Omneon MediaDeck GX Ommeon Inc., the Sunnyvale, Calif., server concern, partnered up with Cambridge, England-based Pixel Power, integrating graphics into the MediaDeck, which was introduced a year ago.
The resulting MediaDeck GX has multiple graphics, playout, keying and mixing capabilities such that it can function as a "master control in a box," said Omneon Senior Vice President for Products and Markets Geoff Stedman. The technology is fitting for disaster recovery or single-channel launch applications, for example.
“Omneon is committed to satisfying the needs of customers and providing the best solutions for their workflows, and our partnership with Pixel Power enables us to offer the best graphics solutions available,” said Stedman. “In working with such a well-established and accomplished partner, we can give customers the best-of-breed capabilities, performance, and reliability they demand.”
Stedman also said development between the two companies would continue. The arrangement gives Omneon a completely new capability while Pixel Power gains a new entrée into the U.S. market, said Pete Challinger, head of Pixel Power.
According to Pixel Power CEO James Gilbert, “In bringing together the proven broadcast technologies of Omneon and Pixel Power, this collaboration both enables the development of powerful integrated platforms and provides greater flexibility for deploying our advanced graphics systems in the broadcast workflow.”
The MediaDeck GX system is the primary offering of next-generation solutions jointly developed by Omneon and Pixel Power. Its premier graphics technology serves as the integral foundation for Pixel Power’s Clarity product line.
MediaDeck GX’s advanced audio processing enables the mixing and playout of stingers, promos and voiceovers, with optional encoding and/or decoding of AC-3 and Dolby E audio. It’s also flexible enough to function under a broadcaster’s preferred choice of automation system.
Additional features include rich branding and master control functionality such as wipes, fades, pushes and other transitions, making it easier and more cost effective for broadcasters to initiate new services or make incremental additions to their existing lineup.
Deborah D. McAdams contributed to this report.
