theibcdaily Opinion
Automation drives radio into the multiplatform era
Radio broadcasters have fewer resources than ever to support expanding – or even ongoing – broadcast operations says Philippe Fort, president, Netia
Radio broadcasters face unique challenges in today’s rapidly evolving media landscape, complicated by the emergence of new distribution platforms. Success is tied to the ability to offer fresh and up-to-the- minute content on a growing number of channels. But radio broadcasters are facing fewer resources than ever to support expanding, or even ongoing, production and broadcast operations. It’s a classic case of 'do more with less' – requiring cost-effective tools that enable broadcasters to optimise workflows for multiplatform content creation and playout. In the past, broadcasters have often been prevented from providing full coverage of the latest news and events because the field reporters have lacked the ability to collaborate with studio staff or access studio resources. As a result, radio broadcasters have had a limited ability to enhance the live broadcast product, as well as the content they offered on
mobile and web-based platforms. Today, however, radio
automation solutions equipped to provide mobile access to both content and production tools are enabling the more collaborative and efficient workflows critical to successful delivery of rich, relevant news and entertainment content. Whatever the size of the broadcast operation, streamlined end-to-end multimedia production, broadcast, and publication workflows that link internal and external resources are proving essential in optimising the production and delivery of multiplatform content.
Netia is continually enhancing its radio automation solution to meet such challenges, dedicating more than 30 percent of its budget to R&D. As a result, this high-performing solution meets the needs of individual broadcasters and the market as a whole. The software suite addresses each
part of the production and broadcast workflow, allowing users to record, edit, or prepare a playlist. In addition to providing browse and publishing tools for full multimedia functionality, it also features tools for acquisition, archiving, audio editing, commercial and music production, newsroom systems, scheduling, broadcasting, and administration. A recent upgrade, the iSnippet, makes the editing tools of the radio automation solution available for iOS devices including the iPhone and iPad. Sharing the same look and ergonomic principles as the desktop interface, the iSnippet makes it convenient for field reporters and other remote users to take advantage of the familiar audio editing capabilities.
A new mobile teleprompter function adds further value by enabling journalists to jump into the studio news broadcast,
reading their news pieces directly from tablets and other mobile devices running the Windows 8 operating system. In addition, Netia has adapted its media asset management software for use on any mobile platform. This solution enables journalists to access, search, browse, retrieve, and play any content from anywhere with intuitive controls for displaying video segments and performing simple edits.
At the IBC2014 exhibition in
Amsterdam, Netia is demonstrating these innovations and more, designed to give staff across radio broadcast operations convenient multiplatform access to a robust array of workflow automation, editing, and MAM tools. By supporting portable devices such as smartphones and tablets, Netia brings powerful functionality to users’ fingertips anytime and anywhere. 8.D82d
VB288 provides objective video and audio monitoring Bridge Technologies By Ian McMurray
A new version of the company’s VB288 Objective QoE Content Extractor is being unveiled by Bridge Technologies at IBC2014. With integrated OTT capability, it allows operators to view and monitor OTT services and realtime streams side-by- side in the same advanced graphical display environment. The VB288 Objective QoE Content Extractor provides
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objective video and audio monitoring of MPEG-2, H.264/MPEG-4 and H.265/HEVC streams, and combines monitoring of realtime streams and OTT services within a browser-based remote video- wall that delivers full view- anywhere visual status, alarms (including loudness compliance alarms) and analysis. Operators can inspect very large numbers of content services, with dependable metrics and alarming on verifiable, accurate and objective parameters that affect QoE.
Setting up the VB288 for OTT services is said to simply require entry of the URL for each stream to be monitored: the VB288 then provides the same status information as for a realtime broadcast video stream, including thumbnails, audio decoding, and an array of alarms together with specific alarms for OTT errors such as misalignment of different profiles within the stream. Deployment for a typical system is claimed to be achievable within only a few hours – a key benefit when rolling out these types of hard-
to-calibrate services. “The VB288 is a mould-
breaking product that brings clarity and accuracy to QoE monitoring both for linear services and over the top in an incredibly agile and convenient way,” said Bridge Technologies’ chairman Simen Frostad. “Now, any engineer can easily monitor these services from any connected computer, and benefit from a sophisticated configurable virtual video-wall within a standard web browser.” 1.A30
Double hander: Providing for a true two user MõVI stabiliser set up
MõVI Controller showcase Freefly Systems
By Heather McLean
The MõVI Controller from Freefly Systems is purpose- built to provide for a true two user MõVI stabiliser set up by letting a second operator control pan, tilt, roll, focus, iris, and zoom of a MõVI- mounted camera, while the first operator holds the system. The MõVI Controller can be utilised on the MõVI M5, M10 and the soon to be released M15 stabilisers. Freefly Systems’ engineers built the MõVI Controller with a slew of asked-for features. An ergonomic joystick delivers tactile feedback, allowing smooth and accurate control. The new Controller provides access to MõVI configuration settings, and features assignable buttons and knobs offering the ability to customise the Controller to an individual operator’s working style. In addition to sending
control information to the MõVI stabiliser, the Controller receives and displays information from the stabiliser, such as whether it is locked into GPS control and also displays how many satellites to which the MõVI is locked. The Controller is built with full carbon fibre construction for durability. In addition to its precision joystick, the controller has a high resolution focus knob, zoom control rocker and a Shutter/Record start-stop button.
It features a long-range
wireless link (1,200 feet) and delivers realtime telemetry from the MõVI stabiliser. It is designed with hard points for mounting a monitor and accessories, and can be powered by V-Mount batteries or by Freefly Systems’ AC power adapter. The Controller Includes a 5V USB power output, tripod mount and neck strap for mobile operation. 9.B23
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