Pharos will debut version 3 of its Mediator asset management system at IBC2007. Following extensive reviews with broadcasters, Pharos has identified the benefits from the use of conventional IT equipment in broadcast process automation. Rather than replacing broadcast hardware with software running on commodity platforms, Pharos has looked to leverage IT technology in ways that can deliver new benefits to broadcasters — both as cost savings and improved process efficiencies.
One example is the use of Oracle as the database platform. Often considered too expensive for general broadcast application, this enterprise-class database offers many advantages in performance. Pharos engineers have developed a way to use Oracle 10g in an embedded form, which offers cost-savings and no need for the operator to use skilled staff to run the systems.
Pharos can also provide remote database administration for broadcasters who don’t employ these often-expensive staff members.
The second innovation from Pharos is its use of blade servers to consolidate the application servers into the minimum number of chassis. This brings simplicity to the IP network, leading to cost savings at the install and in ongoing maintenance. A typical playout system with X-Y redundancy can be implemented in a rack of 5 + 5 blades.
The barcode reader is ubiquitous in inventory control in manufacturing and retail. Pharos has developed better library management through the use of a wireless handheld barcode scanner. Librarians are freed from the cable tether to scan tape carts and shelves for the inevitable physical assets that will exist in file-based facilities for the foreseeable future.
For more information, visit www.pharos-comms.com.
