XTV Suite is a professional complete set of software tools for TV stations which manages from video capture, trimming, scheduling to playout. Teechart pro activex. Completely automatic and unattended efficiency 24/7.
This article does not any. Unsourced material may be challenged. ( March 2009) () In broadcasting, playout is a term for the transmission of radio or TV channels from the broadcaster into that delivers the content to the.
Those networks can consist of terrestrial transmitters for analogue or and, or (either for direct reception,, or intended for ). The playout happens in in a playout area, which can be either situated in the or in purposely built playout centres, which can be owned by a broadcaster or run by an independent specialist company that has been contracted to handle the playout for a number of channels from different broadcasters. Some of the larger playout centres in, and the handle well in excess of 50 radio and TV 'feeds'. Feeds would often consist of several different versions of a core service, often different language versions or with separately scheduled content, such as local opt outs for news or promotions. Contents • • • • • • Playout systems [ ] is multi-channel playout that generally uses systems with applications. These systems generally work in a similar way, controlling, (VTR) devices, Flexi, audio, and, and other devices using a ( or ). This provides deterministic control, enabling frame accurate playback, or video switching.
Many systems consist of a front end interface on a separate platform to the controllers – e.g. A Windows will present a friendly easy to use method of editing a playlist, but actually control would be done on a platform with a 'real time' operating system such that any large scale playlist amendments do not cause any delays to device control. Most broadcast automation systems will have a series of common device drivers built in, for example Sony VTR control (aka Sony Serial), Louth (VDCP, a ), (GPI), or Grass Valley Group M21 Master Control. This ensures that a broadcast automation system bought 'off the shelf' will at least be able to ingest and playout content, although may not be able to take advantage of more efficient methods of control. Most server, and especially most and (CG) manufacturers will have a specific for their device, with increasing degrees of complexity, and different automation companies will include these drivers to enhance their product or to fit a customers need.
This is the 'traditional' method of Playout Automation, where there are multiple devices. Modern automation systems use the Automated Playout method, which is where the broadcast server fulfills the functions of the multiple devices, and is a self-contained system (see Channel in a Box section below).
Playout devices [ ] Playout will usually involve an of devices which begin with content, typically stored on, and ultimately an output, either as an () (ASI) / IP or () (SDI) for on pass to a distribution company. The devices in the chain depend on the service required under the contact with the Channel. Typically a standard television channel would require a, and/or a to allow switching of live sources. This video switcher may include other functions such as (also known as Down Stream Keyers), Audio Overs for mixing in (VO) or announcements, and facilitate transitions between events, such as a fade through black or (also known as mix). Other devices include: Graphics inserters – At least one Graphics inserter, or one with several layers. This allows for /Logo/ (Dog or Bug) insertion, and can also be' used for sequences, coming next graphics or programme information straps Subtitling inserters – This can be either closed or open – i.e. In vision as a graphic for all to see, or closed either as an MPEG stream item,.
Audio servers – An audio playout system would provide scheduled voiceovers Aspect Ratio Converters – These alter the picture shape or send an embedded signal to allow the material format to be displayed correctly on a particular feed (e.g. Widescreen on a standard non-widescreen Analogue terrestrial feed) Some of these more advanced devices require information from the playlist, and so do not tend to use an RS422/232 driver, but a complex XML based system which allows for more complex metadata to be passed, e.g. A 'Now' or 'Next' Graphic can be created from a template using text information from the playlist. In recent years there has been a move to replicate all of these functions in a single system, often called a 'channel in a box' solution.
