EOL Announcement

BroadStream Windows Operating Systems Support Update

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Distribution: All Customers, Engineering, Sales

18 December 2024 – This is to provide you with the latest update on Windows Operating Systems and their compatibility with BroadStream Software.

Windows 7

Windows 7 reached its end-of-life years ago. Any customers with Windows 7 operating system should be aware that we can only help with configuration changes. We are unable to provide any software updates, and we are not able to debug logs of any systems that use Windows 7 because the tools for this purpose are no longer available. The latest software version that works is OASYS 6.13. Should you wish to move past 6.13 you will need to contact our Sales Team ([email protected]) to request a hardware and software upgrade quote.

Windows Server 2008

The same details that apply to Windows 7 also apply to Windows Server 2008. If you have any of these operating systems and wish to move forward with the latest version of OASYS you will need to contact our Sales Team to request a quote for new hardware and software.

Windows Server 2012 SP2

In some cases, we may be able to provide Service Packs and install the latest version of OASYS, which is 6.13.11. We can also debug logs on the newer software, but this is dependent on the specific hardware you currently have. The limiting factor will be the availability of proper Drivers from third parties like Nvidia who controls the availability of GPUs and chipsets. If the older versions are no longer available or are a mismatch for the drivers needed it won’t be possible to upgrade your system. In this case, please contact BroadStream Engineering for information about your specific hardware should you wish to update your system.

If you have any questions about this update or how it impacts your current system, please contact our Engineering team for additional support. You can reach the team here:

Email:            [email protected]

Phone:           +1 404-327-8300

Website:        https://broadstream.com/support 

 

About Us

BroadStream specializes in flexible and highly scalable broadcast and streaming solutions for SDI, IP, and Hybrid SDI/IP with our OASYS Integrated Playout Solution.

Additionally, we provide a broad array of manual and automated captioning and subtitling solutions and tools that include the following brands:

  • SubCaptioner.com – for quick and easy file and live-based captioning along with transcripts and translation.
  • VoCaption – Automated Live Captioning for broadcasters that need simple solutions to start and stop a live captioning session without the need to schedule a human to perform this task.
  • WincapsASR for enterprise customers with significant file-based content that need to be captioned and edited for quality.
  • Q-LiveASR is for large customers that employ professional subtitlers and want live captions to be edited before being published to ensure maximum accuracy.

WRAL USES OASYS FOR 24/7 OTT CHANNEL WRAL NEWS+

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WRAL uses OASYS for 24/7 OTT channel WRAL News+

WRAL uses OASYS for 24/7 OTT channel WRAL News+. OTT (over-the-top) refers to media services that are separate from the over the air broadcast and  stream directly to viewers via the Internet. This is becoming a very popular service with viewers as they can access the stream from any device. This convenience means more and more consumers are looking for OTT content which allows them to watch what they want at any time and on any device, instead of the traditional linear TV where consumers have to adhere to scheduled programming on their television.

OASYS customer, WRAL, have dedicated one of their their OASYS Players to deliver a new multi-input OTT channel called WRAL News+. (WRAL is a Raleigh, North Carolina based television station serving as the NBC affiliate for the Research Triangle Area and part of Capital Broadcasting Company, Inc.).

This new OTT channel allows WRAL viewers to access live content, such as weather reports and live traffic announcements, directly from the WRAL website. This convenient access to live content benefits not only the viewers but also the station, who can now stream important news coverage to more viewers.

See their OTT channel in action below! 

Here’s how OASYS allows users to stream an OTT channel:

An OTT channel can be created using a single channel of OASYS with multiple live inputs. These  can be weather, traffic, sports or other live inputs. Using the flexibility of OASYS’ Graphics Extension package, these live inputs are integrated along with options like squeeze and crawl.

Creating a playlist incorporates all the live inputs for a 24/7 stream with a graphic showing all of the streaming options. In WRAL’s configuraton, the SDI output produced by OASYS is routed to various encoders to produce the IP streaming options needed.

OASYS is a flexible integrated playout software that can be configured to fit virtually any broadcast requirement. To learn how your station can use OASYS to create OTT channels, reach out to our team via our contact page!

Celebrating Diversity and Inclusion on International Day of Persons with Disabilities

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The International Day of Persons with Disabilities, observed annually on December 3rd, is a significant occasion that promotes awareness and understanding of the challenges faced by people with disabilities worldwide. Established by the United Nations in 1992, this day serves as a platform to celebrate the achievements and contributions of individuals with disabilities while advocating for a more inclusive and accessible society. 

Theme for 2023: “Building Back Better: Toward a Disability-Inclusive, Accessible and Sustainable Post-COVID-19 World” 

The theme for the International Day of Persons with Disabilities in 2023 emphasizes the importance of ensuring that the recovery from the global COVID-19 pandemic is inclusive and accessible for everyone, including people with disabilities. It calls for building a world that is not only resilient but also prioritizes the needs and rights of persons with disabilities. 

Inclusion and Empowerment  

One of the key aspects of the day is to highlight the importance of inclusion. Inclusive societies recognize and embrace the diversity of their populations, ensuring that everyone, regardless of their abilities, has equal opportunities to participate in all aspects of life. This includes education, employment, social activities, and civic engagement. 

Empowering people with disabilities involves breaking down barriers and stereotypes by fostering an environment where individuals can reach their full potential. This empowerment is not just a moral imperative but also an economic one, as diverse and inclusive societies benefit from the unique perspectives and talents of all their members. 

Making technology accessible for everyone 

Another crucial aspect of International Day of Persons with Disabilities is advocating for accessible infrastructure and technology. From public spaces to digital platforms, it is essential to create environments that accommodate the diverse needs of individuals with disabilities. This includes accessible websites and communication methods, ensuring that no one is left behind in the modern, interconnected world. 

BroadStream is dedicated to helping create a more accessible digital world with the help of accurate captioning and subtitling. Our wide range of captioning solutions create captions for live and pre-recorded video content to help individuals with hearing impairments better understand the audio. If you are hosting events or posting online content to celebrate International Day of Persons with Disabilities this year, make sure that they are accessible and include accurate captions.  

Generate quick and accurate captions for your content by visiting subcaptioner.com, our online ASR-driven captioning generator. SubCaptioner uses accurate ASR (automatic speech recognition) technology to convert speech to text in just minutes. Individuals with audio or video files can receive a text transcript and closed caption file within minutes and for only $0.25/minute. To get started, simply create a free account following this link. New users receive their first 40 minutes of captioning and transcriptions for free!  

To create accurate captions for a live event, consider our VoCaption live captioning software. VoCaption is a live, automated closed captioning software that’s easy to install and use! VoCaption uses the same powerful ASR technology as our SubCaptioner system to convert speech to text in real time and create a more accessible event for everyone in attendance. Learn more about our VoCaption software here. 

International Day of Persons with Disabilities is a moment to celebrate the achievements of individuals with disabilities, promote inclusivity, and advocate for a world where everyone can participate fully in all aspects of life. If you’re planning an event to celebrate this special day, rely on BroadStream Solutions for accessibility solutions.  

 

World Television Day: Celebrating the Power of the Global Screen

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In the age of rapid technological advancements and digital media dominance, World Television Day stands as a reminder of the enduring influence and impact of television on societies across the globe. Established by the United Nations in 1996, this annual observance, celebrated on November 21st, recognizes the pivotal role television plays in shaping public opinion, fostering cultural exchange, and disseminating information. As we delve into the significance of World Television Day, let us explore the evolution of television, its cultural impact, and its role in shaping the world we live in today. 

The Evolution of Television 

The journey of television began in the early 20th century, marked by inventors and engineers experimenting with transmitting images and sounds over the airwaves. The first commercially available television sets emerged in the 1920s and 1930s, introducing a new era of communication and entertainment. Over the decades, television technology has undergone remarkable transformations, transitioning from black-and-white to color, and from analog to digital broadcasting. The advent of cable and satellite television expanded the reach of programming, providing viewers with an unprecedented variety of content. 

Cultural Impact of Television

Television has not only been a technological marvel but also a cultural phenomenon that has significantly influenced society. It has served as a powerful medium for storytelling, bringing narratives from different corners of the world into people’s living rooms. Iconic shows and characters have become embedded in the collective consciousness, shaping cultural identities and sparking conversations. From the gripping dramas of the Golden Age of Television to the groundbreaking reality shows that redefine entertainment, television has played a pivotal role in reflecting and shaping societal norms. 

Television as a Catalyst for Social Change

One of the most impactful aspects of television is its ability to catalyze social change. Through news reporting and documentaries, television has brought attention to critical issues, fostering awareness and mobilizing public opinion. Historic moments, from the Civil Rights Movement to the fall of the Berlin Wall, have been broadcasted to millions, uniting people in shared experiences. In recent years, television has been a platform for discussions on pressing global challenges, including climate change, inequality, and public health crises. 

Globalization of Television

World Television Day highlights the global nature of television, transcending borders and languages. The exchange of television programs across cultures has facilitated a more interconnected world, allowing viewers to glimpse into the lives and perspectives of people in distant lands. International collaborations in the entertainment industry have led to the creation of cross-cultural content, fostering mutual understanding and appreciation. Streaming platforms, with their vast libraries of diverse content, have further accelerated the globalization of television, making it accessible to audiences around the world. 

Television in the Digital Age

The 21st century has witnessed a digital revolution that has reshaped the television landscape. The rise of streaming services has challenged traditional broadcasting models, giving viewers unprecedented control over what, when, and how they consume content. This shift has also given rise to new forms of storytelling, interactive experiences, and innovative content formats. While the traditional television set remains a fixture in many households, an increasing number of viewers are accessing content through a myriad of devices, from smartphones to smart TVs. 

Challenges and Opportunities

As we celebrate World Television Day, it is essential to acknowledge the challenges facing the medium. The proliferation of misinformation, the impact of streaming on traditional broadcasting, and the evolving nature of audience preferences pose significant challenges. However, these challenges also present opportunities for creativity, innovation, and the exploration of new narratives. Television, in its adaptability, has the potential to continue captivating and informing audiences in the ever-evolving digital landscape. 

The Future of Television

Looking ahead, the future of television is marked by both uncertainty and excitement. Technological advancements such as augmented reality (AR) and virtual reality (VR) promise to redefine the viewing experience, blurring the lines between fiction and reality. Interactive storytelling, personalized content recommendations, and artificial intelligence-driven production processes are poised to shape the next chapter in the evolution of television. As the medium continues to evolve, it will be crucial to preserve the values that have made television a powerful force for education, entertainment, and social change. 

World Television Day serves as a time for reflection on the journey of television, from its humble beginnings to its current status as a global cultural force. As we celebrate this day, we recognize the enduring power of television to inform, entertain, and connect people across the world. In an era of constant change, World Television Day invites us to appreciate the medium’s rich history, embrace its present diversity, and anticipate the exciting possibilities that lie ahead for the global screen. Television, in its many forms, continues to be a window to the world, reflecting the shared human experience and shaping the narratives that define our collective story. 

 

How Do You Make Live Streaming Broadcasts More Consumable?

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How do you make live streaming broadcasts more consumable?

We recently partnered with Broadcast Pix, a leader in Live Production and Streaming, and our first collaboration is to make their broadcasts more easily consumable. What do we mean by that? It’s really quite simple…the goal is to make any Live Streaming production easy to understand, regardless of the viewer’s screen, current situation or environment and the way you do that is by adding live captions so no matter where you are you can view and understand what’s going on.

Captions are no longer just for the deaf and hearing impaired. In a 2022 survey of 1,200 people, language learning company, Preply determined that 50% of Americans used subtitles and closed captions the vast majority of time they watched video content. The survey pointed out three key reasons for this:

  1. It’s become harder and harder to understand dialog on the TV. 72% of respondents sited this as one of their main reasons for using captions. Why? Multiple reaons including modern TV’s have the speakers in the back instead of the front, the audio is designed for theatrical use but being streamed as compressed audio to the TV at less quality.
  2. It’s just harder to understand dialog, period. Talking too fast, muddled speech, speaking with an accent, loud background music, too many people talking at once, laugh tracks, sound effects, noisy environments whether you’re at home or out in public. Ever tried to watch a program with a bunch a seven year olds running about?
  3. The third reason has to do with age, devices and environments. The younger generations tend to use phones, tablets and laptops with smaller screens and they also tend to watch programming in more public environments like transit or restaurants but also noise averse engironments like libraries and offices where sound would be frowned upon.

I can think of a few more reasons why captions are important. Think English as a second language, speakers that mumble, speakers that talk too fast, poor acoustics, etc. So back to our collaboration with Broadcast Pix.

Broadcast Pix is integrating VoCaption, BroadStream’s automated live captioning solution directly into the various Broadcast Pix Live Production solutions. This will provde Broadcast Pix users with a seamless, very accurate solution for live captions on every production.

VoCaption uses the most accurate speech engine available today and is offered in over 40 languages and is suitable for use in commercial broadcasting, Government and Public Access, Religious and Educational institutions, and corporate broadcasting.

Want to see more. Join us at IBC 2023 in Amsterdam we’ll be at the RAI in Hall 2, Stand B11 providing live demonstrations of a Broadcast Pix FX Hybrid with VoCaption. You can also check our our other ASR solutions that include WincapsASR, Q-LiveASR and SubCaptioner.

VoCaption is also available integrated with OASYS Integrated Playout and will also be on display at IBC2o23.

NAB Show 2023 Recap

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Our team had a great time at NAB2023!

This year, our team headed back to the NAB Show in Las Vegas to meet with customers, resellers, and partners to showcase our new line of ASR products as well as the new features recently added to OASYS Integrated Playout.

If you weren’t able to attend the event this year, here’s a quick recap of what our team demo’d on the showroom floor:

WincapsASR: WincapsASR is a file-based, on-premise captioning software that uses ASR technology to easily convert audio to text. When partnered with a professional caption editing software such as WincapsQ4, Wincaps can help broadcasters improve productivity by over 30%. Professional captioners no longer take on the role of both caption creation and editing. With WincapsASR, the ASR technology handles the caption creation so that humans edit and monitor for quality control. Features such as intelligent caption segmentation, custom dictionaries, and substitution lists also help to make the editing workflow easier. Media files stay on-premise or in a private cloud for full file security.

Q-LiveASR: Our newest, hybrid live captioning software seeks to take the pressure off of live captioners and make creating captions for live/news programming simpler and quicker. Q-LiveASR combines ASR technology with professional editing software in a system that can be easily installed on-premise or through a private cloud. Files are kept secure and users control ASR activation and selection. ASR takes the main active input while subtitlers take a break, buffer ASR to allow for quick corrections, and override ASR via manual or apology captioning if needed.

VoCaption Live: Our fully automated live captioning software, VoCaption, has been updated and improved to better support live captioning. With VoCaption, broadcasters can easily convert program audio to text with just the click of a button. Custom vocabulary tools, alternate word lists, and profanity filters help to improve accuracy. There are no scheduling issues and no need to pay for a full hour of labor when only a few minutes of captioning are needed.

Polistream: Polistream is known globally for being the most flexible captioning and subtitling encoder and transmission system on the market. By utilizing an array of software modules and internal cards we are able to create a subtitle transmission system that meets users exact requirements now and into the future. Our team is constantly updating the Polistream hardware and software to meet our customer’s changing needs.

OASYS Integrated Playout: Our new OASYS end-to-end compressed IP playout software was an important focus this year. Our team showed broadcasters around the world how OASYS can easily integrate into their system to help them run their channels more efficiently. With compressed end-to-end IP broadcasters can ensure that their station is set up to run smoothly into the future as their station and technology grows.

SubCaptioner Online Portal: SubCaptioner is an online transcription service that converts audio to text, automatically, for only $0.25/minute. At this price, users receive a TXT, WebVTT and a SRT file! Files are converted in just minutes by our innovative ASR technology that takes the manual labor out of creating transcriptions and captions. Create an account on subcaptioner.com to get started. Once you’ve uploaded your first media file, use the code NAB2023 to receive 50% off at checkout.

If you’re interested in scheduling an online demo with our team, visit our contact page.

End of Life Notification on BroadStream Hardware & Software Products

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The purpose of this notice is to inform BroadStream/Screen customers that certain hardware, components, and software are at end-of-life (EOL) and can no longer be supported for various reasons, including, but not limited to:

  • Replacement parts that are no longer available.
  • Hardware platforms and configurations that have been discontinued by the original manufacturer in lieu of new, improved products.
  • Software that is no longer backward compatible to older hardware.
  • Newer technology that is not compatible.

WHAT THIS MEANS TO YOU

If you currently have any of the platforms, components or software listed in this notice, please be aware that support for these products will end April 30, 2024.

Renewal notices will continue to be sent out 90 days in advance of your renewal anniversary, but as the months progress, renewal contracts for EOL items will not include 12-month support but be prorated with coverage ending April 2024.

This support plan should provide you with adequate time to plan, budget, and prepare for replacement and avoid any potential on-air problems that may occur due to the age of these items.

Please keep in mind that the global supply chain for technology is still uncertain and lead times are much longer, so we encourage you to act now to avoid any potential problems as these items age out.

RECOMMENDED ACTION ITEMS

Please take the following steps to avoid product or on-air failures:

  1. Determine if any items, from this list, are operational in your facility.
  2. Contact BroadStream Support ([email protected]) or your Sales Director ([email protected]) to request a budgetary proposal to upgrade your facility as soon as possible, and avoid any potential downtime.

Thank you for choosing BroadStream/Screen as your playout and subtitling provider. We value your trust and look forward to supporting your needs into the future and apologize for any inconvenience this may cause as our industry continues to migrate to newer, better solutions.

The complete list of EOL items is listed below:

 

Item Description
 
Software
Poliscript 3000 Authoring and QC software for PAC subtitle files
Poliscript 3000 SV3 As above with Software Video Caching capability
MediaMate Enterprise MediaMate within Polistream
Hardware Description
P5000 Server Platform for running Configuration
P4000 Platform for running software modules and Interfaces
A1001 Single ASI Input Unit
A1002 Dual ASI Input Unit
A1004 Four ASI Input Unit
A4001 ASI Single Input and Twin Output Unit
A4002 ASI Dual Input and Twin Output Unit
CC-P4000 Content Control Edit Station
G3000 Digital Graphics Subtitle Inserter
T3000 SDI VBI Inserter
G5000-2U HD-SDI Graphics Generator.
U4000 Polistream Server
CC-U4000 Content Control Edit Station
Cards
GPIO Card General Purpose Inputs (8) and Outputs (8) card.
Dazzle/GFX USB Composite Video Input device
Ge Force 210 Graphics Card
HDTC-1 Card Single Channel HD-SDI timecode Card
LTC-1 Card Single Channel LTC Timecode Card
ASI-2 Card Two Input, Two Output ASI Card
UHD-2 Card Dual channel SDI capture card
VANC-1 Card Single Channel HD-SDI Input Card
VANC-2 Card Dual Channel HD-SDI Input Card
VBI-2 Two Channel VBI Input Card
VBI-ASI -1 Single Channel VBI Input Card

About BroadStream Solutions

BroadStream Solutions (www.broadstream.com) acquired Screen Subtitling Systems in 2018 and specializes in the playout of linear television channels, Live Automated Captioning, automated File-based captioning and Subtitling tools for broadcasters, networks, cable, and satellite operations, as well as non-broadcast applications, around the globe. Our expertise is focused on developing solutions that are software-based and consistently deliver flexibility, dependability, improved workflows, operational efficiency and reliability for our clients and customers.

Meet with us at Broadcast India – 2022

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Our team is heading to Broadcast India 2022 and we would love to see you there!

This year, we’ll be partnering with Cineom to showcase our products and new updates. Stop by and see us at booth E3, or schedule a meeting with our VP of sales, Shelinder Sachdeva, using the form below.

We look forward to seeing you in Mumbai!

NEW English-to-Spanish Subtitle Translation Services

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We’re excited to introduce our new English-to-Spanish translation service to provide Spanish subtitle translations for your video content.

Our Spanish captioning service translates English captions to Spanish with high-accuracy and fast turnaround times, starting at just $1.67 per minute. Get a free quote today to get started!

Our English to Spanish Subtitling Services:

Using the most advanced ASR technology combined with professional translators, our team creates highly accurate Spanish subtitles for English videos. Our solution uses both ASR technology and professional translator/editors to improve efficiency, maintain high accuracy and keep prices low.

For just $1.67 per minute of video content, you’ll receive a Spanish caption file AND a Spanish transcript file. Other companies charge extra for a translated transcript file, but we don’t. We give you the transcription file and the caption file for only $1.67 per minute.

To get Spanish subtitles for your English video content:

Complete the form below. Indicate how much content you have and we’ll provide an accurate quote and turnaround estimate.

FILL OUT THE FORM HERE

Once you receive your quote, you’ll be prompted to make a payment and upload your files. Our team will begin translating your files right away and send them back to you along with a translated transcription file for each video.

Learn more about our English-Spanish subtitle translation services, as well as our other captioning and subtitling services here:

Interested in our other captioning solutions?

Captioning Solutions for Broadcasters:

For over 60 years, we’ve been providing captioning and subtitling solutions for broadcasters to help improve their workflow. Check out our VoCaption Live software to add live captions to your live broadcasts. Our WinCaps software is another great captioning solution for broadcasters to help them edit and create captions for their programs as well add live captions when combined with respeakers.

Captioning Solutions for Freelancers:

Freelance captioners all of the world use our WinCaps software to easily create and edit captions. We’ve developed multiple versions of WinCaps, such as WinCaps Q4, Poliscript, and WinCaps for Academic Institutions to provide the perfect solution for each industry.

Contact our team directly to learn more about our captioning and subtitling solutions.