Turner Broadcasting System has created a business continuity process (BCP) using the OmniBus iTX platform, an IT-centric production, automation and playout system. The new disaster recovery system is designed to provide short-term backup and service replication in the event of unexpected or planned interruption to Turner’s Atlanta-based entertainment channels.
A key requirement for the BCP process was the ability to mimic existing workflows of the primary channel and emulate a fully crafted on-screen look with nearly seamless channel identity. Although based on completely different technology, the iTX-based system is able to replicate the output of Turner's conventional transmission chains with intact channel branding and full integration with the primary facility's traffic and metadata systems.
The iTX BCP system supports the AMWA ASO2 MXF OP1b format chosen as a standard across all of Turner’s facilities. The format allows the broadcaster to reference multiple audio files for a single piece of video, providing greater versatility in handling commercials and multilingual broadcasts.
To protect against gaps in the programming where live content is temporarily unavailable due to disruption, iTX supplies evergreen content to fit the schedule. Content is automatically selected and inserted into the schedule in accordance with a set of business rules applied by the iTX software.
Turner already uses OmniBus iTX to drive its Turner Mobile service, which streams the Cartoon Network and Adult Swim entertainment channels to mobile viewers.
iTX BCP is a specially configured variation of iTX designed for business continuity process applications that includes media replication, fully redundant mirroring and remote operation after evacuation.
Based on OmniBus iTX software running on standard IT hardware, iTX BCP sources content automatically from existing video servers, transferring content as required to a remote location where an iTX playback engine interprets the transmission schedules to provide a parallel service. For interruptions to live events such as basketball or other major league sports, it automatically inserts appropriate existing content to fill gaps in the schedule for which content is not available. The service intelligently selects a piece of standby content based on the duration required and business rules defined for that channel.
For more information, visit www.omnibus.tv.
