KSTF’s OASYS Integrated Playout System
I manage the technical operations for KTSF, the only independent television station within the top 10 DMA’s in America and, we produce the only local, live Chinese language newscasts in the United States.
Just like most stations we are faced with many operational challenges, none are more consuming than figuring out what to do with our aging master control infrastructure while dealing with the daunting task of moving our transmission chain as a result of the FCC’s repack initiative.
I started the process earlier this year at NAB2017. My focus was on next generation solutions, specifically channel-in-a-box-like products. My goal/hope was to find a single vendor to replace my existing traditional master control solution of a separate video server, automation, graphics and switching solution.
After extensive due-diligence I selected the OASYS Integrated Playout solution from BroadStream Solutions. I was impressed by the system’s seamless integration, and software, all organically developed by BroadStream.
With the repacking quickly approaching I needed a smooth and seamless deployment. Fortunately, that is exactly what I have experienced.
BroadStream is big on process, from pre-sales engineering to a detailed statement of work and project management that provides a single point of contact throughout the installation and commissioning. My project manager, Chuck Jones, was very pro-active scheduling calls to review progress even though there were relatively few issues to address. My project engineer, David Porter, performed the commissioning and on-site training as well as post-commissioning follow-up that really helped us become comfortable with the new system and workflows.
I recognized system ROI from the very beginning as it took, literally, just a few minutes to transfer the existing automation Metadata database to the OASYS system.
There would be no re-prepping of our existing files. The dual 10gig ports on the servers enabled us to transfer 17TB of files extremely fast. Once the legacy video server files were transferred they played natively without transcoding, and saved us countless hours.
Our programming department is “head-over-heels” with our simplified program ingest and workflow that avoids many of the tedious steps required by our legacy system. Plus, the ability to handle open captioning in Chinese fonts is also huge for us as you might guess.
There are a number of features that make OASYS the right solution for KTSF such as, the integrated complex graphics, the capability to check file compatibility prior to landing on the player, the built-in redundancy of both server play-out and automation play lists, the multi-channel web client that allows us to control the system from any location with a network connection and many more. But, I don’t have time to delineate them all as I need to get on with the FCC repack!
Thank you for delivering peace of mind, BroadStream!
KUAC’s OASYS Integrated Playout System
KUAC’s Sundance Automation System was nearing end of life. KUAC wanted a solution that would carry them years into the future without a major hardware uplift, given the on-going uncertainty in the broadcast space.
They decided on OASYS after many months of research, demos and discussions. 5 playout channels with Extended Graphics capability and Secondary Recording. The system is supported by a 1+1 Redundancy Manager on the Main channel and Time Delay using “OASYS Time Play” for their Kids channel.
KUAC’s OASYS Playout System includes 4 HD Maker ingest channels with a 32TB NAS with Indexing Services and OASYS integrated with Myers Protrack BXF Traffic system and Myers Media Asset Management solution supported by a CUC Archive System for KUAC’s content library.
“This was a very smooth commissioning project”, according to Keith Martin, General Manager & Director of Technology & Engineering at KUAC. “The OASYS system was able to scan our Sundance database and collect the important metadata and saved us endless hours of time in preparing content for the new system. In addition, the platform has a smaller footprint, is less costly to operate and improves our flexibility, which helps operationally as we schedule more unmanned hours in Master Control.
The Team from BroadStream was with us every step of the way including help with an emergency cutover when problems arose with our existing system during shadowing; we completely switched systems in just a few minutes and didn’t miss a beat.”
“I have personally worked with Screen/Broadstream for some 11 years. My first experience with Screen was a little hectic to say the least. We had a playout automation provider unsuccessfully integrate a (different) subtitling system over several weeks. We were getting extremely close to our deadline so I put in a call to Screen for help.
Shortly after that first call they came back with a plan. They sent someone onsite on the Friday and worked as many hours as possible through the entire weekend. The end result was a new Screen subtitling solution fully integrated, up and running within three days! Since that day Screen has been my preferred subtitling provider.
Their systems/products are intuitive and relatively easy to pick up. I have no issue dialing into any of our channel configurations. Modifying setups, adding languages, changing timings etc.
Support is always quick and to the point (never sugar coating a potential issue). As well as offering advice whenever required, I have not to date experienced a subtitle issue support didn’t jump on asap.
I would recommend Screen/Broadstream to anyone looking for a professional subtitling partner.”
WVIA’s OASYS Integrated Playout System
WVIA operates 3 channels including PBS, Create and Kids, successfully serving Northeastern Pennsylvania and the Central Susquehanna Valley area. Broadcasting since 1966, WVIA has long history of service to the community and surrounding area with local programming, educational programming, outreach and services.
WVIA’s OASYS Integrated Playout system includes 3 playout channels with Extended Graphics capability and Secondary Record, as well as, 1+1 Redundancy Manager for full back-up on their Main channel. The ingest system includes 4 HD Maker ingest channels and a 32TB NAS with Indexing Services. OASYS is also integrated with Myers Protrack BXF Traffic system.
“This was a big change and our BroadStream Project Engineer worked with us from beginning to end to configure the system, work out the kinks and help us get ready for the launch”, according to Joe Glynn, Vice President of Engineering at WVIA. “The OASYS platform gives us much more capability and flexibility than our previous master control system, which helps tremendously as we move to more unmanned hours in Master Control”.
“I’ve been working with Screen for more than twelve years. Their solutions for subtitles are a state of the art solution. The main reason Encompass BA chooses Polistream for their subtitles transmission is its flexibility, reliability, diversity and ease of integration with any playout system.
In terms of people, sales and support teams are very engaged and committed to customer, what becomes an excellent experience working with them in every project. The basis of a having reliable system, with an outstanding support and an excellent commercial relationship, makes working with BroadStream (formerly Screen) the best choice for subtitling solutions.”
LATV’s OASYS Integrated Playout System
LATV delivers locally produced content to its owned and operated KJLA, KXLA and KVMD channels, as well as affiliates across the USA. Currently the network uses two different workflows, at separate locations within the same facility, that each constitute separate servers, automation and scheduling systems, along with two separate playout operator teams, each producing different file types.
As these separate, dedicated pieces of broadcast hardware were end-of-life, LATV replaced them with BroadStream’s OASYS Integrated Playout platform. The system runs on commodity-based IT hardware which is more efficient and will consolidate and streamline LATV’s master control functions and standardize operations to save time and resources. The new platform will also allow for easier operator cross training and, instead of two teams producing two sets of traffic data and receiving two sets of run logs across two master control suites, OASYS will ensures there is no duplication of effort.
The OASYS Integrated Playout platform has a flexible and scalable architecture designed to incorporate optional software modules that tailor the solution to specific operations and functions of different channels. Each software piece operates independently to increase resilience and reliability.
LATV Network features a combination of originally produced television shows and digital platforms, as well as international programs that have never before been seen in the U.S. Its fully-owned subsidiary, American Latino Syndication, produces and distributes “American Latino” and “LatiNation,” two award-winning, Latino-themed TV programs that are broadcast on general market stations in over 85 cities nationwide. All of LATV Network’s original shows and American Latino Syndication productions are entirely produced at The Complex Studios, the full service, state-of-the-art HD production center located in West Los Angeles.
WRAL’s OASYS Integrated Playout System
WRAL has long been a leading US broadcaster and pioneer in the industry and has been the flagship station of Capitol Broadcasting Company for decades, serving the Raleigh/Durham/Chapel Hill/Fayetteville/Wilmington area of North Carolina.
BroadStream replaced WRAL’s traditional master control, which was made up of separate dedicated servers, automation, master control and graphics systems with a single OASYS integrated channel playout platform that runs on commodity IT hardware.
The system includes 6 channels of playout for its three main channels; WRAL, WRAZ and WILM, all with full 1+1 mirrored redundancy. The redundant system is split across two facilities some 15 miles apart. The ingest, storage and playout systems are fully mirrored at the transmitter site, providing geographically diverse automated backup or disaster recovery options. The OASYS solution also includes two additional playout channels for regionalization of WRAL 5.3 Fayetteville and Internet web streaming.
OASYS has greatly expanded the capabilities of WRAL’s playout facilities, adding advanced graphics and redundancy as well as simplifying workflow and operations. The Multi‐Channel Web Client allows a single operator at WRAL to monitor and control all 8 channels or quickly switch to specific channels as required.
In 1996, the FCC awarded WRAL-TV the first experimental high-definition television license in the United States. The station, identified as WRAL-HD, began its operations on July 23, 1996. A year later, WRAL-TV was also the first in the U.S. to broadcast a live sports program in high definition, as well as the first to broadcast an HD newscast in 2000. WRAL-TV’s pioneering efforts in digital television have won wide recognition from within the television industry.
now TV’s OASYS Playout Platform
Hong Kong-based now TV, which uses advanced IPTV technology to deliver content to its customers was looking for a channel-in-a-box (CiaB) solution to replace its traditional master control playout system.
“The OASYS platform was just what we were looking for,” said Alan Chan, VP Broadcast Operations & Engineering, PCCW . “Not only does it provide multi-channel playout of live and pre-recorded content with broadcast quality graphics from a single IT server; the system can also dynamically manage channel redundancy with 1:1, M:1 and/or M:N configurations with channel prioritization. For us this reliability and resilience were absolutely imperative in our purchasing decision.”
now TV is using a single OASYS IT-based playout platform operating on industry standard IT hardware which is controlled via an intuitive user interface, to provide this same level of functionality would previously require multiple legacy systems; including master control switchers, video servers, character generators, logo inserters, vision switchers and DVEs. The OASYS system, which was installed by BroadStream’s local distributor, Magna Systems, not only saves on investment and space, but also reduces time and resource spent on training and day-to-day operation.
After initially installing 8 primary and 4 backup channels of OASYS with graphic inserts, now TV gradually expanded the system and now uses the OASYS platform for most of its new services with richer onscreen graphics; program title keying, dynamic scrolls and channel branding.
“Upscaling BroadStream’s OASYS solution is incredibly straightforward. You can literally plug & play to launch a new channel; plus, OASYS has IP in/out capability which fits into our future plans for IP playout – we already have an IP infrastructure and are delivering content to our customers using IPTV technology”, Chan explained.
“We’re very pleased with the level of support we receive from BroadStream too,” continued Chan.
”BroadStream helps us solve problems without any red tape, form-filling, or incident reports, which often slow down progress. Any issues or questions we encounter are dealt with promptly and professionally.”
now TV uses BroadStream’s OASYS Integrated Playout platform to playout 20+ channels and because of the system’s modular design, they can easily license new modules and channels when needed, without having to upgrade their existing hardware.
KOCT’s OASYS Integrated Playout System
Oceanside Community Services Television Corp, KOCT, purchased a BroadStream Solutions, OASYS Broadcast Television Integrated Playout system in 2017.
Using the simple installation and connection documentation provided, KOCT engineers installed and connected the equipment. The system was fully functional within hours after BroadStream’s field engineers arrived to finalize the installation.
Using remote monitoring and update capability, BroadStream has kept the system up and running at essentially 100% up time for more than three years now.
Our OASYS Integrated Playout system includes a 64 Terabyte NAS file storage system. Other than a couple of early hard drive failures, that system has also been essentially 100% reliable since installation.
We, at KOCT, are quite pleased with our BroadStream Solutions OASYS Integrated Playout system and with the response and professional service provided by the BroadStream customer and technical support teams.
I believe “Excellence” is the goal in all that BroadStream Solutions provides.
“We like to embrace new reliable technology here at ZEE”, explains Johnson D Silva, VP Technology Broadcasting at ZEE. “One of the key reasons we made the decision to choose BroadStream’s Polistream Subtitling System is their flexibility, reliability, diversity and ease of integration with any playout automation system and also they are experts in subtitling systems over 40+ years having end to end solution from preparation to delivery of subtitle and captions.
Our Valued Customers
WHAT CAN WE HELP YOU FIND?
CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS
BroadStream Solutions, Inc.
3039 Premiere Parkway
Suite 800
Duluth, GA 30097 USA
Tel: +1 404 327 8300
CONTACT US
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS
