Thai
broadcaster TV Direct has doubled its network’s capacity from three to six
channels, transmitting in HD via direct-to-home satellite and online, with the
completion of a PlayBox Neo expanded system.
TV Direct’s
MCR manager, Akarachai Tobsin, said the new investment comprises three
additional AirBox Neo-19 servers, each configured with the resources and
flexibility that will enable the broadcaster to schedule programmes,
commercials and promos ahead of time.
“AirBox Neo-19
also allows us to make near-to-air changes in playout running order or to
transmit live whenever we choose. In operational terms, the control GUIs go
beyond intuitive by being relaxing on the eyes rather than imposing a lot of
glare. Content can be accessed quickly, trimmed and finessed, all within the
Neo-19 environment,” he added.
“That saves
staff time and ensures maximum confidence. The servers are located at our
satellite uplink service provider, PSI Broadcasting, here in Bangkok, and
operated via secure IP links which carry complete programme files as well as
control data.”
Centred on a
scalable multi-format parallel output playout/streaming engine, AirBox Neo-19
allows media files of various kinds to be combined into a single transmission
playlist and supports simultaneous multiple SDI/IP streaming UHD/HD/SD outputs.
Files can be
trimmed, edited or repositioned at any time prior to being aired without losing
the freedom to transmit live. Playlists can be scheduled weeks in advance for
automated transmission. Gaps and time overlaps are automatically corrected to
ensure continuous operation even when events with conflicting times are
present.
The graphics
element of AirBox Neo-19, TitleBox Neo-19, allows infinite layers of very high
quality graphic overlay to be created and manipulated during on-air. Its
capabilities include text selection with transitions, the creation of
horizontal crawling text, vertically rolling credits and messages, still and
animated logo graphics, clocks and countdowns, coming-up-next banners and the
display of data coming in real time from sources such as live RSS feeds and
social media.
Among the
additional creative facilities of TitleBox Neo-19 are pre-constructed graphic
components, video resizing (from live source or file), window-style display and
website content ingest. And graphics can be controlled automatically or
manually with full interactivity.