Canal9 in Switzerland has transitioned to HD, going fully tapeless and implementing technology that links the entire production, news casting and playout operations. The broadcaster has also begun to integrate social networks into its newsroom for realtime engagement with viewers. The Octopus7 news room computer system (NRCS) was used in the transition.
Canal9’s new workflow was made possible with MOS protocol, allowing users to see and control devices from within different applications. Using this technology, Grass Valley’s Stratus Framework, Edius non-linear editing systems and media servers, Ross XPression graphics system, Autoscript prompters and the Octopus7 (NRCS) were all connected. This allowed for automated processes and the remote operation of systems.
Octopus7 is integrated with social networks with the aim of enabling the channel to develop a stronger relationship with viewers. Reporters can receive realtime Twitter feeds as well as standard news feeds from within Octopus, and stories can easily be sent out to online audiences.
“The Octopus installation was handled very professionally, integrating fully with our new media servers and graphics software,” said Stephane Sassano, technical director with Canal. “Version 7 of the software is a major release with a lot of new features compared with our old system. It gives our journalists minute by minute news updates via Twitter, as well as all the traditional RSS feeds and agency wire sources. It also allows us to engage with our viewers instantly via social networks such as YouTube, Facebook and Twitter. It will make a real difference to the way we produce and deliver news stories.”
Octopus Newsroom’s Gabriel Jankó, sales director Europe and Americas, added, “Octopus7 was ideal for Canal9’s operation. It is designed to accelerate tapeless workflows via MOS and to expedite news production by enabling journalists and editors to work together collaboratively. The new team assignment desk and central topic bins enable all users to share information and manage reports far more effectively. The newsdesk has also been able to introduce more flexibility into its workflow: tablet licenses allow reporters the freedom not to be tied to their desk throughout the day.”
www.octopus-news.com
