21 April 2005
GlobeCast announced on 18 April the launch of WING its global IP-based Content Management Platform that forms the backbone of a global content management network to support delivery of the emerging array of non-linear media. Spearheading the launch of this platform was a live demonstration at NAB 2005 of WING Content Exchange for Contribution, the platforms powerful IP-based video exchange and collaboration tool to facilitate professional video sharing and laptop newsgathering from any wired or wireless connection.
Separately, GlobeCast announced that Frances leading broadcaster, Francetelevisions, is conducting beta testing of WING Content Exchange for Contribution. WING Content Exchange for Contribution provides communities of nomadic, freelance and field staff producers with access to a range of collaboration tools and value added services all under one secure platform. The WING platform provides independence for in the field staff and allows any authorized member of a team to contribute video footage from any connection as easily as sending an email in a format that is just as user friendly.
To use WING-enabled applications, members use a personal identification key, or Dongle, to log in to the platforms ultra-secure VPN channel from any Windows-based PC or laptop using any type of connection. Once connected, WING provides users with a range of functionalities. WING Content Exchange for Contribution bundles several services that include:
WING File a point-to-multipoint content exchange service using file transfer and partly based on email protocols
<> WING Live a real-time video streaming service
WING Chat text based chatting service
WING Visio a videoconference comms channel service used to facilitate field-to-studio coordination during WING Live broadcasts
The purpose of WING is to revolutionize content management by using the omnipresence of broadband connections. The result is a platform that reduces the cost, logistics and infrastructure associated with more traditional solutions, while adding a layer of interactive collaboration to the process so that remote teams, bureaus and headquarters can stay connected at every step all under the highest security. With the launch of WING, GlobeCast is not only acknowledging the movement of the broadcast industry towards IP-based remote content management, but is responding with a tool that moves this process forward bundling an array of services into a single, secure, user-friendly platform that was designed specifically for broadcast and corporate applications.
21 April 2005
The Voice of America (VOA) launched a live, 30-minute, daily Russian-language television news broadcast called Obektiv (Focus) on 18 April. The evening programme features the days top news as well as behind-the-headlines reports on news and events of interest to Russian-speaking audiences. These broadcasts will offer more opportunities for our audiences in Russia and Central Asia to receive the latest Washington and world news from the Voice of America on television as well as through radio and the Internet, said VOA Director David S. Jackson. Focus airs daily at 1500 UTC and 1630 UTC on Eutelsat Hotbird, and at 1630 UTC on Asiasat.
Focus joins the popular VOA Russian programme Window on the World, a weekly half-hour TV magazine programme airing on Russias TV-3. VOA also airs 3 hours of Russian-language programming daily on shortwave. Programmes are available live and on demand at their web page www.VOANews.com/Russian.
21 April 2005
Sony has won a major contract to construct and equip new High Definition Television (HDTV) studio facilities for British Sky Broadcasting (BSkyB), which plans to launch a premium package of HDTV services in 2006.
The deal will see Sony act as prime contractor for the creation of a new studio at the broadcasters Isleworth headquarters in west London and supply equipment for edit and dubbing suites at the same site. Also included in the agreement is a significant professional services component,
including training provided by Sony for BSkyB operations staff to
streamline transition to High Definition production. Sony HD equipment in the new studios will include latest HDC-1500 studio cameras and over 60 HDCAM and HDCAM SR format VTRs, complemented by MVS-8000A series multiformat production switchers and DVS-8000 digital effects plus Sony HD LCD monitors.
Under the terms of a supplementary 12-month contract won after competitive
tender, Sony will also support BSkyB operations staff with an innovative High Definition training package. Three tiered levels of training resources will offer BSkyB operations’ employees a product-independent grounding in High Definition, while a general introduction will provide staff across the business with an overview of HD. Further workshop
modules explore technical aspects of High Definition in more depth, while a
complementary series of specialised modules has been created to complement
specific craft skills from camera work and set design to make-up and quality control. A web-based interface developed by Sony will allow hundreds of BSkyB staff at Isleworth and other sites to log on and access HD training materials simultaneously.
21 April 2005
CNN has announced changes to its newsgathering operations with a number of key appointments to strengthen its global newsgathering team. Changes include a new managing editor in Hong Kong, the creation of two new reporting roles in Africa and a new international correspondent for Europe, the Middle East and Africa.
Jill Dougherty, CNN’s Moscow bureau chief, has been appointed managing editor for CNN’s operations in Asia Pacific, based at CNN’s newsgathering and production centre in Hong Kong. She takes up the new position in May 2005. Moscow bureau chief since 1997, she now oversees all of CNN’s programming and production facilities in Hong Kong and also coordinates coverage from all of CNN’s correspondents and bureaux across the Asia Pacific region.
In Africa, Jeff Koinange, CNNs Lagos bureau chief, has been appointed to the role of Africa Correspondent in order to significantly increase the coverage of Africa across all of CNNs services. Koinange will lead CNNs coverage of Africa in this new position, supported by Alphonso Van Marsh who will be based in Johannesburg as a CNN Video Correspondent. Alphonsos brief is to find, develop and deliver compelling stories from inside South Africa.
In addition, CNN has appointed Jennifer Eccleston as a new international correspondent for Europe, the Middle East and Africa, based in Rome. Eccleston will work across all of CNN’s services internationally and in the US.
In March 2005 CNN also appointed Max Foster from BBC Breakfast to join the London-based team of anchors and correspondents covering news and business from the international networks European headquarters.
21 April 2005
Mr. David Johnson has joined Wohler Technologies as Chief Operating
Officer. A San Francisco native, Mr. Johnson has held senior management
positions with several high-technology companies including Maxtor,
Iomega, and Amdahl.
At NAB 2005, Wohler Technologies announced the release of a complete high quality audio/video monitoring system concentrated in a space-saving 2 RU by Wohler Technologies. The VAMP2-S8MDA offers premium quality 8 channel Analog, AES/EBU, HD-SDI/ SD-SDI digital multi-channel audio monitoring & conversion with professional level metering.
Wohler also introduced a uniquely designed full broadcast quality HD test signal generator that has all the functionality for most HD standards and several other user friendly features. The Penpal-HD is ideal for checking signal path integrity or to determine system performance and calibration.
Another new Wohler Technologies product is the series of high resolution HD-SDI LCD video monitors. The HR-3270W and HR-T170W feature as many pixels as you will find in most modern HD plasmas, but in 7 LCD. The high resolution HD-SDI LCD video monitors are ideal for mobile trucks, news and transmission control rooms, duplication and post production applications. The two series of high resolution LCD video monitors give you the benefit from the crystal clear picture and high resolution from the all digital signal features. The HR-3270W has 16:9 aspect ratio, fits in the standard 3U rack space, with 2 HD-SDI Inputs with reclocked HD-SDI outputs, 2 outputs for your computer monitor in the original input resolution. The HR-T170W conveniently fits in the standard Tektronix half tub form factor alongside your scope or other HD monitoring equipment. The 1 HD-SDI input with reclocked HD-SDI output.
Wohler Technologies also showcased a sunlight viewable LCD Video Monitor LCD monitor, the Daylite Series, which gives exceptionally, clear picture quality in all sunlight conditions.
