The U.K. broadcaster Services Sound & Vision Corporation (SSVC) is installing, through systems integrator ATG Broadcast, three Presmaster 2 master control switching and channel-branding panels and three Imagestore master control switching and channel-branding processors, as part of a complete digitization of the company’s entire production and transmission services.
ATG Broadcast is integrating the Miranda systems with IBIS automation for control of two channels, British Forces Broadcasting Services 1 and 2 (BFBS 1 and BFBS 2), which are broadcast via satellite to U.K. forces around the world.
“The BFBS television service brings the best of British television to our armed forces and their families serving outside the U.K.,” explained SSVC Director of Technology Simon Shute. “We ingest programs from all of the main U.K. networks, and it’s important that we transmit this material — especially time-sensitive and topical programs — very promptly. Some of these shows go out live, simultaneous with their U.K. airing, so a significant part of the branding effort we require is rapid ‘re-branding.’ Miranda’s template-based approach to channel-branding graphics allows us to store unbranded clips on our servers, and then use the IBIS automation to drive appropriate channel branding, rather than using conventional video editing to produce multiple versions.”
The upgraded production and transmission system at SSVC is due to go live in June 2005. IBIS automation will control the whole operation and fire pre-programmed templates as part of playout automation. The time saved by Miranda’s template-based branding system will allow SSVC to get programs to air more quickly, and will also enable the company to dedicate more time to the look of broadcasts through improved program junctions.