broadcast technology trends and insights 2015
NETIA automates & streamlines multi-channel playout
Can you elaborate on the benefits that the airplaylist brings to broadcast operations today ? PETER FONG : The awardwinning AirPlayList 2.0 module for the NETIA Media Assist software suite enables users to manage all types of content and automate conventional or Web radio playout from any place , at any time . In addition to facilitating automated playout of multiple radio channels simultaneously and with guaranteed redundancy , the audio-over-IP ( AoIP ) - compliant module leverages standards , including the AES67 interoperability standard , to support broadcasting via traditional physical sound cards or IP-based virtual drivers .
Broadcasters realise lower total cost of ownership because they need only a limited number of hardware devices for multichannel playout operations .
Based on the NETIA Media Assist software suite , the new module is fully compatible with NETIA ’ s radio automation solution , and it integrates into the NETIA environment seamlessly . Any playlist created and generated within NETIA radio automation software may be distributed via the AirPlayList 2.0 module .
The module ensures high availability of media through several redundancy configurations , and it simplifies future expansion by facilitating simple and cost-effective incremental increases in the channel count supported . While AirPlayList 2.0 today supports playout of audio assets , it is equipped to enable future playout of video assets as well .
Being part of NETIA ’ s Media Assist software suite , how can the AirPlayList also help broadcasters manage content on multiple platforms and automate playout workflow ? FONG : The NETIA Media Assist software suite unites two core NETIA product lines — one dedicated to audio / radio broadcast and the other to video / TV broadcast — to
Peter Fong , Head of Sales , APAC at NETIA , walks APB through the operational benefits that the company ’ s AirPlayList 2.0 module for the NETIA Media Assist software suite brings to its customers , and how it can faciliate the transition to IP . offer broadcasters an end-toend media management and distribution solution that they can easily configure , manage and access using an intuitive browser-based interface . With this platform , users can quickly establish a presence on the Internet and reach audiences via smartphones and tablets , even as they continue to create content for traditional broadcast .
As part of this software suite , the AirPlayList 2.0 module simplifies multi-channel playout and helps to boost efficiency while ensuring the high reliability essential to broadcast applications . As a result , broadcasters can now use a single ecosystem and interface to drive content delivery across numerous channel and platform types , providing the “ anytime , anywhere ” access to content that can help to grow its audience .
To streamline operations in demanding multi-channel and / or multi-platform scenarios , the AirPlayList 2.0 user interface supports centralised control and monitoring of many different playout systems installed across different servers . The module even allows users to access and broadcast media or channels from different databases .
Working locally or remotely with the system ’ s Web browserbased interface , users can monitor the status of media and supervise playout on individual channels . In automating playout of media across multiple channels , the AirPlayList 2.0 module reduces not only the need for human intervention , but also the likelihood of playout error .
The AirPlayList 2.0 module is also AoIP-compliant . How do you see operators in this region embracing IP in traditional broadcast workflows , and what advice do you have for those looking to transition to IP ? FONG : With the convergence of audio and video , we are seeing more broadcasters using products that can communicate readily with one another , and they are relying on IP to ease integration of these hardware and software systems . As a growing number of manufacturers embrace IP and establish compliance with standards including AES67 , broadcasters are realising an increasing array of options in designing and optimising their workflows .
Offering benefits in terms of reduced costs and enhanced interoperability , IP is fast becoming central to the modern studio . This is why we engineered AirPlayList
The AirPlayList 2.0 module simplifies multi-channel playout and helps to boost efficiency while ensuring the high reliability essential to broadcast applications .
Peter Fong
Head of Sales , APAC NETIA
2.0 to be AoIP-compliant . Working with IP-based technologies , broadcasters can reduce their reliance on dedicated hardware , shift away from the massive infrastructure typical of many operations , and open the door to virtualisation of production .
Managing high-bitrate / low-delay streaming , timing and synchronisation , real-time data , and access to production content and information are challenges that must be addressed with the shift to IP . However , with the ongoing evolution of IP-based media technologies , broadcasters can work with knowledgeable partners , such as NETIA , to overcome these challenges and realise significant financial , technical and operational gains .
What other trends do you see emerging in Asia , and how can NETIA help its customers in the region overcome the challenges associated with these emerging trends ? FONG : We are seeing a change in the way that sources — internally and in the field — contribute to broadcasters ’ audio and video offerings . The ongoing extension of high-speed networks in many regions is transforming the delivery of audio and video , and radio broadcasters are beginning to capitalise on this trend to enrich their offerings .
In addition to enabling more flexible contribution of content , NETIA solutions also support sharing of content internally , in a networked environment , which in turn simplifies the overall content production workflow . With a streamlined workflow for producing content in different languages or formats and then distributing that content for broadcast , NETIA customers can differentiate themselves from the competition .
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