Archive notice: This article was originally published on September 16, 2008. Links and embedded videos are preserved as part of the historical record.
The Omneon storage system forms the basis of a new platform for highly efficient, file-based workflows.
At the heart of PLAZAMEDIA’s new “eCenter” is the active Omneon MediaGrid™ storage system, which serves as centralized, company-wide storage. Connected Omneon Spectrum™ media servers handle ingest and playout. Omneon ProXChange™ provides automated transcoding within MediaGrid, while Omneon ProBrowse™ generates low-resolution material across the system. As a complete system, the Omneon solution provides a scalable platform that can easily support future expansion. It offers reliability and resilience, enables work with multiple formats, and readily integrates third-party applications.
PLAZAMEDIA currently broadcasts on 19 channels, and the new eCenter platform allows additional channels to be added as required.
“We have relied on Omneon Spectrum servers for playout and ingest since 2004. During that time, we have come to appreciate their absolute reliability. With the MediaGrid system serving as a central distribution platform for numerous formats, we have now created a highly efficient and cost-effective workflow platform that also benefits our customers by enabling us to manage existing channels more efficiently. At the same time, we can establish new channels more easily,” said Chris Wieland, Head of Technology at PLAZAMEDIA. “The MediaGrid system offers unique grid-processing capabilities for the workflow. Its flexible interoperability and enormous capacity therefore make it the best solution for us.”
Together with Omneon partner Netorium, the PLAZAMEDIA team developed an efficient workflow. Content—from tape, satellite feeds, or files—is ingested under the control of Blue Order media-asset management through existing Omneon Spectrum servers and then transferred to the new redundant 2 x 24 TB MediaGrid system. Using Omneon ProBrowse, MediaGrid can generate browse proxies while a clip is still being ingested. This efficiency benefits anyone who must work quickly—for example, an editor selecting scenes from a sports event that is still in progress.
Controlled by Marquis Medway, MXF IMX 50 files are then sent from MediaGrid to Avid for further processing and returned afterward. ProXChange then transcodes the designated files to MPEG LGOP for playout using Pro-Bel Morpheus automation. MediaGrid also interfaces with EVS servers used for live sports broadcasts and with an SGL archive system.
“PLAZAMEDIA has developed a forward-looking workflow that maximizes the company’s efficiency today and positions it for tomorrow’s growth opportunities,” said Geoff Stedman, Senior Vice President at Omneon. “This Omneon installation, unique in Germany, is another illustration of a new model for the broadcast and television industry: file-based workflows built around centralized, active storage.”
Further Links:
- Omneon
Plazamedia
