Broadcast automation software is a computer-based system that automates the tasks of scheduling, ingesting, transcoding, storing, and playing out media content for one or more TV channels. It can also handle the insertion of commercials, logos, crawls, tickers, and other graphics that enhance the channel's identity and revenue. Broadcast automation software can be integrated with other systems such as traffic, billing, media asset management, and emergency alerting.
There are many broadcast automation software solutions available in the market, each with its own features, benefits, and drawbacks. Some of the factors that cable TV operators should consider when choosing a broadcast automation software are:
The number and type of channels they want to operate
The format and quality of the media files they want to play out
The level of flexibility and customization they need for their workflow and branding
The reliability and scalability of the system
The cost and complexity of installation, maintenance, and support
In this article, we will review three examples of broadcast automation software solutions that are suitable for cable TV operators. These are:
OpenBroadcaster
MaestroVision
ChannelMaker
OpenBroadcaster
OpenBroadcaster is an open source broadcast media server that can run a community television station with a low-cost hardware setup. It allows users to upload original content to their private media library, tag videos, create dynamic playlists, and schedule programming 24/7 through a web browser interface. It also supports emergency broadcasting for disaster alerting and indigenous languages preservation.
Some of the key features of OpenBroadcaster are:
Robust broadcast television automation software and playout
Video streaming platform for online TV station
Play, record and save video along with audio for future VOD broadcast
Easy playout control scheduling
Cloud Television automation playout with integrated encoder
Clean interface, drag and drop menu operation
Uncomplicated, easy to setup video database
Supports indigenous and alternative language UTF-8 fonts and text
OpenBroadcaster is ideal for launching a new IPTV platform or an over-the-air community television station. It can extend the life of analog gear and prepare for the future with a modern video server and on-air playout streaming automation.
MaestroVision
MaestroVision is a broadcast solutions provider that has designed its products by television engineers with a focus on workflow and reliability. It offers a comprehensive suite of broadcast software applications that can be delivered either as a channel-in-a-box or a multi-system solution.
Some of the key features of MaestroVision are:
Media Asset & Storage Manager: Optimizes the workflow with media asset management.
Traffic Manager: Schedules the channel's programs with traffic management.
Automation Server: Simplifies the process with television broadcast automation software.
Playlist Manager: Builds the channel's playlists with playlist management.
Video Server: Broadcasts with confidence with video server.
Channel Dresser: Enhances the content with simple branding application.
Channel in a Box: Gets every app needed for channel management for one unbeatable price.
Workflow Analysis Services: Learns how an improved workflow will save broadcasters time and money.
MaestroVision delivers wide-ranging automation control for virtually every device in the broadcast station. It provides viewers with the best on-air look. It is also recognized as the most reliable, flexible, easy to use, and affordable automation system on the market.
ChannelMaker
ChannelMaker is a flexible playout automation software to control the schedule and the media content of any TV channel. It can be delivered either as a channel-in-a-box, a multi-system solution, or an advertising insertion tool. It can also be fully customized to the specific requirements of each broadcaster.
Some of the key features of ChannelMaker are:
Supports multiple formats and resolutions, including SD, HD, UHD, and HDR.
Supports multiple audio tracks, including Dolby E and Dolby Digital Plus.
Supports multiple output streams, including IP, SDI, ASI, and DVB.
Supports live sources, such as cameras, switchers, routers, and encoders.
Supports graphics insertion, such as logos, clocks, crawls, tickers, and lower thirds.
Supports secondary events, such as SCTE-35 triggers, GPIs, and DTMF tones.
Supports redundancy and backup modes, such as N+1, N+M, and 1+1.
Supports integration with third-party systems, such as traffic, MAM, EPG, and EAS.
ChannelMaker is a powerful and versatile playout automation software that can handle any type of channel, from simple to complex. It can also adapt to any workflow and budget.
Conclusion
Cable TV broadcast automation software is a vital tool for managing the playout of multiple channels with different content and branding. It can also help cable TV operators to increase their revenue and audience engagement with advertising insertion and graphics enhancement. However, not all broadcast automation software solutions are the same. Cable TV operators should carefully evaluate their needs and compare the features, benefits, and drawbacks of different options before making a decision.
In this article, we have reviewed three examples of broadcast automation software solutions that are suitable for cable TV operators: OpenBroadcaster, MaestroVision, and ChannelMaker. Each of these solutions has its own strengths and weaknesses, depending on the type and size of the channel, the format and quality of the media files, the level of flexibility and customization, the reliability and scalability of the system, and the cost and complexity of installation, maintenance, and support. Cable TV operators should consider these factors when choosing a broadcast automation software solution that best fits their needs.
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