Leading automation provider Abit has announced that CBC Cologne Broadcasting Centre has selected its Powerbox automation system to a launch a new pay TV channel service to be broadcast from its facility in Cologne, Germany.
The Powerbox system now controls all the essential transmission processes for the three special interest channels, which have been launched at the end of 2006.
“CBC already uses Abit’s automation to playout schedules many of its multinational broadcasts at its facilities in Munich, Cologne and most recently in Hanover,” explained Richard Thomas, software development director, Abit. “For the new channel CBC needed a system that was flexible enough to adapt and develop as its facility expands. Powerbox was the perfect choice for adding channels as it delivers the same fundamental reliability of our larger systems yet it can be more scalable to match the needs of a growing broadcaster.”
The system provides the capacity to automatically control four channels (three lifestyle channels and one spare) fully integrated with the CBC scheduling and audit systems. Dual playout is provided using main and backup servers with in-line branding utilising Miranda Intuition devices under full automation control. Media flow between the buffer storage and designated transmission servers is carried out automatically.
Abit’s products are designed to interoperate with all necessary broadcast equipment frame accurately and have been configured for maximum resilience and reliability. The systems automate all essential broadcast processes and are developed to keep operational running cost-effective.
“In today’s increasingly competitive marketplace, broadcasters require flexible, reliable solutions that can adapt as the organisation grows, business patterns change and operational workflows are refined,” continued Thomas. “Our systems are specifically developed to adapt to the dynamic nature of the broadcast environment and critically this allows our clients to take advantage of new revenue streams as they present themselves, such as new channel additions for example.”
