The Channel | 2003 | September

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the channel | 45
Technology brief
You/Com leads the way again
Innovative AIB member You/Com is at the technological
forefront once more. The company has produced two new
standalone MPEG Audio to DVB-convertors, the XTS and
XXTS. The XTS is used for the supply of audio programmes
to DVB networks (terrestrial, satellite and CATV). The XTS
eliminates the need for a codec, thereby cascading and
results in improved sound quality and reduced costs.
Based on questions raised in the
market this successful concept
has been enhanced. Besides
the single or dual channel
versions, You/Com has
announced the MXTS, a
multiple channel version that can
handle from 10 up to more than 100 audio programmes.
They are combined in a single DVB Transport Stream, which
may be added to existing TV services in a DVB multiplexer.
As well as accepting remote MPEG audio signals from digital
leased lines (X.21) the MXTS can also be equipped with an
internal codec to accept local analogue audio signals. The
low processing delay, easy management and very small
physical dimensions meet the requirements of customers
worldwide with critical applications.
And in another shrewd move, You/Com are to supply at least
10, 000 stand-alone
Webradios for a group of the
sick and elderly who are unable
to attend their local church
service on Sundays. The
Webradio is based on internet
technology, but without the
need of a PC. It is as simple to operate as an alarm clock and
not much larger. The Webradio is the world’s first stand-alone
unit, which canbe operated fromthe armchair by remote control
and can alsobe remotelymanagedover the telephone network.
An Ethernet port is available to connect to a cable modem,
ADSL or wifi. A power supply and telephone connection
are required to be able to operate the Webradio. A display
indicates the source that is connected.
Quantel wins Norwegian contract
Norway’s public broadcaster NRK has ordered a Quantel
generationQ integrated News/Sport production system. The
system is centred on four sQServers, each configured with
four dynamically switchable i/o ports, and each with 100 hours
of broadcast quality (50Mbit) storage and 100 hours of 1.5Mbit
browse storage, all locked together under a single Quantel
ISA database. The system supports 40 QView desktop
browse applications and eight QCut journalist editing
applications, with craft editing via eight QEdit Proworkstations,
and a QPaintbox Pro for graphics/headline generation. The
systemwill replace NRK’s current tape-based operation, with
installation and introduction phased over the next year in order
to provide a smooth transition for NRK staff.
NRK approached the project with a clear set of requirements
for the new system: improved access to media; reduced
production time and time-to-air; easy re-use and versioning
of material between Oslo headquarters and regional stations;
scalability and open connectivity for other media platforms;
more cost-efficient production with improved functionality
and workflow; and finally a simple progressive user interface
that can be easily learnt and used by all production staff.
”2mtv [the Norwegian systems integrator] and Quantel won
this contract in the face of stiff competition from 10 other
suppliers,” says Geir Bordalen, NRK Head of News
Technology. “We trialled a number of the editing solutions
in-house and the users clearly preferred Quantel as the best
user interface with the most feature-relevant workflow.
generationQ gives us state-of-the-art integrated ingest,
editing and playout capabilities for news and sports. Its
common user interface for browse and craft editing is unique,
as is its totally integrated system architecture and resulting
robustness. Its ability to integrate with our ENPS newsroom
system and Omnibus playout automation is also
fundamental.”
Quantel is a member of the AIB.
Omnibus showcase at IBC
At IBC OmniBus Systems will showcase the first raft of new
products based upon the G3 architecture it previewed at
last year’s show. Based on standard open IT protocols, G3’s
micro-modular design delivers integrated units of
functionality that provide the precise requirements of
individual users. This enables broadcasters to control and
configure both OmniBus automation and multiple
manufacturers’ equipment to deliver unprecedented levels
of workflow and operational flexibility. Fully compatible with
broadcasters’ existing OmniBus technology, it also simplifies
user interaction significantly and allows OmniBus to deliver
solutions rapidly, reliably and cost-effectively.
“G3 reverses completely the current application-based
approach where operators need to work through multiple
layers to find required information or set up new actions,”
says Ian Fletcher, OmniBus Systems’ chief technical officer.
“In this new task-based environment, each user is presented
immediately with the required information and control;
previously and diverse processes are consolidated into a
single managed desktop display.”
Leading OmniBus’ G3 revolution, the HeadLine package is
designed to meet the specific requirements of news and
sports production and to integrate with all major newsrooms
systems.
The Edit 1000 is a desktop editor using browse resolution
video and conforming the result through OmniBus
newsroom automation. The Edit 2000 operates at broadcast
resolution and includes a number of audio crafting tools
such as desktop voiceover. The Edit 3000 is a self-contained
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