TransMedia Dynamics (TMD) will demonstrate at the NAB Show, Booth SU9205, how broadcasters can improve efficiency through the application of workflow management. “By having a very robust workflow engine integrated with other systems, we can increase throughput and substantially reduce errors,” said Peter Gallen, director of product management at TMD. “One broadcaster told us that before using deploying Mediaflex, they needed to use their most experienced operators for ingest. Now they can use new starters and redeploy the experienced operators to more challenging areas.”
TMD will launch the latest version of i-Mediaflex, its Web-based, enterprisewide architecture. Users from both inside and outside an enterprise can use i-Mediaflex to examine content and workflows from any available desktop browser, PC or Mac. This enables users, including legal, sales, program planning and traffic departments, to see content as it flows through a facility and allows anyone with access rights to use workflows for processes such as post production, dub ordering, subtitling, closed-captioning and audio dubbing.
The first version was based on the Microsoft Windows Media Player. Gallen explained that with the newest version, “we have moved to Microsoft Silverlight; it gives a lot more flexibility, so we can skin and brand the user interface. With Silverlight, we can get an adaptable screen design, which allows richness of metadata and flexibility of display. Silverlight also has better facilities for language localization.”
At the show, TMD will further highlight Mediaflex developments designed to achieve efficient, high-throughput media production as well as significant advancements in process integration including enhancements to its Mediaflex Ingest module, which makes ingest in any form more efficient and less labor intensive.
“Our original ingest application controlled a VTR or a video server. We have added control of the Sony Flexicart and Odetics TCS90. This can be used for overnight batch ingest,” Gallen said. The application compares tape bar codes with workflow schedules and ingests tape as required. Mediaflex Ingest now provides comprehensive solutions for digitizing content — from a single item/single format through to batch ingest in multiple formats. Broadcasters can simultaneously digitize in HD formats along with the existing SD and browse copies. Mediaflex Ingest supports a range of popular encoders including Omneon’s Spectrum and MediaDeck, AmberFin iCR and IPV’s nSpectre.
Also new is lines recording for scheduled feeds. The Ingest module can be scheduled to record at preprogrammed times, and also control a router to switch feeds. In addition, material gathered via Mediaflex may be made immediately available for editing and insertion into bulletins or programs.
