasing
Graham Sharp: The technology also enables stations and content owners to create new revenue streams, by enabling cost-effective re-formatting of material for distribution across multiple platforms
which became the de-facto Master Control switcher. In 1994 we launched Profile, the first server- based playout solution and today we offer a wide range of playout
Several vendors, fearing cannibalisation of their traditional playout channel business, see Channel in a Box as suitable only for disaster recovery and back up applications
combination not only dramatically simplifies the amount of equipment required to build a playout channel, but also simplifies operations. The result is lower capital costs and operating expenses. Aside from the monetary
savings, Channel in a Box increases consistency by cutting down on human error. For instance, a movie network can operate several channels using the same pool of branding and advertising ensuring consistency across all outputs. The technology also enables
PubliTronic, a small Holland- based software company. We now offer the most efficient solutions that address a range of channel playout requirements, from highly automated and structured channels using Channel in a Box, to semi- automated traditional Master Control channels running under traditional station automation, and everything in between. Grass Valley has a significant
heritage in playout, starting back in the 1980s with the Master 21,
solutions from Grass Valley’s Maestro master control and K2 servers, to K2 Edge Smart Playout Center. It is this heritage and breadth of offerings that positions Grass Valley as a trusted adviser to broadcasters worldwide when designing their playout solutions. Grass Valley’s engineers help
our broadcast partners architect efficient, cost-effective solutions to meet their specific playout requirements. By offering a full Professional Service portfolio from design, project management, and installation, to integration, training, and support, Grass Valley ensures that
whatever the solution, it is the right solution for each broadcaster’s facility
Grass Valley’s K2 Edge Smart playout center and working practices.
www.tvbeurope.com January 2013
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