KBVC-TV/DT in Las Vegas, Nev. has upgraded its OmniBus Columbus automation system to accommodate playout for the station's new digital channel. The NBC affiliate recently launched a localized 24-hour weather information channel and utilizes automation to operate it with a minimum of human intervention.
Mark Guranik, chief engineer at KBVC, said, "By upgrading our existing Columbus automation engine, we've been able to launch a new channel--an additional revenue stream--without a significant redirection of our staff resources. The Omnibus automation system has provided reliable playout for our main channel and allows us to deliver our local content along with NBC's national weather feed."
Viewers may watch local weather programming along with NBC national weather in 15 minute blocks, with updated blocks being presented 24 hours per day in a wheel format. The automation system controls operation of the station's master control switcher and graphics equipment, enabling a single operator to playout complex programming sequences during weather programs.
