Greg Wolfe
TEMPE, ARIZ.
Tempe 11 is a government sponsored local access cable channel, providing service to the citizens of this area. We had been running our video server 24/7 for five years when the drives started to fail. We soon learned that replacement of the 10 drives was going to be very expensive, and even if we replaced them, we would still only have 750 GB of storage.
What we needed was a reliable, cost-effective replacement that would support our constant on-air presence, and also provide the capability to do internal dubbing and file transfers.
GREAT PRICE TAG AND MORE STORAGE
After some investigation we determined that the MAXX 2400 Broadcast Server from 360 Systems was the hands-down winner. It could provide us with seven times the storage capability of our old $125,000 server and bring with it a cost savings of more than $100,000. Also, the simple MAXX 2400 interface would allow us to plug in virtually any file format without any complications or additional effort.
With a staff of just three persons, and no dedicated master control operator, we need equipment that operates with a high level of reliability. The MAXX 2400 server and our Nverzion automation system talk to each other without intervention. This is especially comforting on weekends and holidays when our operation is unattended for 48 to 72 hours at a time. Also, the server's built-in redundant power and cooling provides additional security that our programming stream will roll without interruption.
BIG ROLE IN A-TO-D TRANSITION
The Maxx 2400 has been the cornerstone of our analog to digital transition. Programming is now being shot with Panasonic PHX-170 cameras and edited in one of three Final Cut Pro edit suites. With direct export to the server, we are assured that every production retains its high quality digital signal from acquisition through playout. Our legacy content is stored on various formats including DVCAM, Betacam and DVD recordings. The Maxx2400 handles ingest of this program material easily, using Nverzion's NGest control software.
The flexibility of the MAXX 2400 video server allows us to dedicate one channel to on-air programming and Web streaming, while a second channel is used for duplication. Two programs may also be ingested simultaneously utilizing the MAXX 2400's bidirectional channels.
The server's simple interface and ease of use is important to us too—the architecture of the server just figures out what the files are and plays them to air.
We've had no problems with the 360 System MAXX 2400 since its installation—it's really bulletproof. And its storage capacity of more than 700 hours of content (at 12 Mbps) allows us to retain a large amount of our locally produced programming for multiple air date playout without the need for re-ingesting this content.
Automation, simplicity of operation and a good price-to-performance ratio are all critical attributes here at Tempe 11. Value in terms of performance is especially significant, as we are supported by public funds. The 360 Systems MAXX 2400 has been a perfect fit for our operation.
Greg Wolfe is the producer for Tempe 11 and has more than 25 years of experience in the television production and broadcasting industry. He may be contacted atgreg_wolfe@tempe.gov. For additional information, contact 360 systems at 818-991-0360 or visitwww.360systems.com.
