TV Technology - January 7, 2009 - (Page 41)

PRODUCT REVIEW Ross CONTINUED FROM PAGE 33 day basis. The SoftMetal server system absolutely has improved the look of our productions. USES FIVE SOFTMETAL SERVERS We currently have a total of five 4channel SMS systems: one for each of our three control rooms and two (main and backup) in master control. Each of the control rooms communicate to the servers via VDCP protocol. We have two Kahuna production switchers as well as a Ross Synergy 3 MD-X multidefinition production switcher. The master control servers are controlled manually. We purchased our SoftMetal servers based on a review of competitive products with similar features from a number of vendors. In addition to feature set and functionality, competitive pricing was also a driving factor in the decisionmaking process. The SoftMetal’s features that make it especially suited for its application include a file-based workflow, support for MXF and QuickTime, fast cueing times, the ability to gang video and alpha channels, the system’s media management, its ability to perform on-the-fly scaling, its software-based codecs, transcoding capability, and a serviceable chassis configuration. Our decision to go with Ross was also based on workflow efficiencies, price/performance ratio, overall value, company support and service, and was topped off by our previous good experience with Ross products. Once the servers were delivered, installation and training went very quickly and easily, and we’re very pleased with the results. I’m the manager for the control room and studio staff, as well as in charge of all studio resources for The Weather Channel, and feel very good about the technical support that we’ve received from Ross Video; especially that from our sales representative. The company’s demonstrated knowledge about how we could use their products to improve our production value has made quite an impression and made me very comfortable investing in SMS. Overall, I’m very pleased with SMS. We have a long-term relationship with Ross Video and know that we will con- tinue to work together in future. Steve Fahey is manager, production control at The Weather Channel in Atlanta, and has more than 10 years experience working with that organization. He may be contacted at sfahey@weather.com. For additional information, contact Ross Video Ltd. at 613-652-4886 or visit www.rossvideo.com. Welcome to the global exchange of content, technology and innovation. BUYERS BRIEF Vela’s MediaAdvantage 2000 is a high-density video server is based on Dell Power-Edge 2950 technology and is designed for broadcast, post production and other professional video applications. The device is built around six hot-swappable SATA drive bays and advanced Xenon processors. It can be ordered with an optional RAID controller. The MediaAdvantage 2000 features an easy to use GUI and provides support for fast forward, rewind, shuttle and jog operations. It supports Spectrum multistream encoding and Prisim realtime transcoding, as well as Dolby digital audio. The server uses a high quality PCIbased MPEG video compression system and can also support a combination of installed CineView decoders or Argus encoders. For more information, contact Vela at 727-507-5344 or visit www.vela.com. Follow the ﬂow of excitement across the unparalleled NAB Show exhibit ﬂoor and you’ll quickly discover Content Central — a rich business development environment that encompasses forward-focused areas dedicated to IPTV, Mobile Television and Content Commerce, and includes a Content Distribution Forum and a Content Theater. This unique combination of exhibits and events makes the NAB Show the ideal forum to develop relationships with global partners and gain the insight needed to monetize content and grow revenue. For content creators, this is the place to see, touch and test the equipment and software being used to create the award winning content in HD and 3D — and where state-of-the-art technologies and techniques for animation and editing will be presented. From big screen to small screen to no screen and beyond, the NAB Show is the ultimate venue for exchanging strategies and solutions at the global level. Join the world-wide community of content creators, producers, managers and distributors that share your professional passion for entertainment excellence. For more information, visit www.nabshow.com. Conferences: April 18–23, 2009 / Exhibits: April 20–23 Las Vegas Convention Center / Las Vegas, Nevada USA E FRE its b i Exhsport Pasde A523 wlihneen co on Use stering regi www.nabshow.com www.tvtechnology.com • TV Technology • January 7, 2009 41 http://www.rossvideo.com http://www.nabshow.com http://www.nabshow.com http://www.nabshow.com http://www.vela.com http://www.tvtechnology.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of TV Technology - January 7, 2009

TV Technology - January 7, 2009 NFL Enters a New Dimension Mobile DTV Looms Large in 2009 Contents A ‘Flexible Framework’ Doing More With Less ‘X’tra-Streamlined Finish Line in Sight for BAS Transition Ahead of the Relocation Curve DTV Transition Survival Guide ENG and the Lines of Communication DTV Transition Survival Guide Who Do We Really Work For? Obama to Expand Internet Access The Wizard Takes a Holiday The Solid-State Disk Revival To Light the Ear... or Not Hulu Gets It Right—the First Time User Reports—Video Servers & Recording/Controllers Reference Guide Product Showcase Classifieds Marketplace TV Tech Business

TV Technology - January 7, 2009

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