Winner: KTVK
by Sundance Digital
Belo media company embarked on a plan to centralize the master control operations of its four Arizona stations and their DTV counterparts from KTVK-TV's remodeled facility.
Because the plant's aging cart machine was close to retirement, KTVK chose to start centralcasting and installed an automation and video server large enough to run all four stations. The station chose Sundance Digital to provide them with the necessary system. The organization now produces twice as much with a smaller team.
Key technology: Sundance Digital Titan automation, Thomson Grass Valley 3500 XP Profile, Redundant Profile Open SAN system, M2100 MC switchers, Ciprico RAID chassis, San Valley 2000 Gateways, Cisco 4000 series switch and 7800 series router, TANDBERG E5710 encoders, TT6129/TT1260 decoders.
Winner: Media General (automation)
by Microfirst Engineering
Media General Broadcast Group began centralizing master control operations for 12 of its 26 TV stations.
The company created a plan that would build on the previously created centralized traffic operations concept that was placed in service in 2001. The goals included substantial improvements in operational efficiency, high reliability, minimal capital outlay and low interconnection costs. Microfirst Engineering was called in to assist in supplying controllers. The controllers have been a key component in minimizing interconnection costs while maintaining a high degree of product quality.
Key technology: MicroFirst MPC-1600 Digital Earth station controller, GI 4800 satellite receiver.
Runner-up: Media General (master control)
by Florical
Key technology: Florical AirBoss automation, AirBoss Editor, MediaFiler asset ingest, MediaTimer segmenting, MediaMaster AMS, ShowTimer satellite record scheduler, SatelLink satellite dish and receiver control, Thomson Grass Valley iDVR video servers, Saturn MC switchers, M2100 MC switchers, SeaChange MediaClusters, Utah MC-500 MC switchers, Leitch Logomotion I and II logo inserters, Panacea, Quintech RF router, Agile-Omni 830 and 930 satellite receivers, TANDBERG Altaeia satellite receivers, Scientific-Atlanta DSR 4810 satellite receivers, Patriot RCI-2000 and RCI-1000 antenna controllers, Microfirst 1610 microcontroller.
