Promo Operations

Promo Operations, a module of CLEARTM Broadcast Cloud, offers a
never before functionality to automate the entire promo
operations workflow. It provides end-to-end process orchestration
for promo creation through delivery including automation of
rendering of versions, thereby enhancing efficiencies and reducing
costs.

Features of Promo Operations Module:
 Work order administration for the entire promo creation and delivery workflow, including versioning
 End-to-end workflow orchestration using a BPM-based workflow engine, ensuring seamless integration with the BMS
 A simple grid-based interface to define promo work orders for creative and versions of promos. Extended ability to import and export work orders from MS Excels and BMS
 Review/Approve tools to support collaboration during the promo creative development process
Tracking and content logistics for various versioning elements
and track receipts of various media materials for versioning
 An administration module that lets you configure the
following for a versioning ‘template’:
o Audio files from multiple sources (for different languages
etc.) in Stereo/5.1
o Begin and End Pages
o Text elements in different languages with UTF (Unicode
Text Format) support
o Effects and transitions for text and images
o Sponsorship logos
o Layer groups to handle combinations of ‘Text’, ‘Image’ and
‘Video’ elements
 A versioning appliance that allows to ‘render’ promo versions for the creative automatically. This is based on pre-configured, metadata driven dynamic versioning templates that can be assigned while defining work orders.
o The appliance triggers jobs on Adobe® After Effects and Adobe® Premiere Pro CC to render all the different versions based on the template definition
o Provides options for multiple template selection, facilitating easy cross channel promotion and changes in branding
 A promo process monitoring dashboard that provides a progress view across all stages of the promo lifecycle
Standard library functions like search, preview, publish to various distribution outlets, including new media and social networks etc.
 Ability to preview promos prior to play-out, along with a timeline view
 Text Support: Extensive text rendering capabilities for multiple languages and special characters like New Line, Superscript, Subscript
 Image support: Ability to squeeze, re-center and re-position images and videos
 Ability to dynamically resize and position sponsorship logos using metadata
 Automatic generation of daily/weekly/monthly reports based on the number of promos created and played out
 Dynamic/automated mixing of voice over tracks

Archiving

CLEARTM, PFT’s award winning Media ERP Suite, offers a new way of Archiving precious content — a fully secure, no risk and easy-to-access method of storing priceless content on the Cloud, during production and/or post-production. Our intelligent Cloud-based archival solution enables content owners to make heuristic searches across their archive quickly and efficiently.

Here’s what we offer:  Heuristic search and intelligence capabilities  Diverse options for storage of multiple copies: o One + One archive storage: One copy in a latest, secure enterprise LTO vault solution, which is always online and available in real-time. A second LTO copy is stored at an earthquake and fire proof Disaster Recovery (DR) location such as Iron Mountain, located in a different seismic zone One + One + One archive storage: Two concurrent copies saved in two different LTO tape libraries which use hardware from different vendors to ensure extra security. A third copy is stored at a DR location o An additional copy can also be stored in an online disk-based storage system controlled by a customizable set of rules. This ensures quickest possible retrieval time  The CLEARTM Advantage: o Manages multiple copies of stored content and helps retrieve the quickest accessible copy, saving valuable time o Enables users to digitally deliver retrieved content to a chosen location based on workflow rules o Provides specialized archival functionality for multiple formats, as well as asset related essences such as dubbed audio and mezzanine files o PrimeAssureTM: A unique algorithm within CLEAR provides Archive Assurance o Offers a hierarchical archiving system, where any content which is unused for a certain time period goes into a deep archive o Integrates with third-party systems (such as Oracle DIVArchive) to enable a seamless and efficient archiving workflow  Secure deep archive infrastructure: Peta-bytes of storage in temperature controlled, robotic tape libraries for long term storage  Immediate notifications for customers via email to confirm receipt of content  Support for time-based restore: Restored content is deleted once the client has taken a copy

4K Remastering, Upconversion & Restoration

PFT offers the Academy® Award winning Lowry Digital technology — one of the finest tools in the world for Remastering, Upconversion and Restoration. This unique technology helps content owners re-purpose their legacy content for high resolution viewing across all devices — VoD, OTT and traditional linear television broadcasting up to 4K-UHD. Using complex algorithms based on motion estimation, the ‘Lowry Process’ effectively reduces visual noise in motion pictures. This makes it possible to carry out other forms of restoration on the content, such as removing dirt and scratches, reducing flickers, replacing lost details and sharpening the quality of the existing images. It is the only process in the world to offer control of grain (noise) as well as sharpness. To date, more than five hundred classic films have been restored and preserved for posterity using Lowry Digital technology, including Singin’ in the Rain, Star Wars Trilogy, Casablanca, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, Raiders of the Lost Ark, The Simpsons, and the James Bond film franchise, to name just a few.

Lowry Digital Offerings

 Software solutions — The proprietary ‘Lowry Process’, may be used for: o Upconversion to HD and 4K-UHD o Image enhancement o Noise Reduction o SD to HD o HD to UHD o De-interlacing o Analog video artifact removal o Frame-rate conversions o Converting 4:3 SD source to 16:9 full frame HD image  Hardware solutions o Alchemist, Tachyon  A fully accessible and integrated cloud-based asset management delivery system  Archival scanners (scans @ 2.7 fps – 4 fps)  Commercial scanners (scans @ 12 fps – 24 fps)  Shot-by-Shot Pan & Scan facilities  Transform all physical video tapes to digital (VHS, Digibeta, 1″, 2″, U-matic and other formats)  Transform all physical audio tapes to digital (Spools, cassettes and 78 RPM Records amongst other formats)  A color grading setup at the client’s doorstep  Restoration capabilities to tackle nagging errors present in content  Custom filters for scaling images that use spatial frames to fill in details and re-interpolate to avoid aliasing (jaggy lines or ringing)  A dedicated Research & Development (R&D) department for image & video signal processing  Experience of more than 8 years in large scale restoration and enhancement of content from SD to 4K resolution

QC Services

PFT provides stringent, multi-pass QC. We undertake QC not just
for adherence to technical specs, but also to regulatory guidelines
(like a broadcaster’s S & P) as well as the identification of creative
glitches (like a boom mic showing in a frame). Here’s what we
offer:
Manual and automated file based QC analysis under the
following categories:
 HD/UHD Master QC: A thorough technical evaluation of movies, scripted dramas/comedies, non-fiction series, documentaries etc. Often involves re-QC and re-delivery of rectified versions.
 IMF/4K Master QC: Rigorous QC, involving the use of software like Clipster, Colorfront and Transkoder.
 Third Party QC (HD/UHD/IMF): Part of the mastering process for high value content, this involves double checking the QC done by a primary vendor.
 7.1 Complex Audio QC – Audio QC for theatrical and premium broadcast/OTT platforms. Often offered in parallel with UHD/IMF Master QC.
 Acquisition QC – QC for long form content that has already been through Master QC.
 Audio Asset QC – Audio QC of multiple audio stems, typically synchronized with a picture master. Involves delivery of mixes in multiple configurations (7.1, 5.1, 2.0), M&E, dialog, music, effects stems etc.
 Master Asset/Image Sequence QC – Involves restoring Master DI image sequences like DPX/EXR and Cinema DCDM TIFF sequences from drives or LTO tapes, screening content and verifying check sums.
 Library / Catalog QC – QC for general quality and technical attributes of legacy content, typically performed as part of migration, restoration or redistribution projects.
 Spot QC – Spot check of content at 3-5 different points. Typically involves checking a minute at beginning, middle and end; along with verification of slate and file metadata.
 Watch Down QC – Involves a linear watch down of content from start to end, only stopping to list major issues. Typically performed as a precaution on content which has already been through QC in the past.

MultiCast Consultancy Ltd.

Our team of experienced consultants have a strong comprehension of the historical requirements of broadcasters coupled with the knowledge of how this can be implemented using the very latest IT and telecommunications technologies. MultiCast helps our clients maximise the power of media using innovative techniques and advice to transform their business to manage future trends and the demands of the market. If necessary, we’ll question our clients’ thinking, as well as testing our own. By doing so we can start to develop a strategy – simplifying matters, making sense of the issues and defining the optimal direction to take. We will always offer solutions that are pragmatic and suit your needs and budget, while suggesting innovative answers wherever possible

ULTRA Sereis 4K/8K TICO Codecs & Converters

ULTRA series is the extremely powerful 4K/8K video processor, codec & converter, with supports TICO, LLVC NMI & H.265 format encoder, decoder, transcoder, IP Switcher & Gateway devices to convert 4K UHD/HD SDI to or from IP in a variety of formats, very reliable and efficient bridge solutions between IP & UHD/HD-SDI formats.

BD30AV-UHD

TRUE 4K/8K HDR UHD Digital Video Audio Solid State Delay Lines without any data compression. Really the world’s longest delay time, up to 300 seconds 4K UHD signals in increments of 1 frame steps. Compatible with 4K HDR UHD SDI uncompressed signal, & TICO/NMI IP variety of signal standards & formats.

Atlas Media Server

Linux® based live or VOD Media Distribution Server designed to serve 80+ channels with support for 7,000 users at 1 Mbps. Works with most STBs and mobile devices expecting HLS and DASH.

Features:

– Media distribution server designed for both Live and Stored (VOD) applications

– Ingests H.265 or H.264 live streams over IP, then adds wrappers such as MPEG-DASH, HLS, or RTMP

– Supports both HD and SD H.265/HEVC and H.264/MPEG-4 AVC

– Packaging or Origin or Edge server

– Inbound Protocols: Multi-bitrate File, RTMP, RTSP, MPEG-TS, HLS

– Outbound Protocols: HTTP Live Streaming (HLS), RTMP, MPEG-DASH, MPEG-TS

– Converts unicast streams to multicast streams, or other direction

 

Applications:

– Over the Top TV (OTT)

– Live Video Auto Archive and then to VOD

– VOD support for small, midsized IPTV deployments

– Movies on demand

– Multiscreen Content delivery

– Education Video Server

– Just in Time Encryption

– Ethnic Channel Video Server

– STADIUMS and Public Venues

– Content Caching for ISP’s

– Pause and Catch-up TV

Premio

1 RU, Windows Broadcast Encoder for Receiving Live SDI inputs and encoding to MPEG2, H264, or H265 IP output. Supports closed captions, multiple audio tracks, and converting tones or scte104 to scte35 markers. Ideal Encoder for Broadcast or Distribution over a local Network.

KEY FEATURES: – 8 channels Audio – Pass 608/708 Closed Captions – Encode to MPEG2/H264/H265 Video – Encode AAC/MPEG/AC3 Audio – Confidence Monitoring

APPLICATIONS:– Broadcast Encoder – SDI to IP Encoder – IP Streaming Encoder – Live Streaming Event

D-Streamer

Real-Time, 1 RU, Windows, SD or HD, H.264/AVC, H.265/ HEVC, MPEG2 Video and Audio Decoder for Receiving Live Streams with IP Input. Supports UDP, SRT, HLS, RTSP, RTMP-pull, and Converts into SDI Output. Ideal Decoder for Receiving and Decoding of Streaming Video from Remote Sites, Content Delivery Networks (CDNs), or IPTV Compatible Appliances or Players. Tested to Work Over Public Internet, WiFi, and Other RF Backbones.

 

Features:

– Windows App

– Inputs: UDP, RTSP, RTMP, HLS, SRT

– Output: SDI with embedded audio

– Decode MPEG2, H264, H265 Video

– Decode AC3, AAC, MPEG2 Audio

– Supports Closed Captions

– Decodes SCTE markers and DTMF tones

– Supports multiple audio tracks

 

Applications:

– Webcam RTSP to SDI

– RTMP to SDI

– HLS to SDI

– SRT to SDI

– Broadcast SDI Decoder

– Streaming SDI Decoder