PRODUCT INFORMATION Nowadays TV’s technological environment That way, programming is an available in the market, perfectly adapted does not wait: everything must be under unmissable resource for any TV channel to the needs of modern broadcasters and strict control from the very first moment or audiovisual company in the field of that integrates the latest advances in the planification starts until the broadcast content . This technological R&D. of content and its consequent archive. development is nowadays the best ally to guarantee a safe broadcast, adapted to VSNMULTICOM guarantees a flexible That is why it is more necessary than ever the fixed planning. 24/7 broadcast for both mono channel to automate to the maximum repetitive environments and big centers tasks and focus on internal processes For more than 25 years, VSN has provided alike. The wide range of devices that from the point of view of optimization its advanced solutions to the Broadcast it controls, as well as the capacity to and productivity improvement, in order to and Media & Entertainment industries. integrate any software or hardware in the give more time to users to create better Among this solutions, VSNMULTICOM is market, make VSNMULTICOM the most content. internationally highlighted, being the most advanced, flexible and safe continuity powerful continuity automation solution automation system available.

INTRODUCTION CONTENT

0. Introduction

1. VSNMULTICOM’s main features

2. VSNMULTICOM’s advantages

3. VSNMULTICOM’s modules

4. VSNCREA TV and VSNMULTICOM the perfect union for any TV station

5. One final thought

6. The expert’s opinion: VSN’s Project Engineering Manager

7. References 1 VSNMULTICOM’s Main Features

VSNMULTICOM is an advanced solution for the automatic broadcast The system has four main divisions or components: of mono/multi channel TV. It allows for an exhaustive content and  The playlist or Rundown (action list / tasks to carry out) broadcast workflow control. Maximum reliability and security for a safe broadcasting.  The device control

One of its most competitive advantages is its independence from the  The activities, controlled by devices to carry out the programmed equipment already installed in the broadcast infraestructure, since it tasks. is homologated by manufactures such as EVS®, GrassValley®, Sony®,  The timers Avid®, Brainstorm®, Chyron®, Seachange®, Omneon®, Vizrt® and Pesa®, among others. The user edits the rundown, interacts with activities through command operation and controls devices through the control pannels. VSNMULTICOM is the only automation system that offers a global playlist timers digitalization solution integrated with all the production, writing and archiving system, such as ENPS®, Avid®, EVS®, Front Porch®,Tarsys®, etc.

VSNMULTICOM’s simplicity allows it to administer its own system in an integrated way, no matter how complex the devices/inputs structure main videoserver’s may be. There is no limitation in the number of devices to control, while clips list the lists to control can be up to eight.

The system allows to identify concepts, inputs and devices in an intuitive way. In a very simple manner, the user is able to drag & drop video contents to create the rundown, making the task much easier. Also, keyboard shortcuts are specially designed and implemented to device control reduce even more time.

VSNMULTICOM‘s user interface

4 VSN INNOVATION & MEDIA SOLUTIONS 1.1 WORKFLOWS

VSNMULTICOM proposes a flexible group of modules that offer a (mcomply) Ingest Main Continuity consistent solution for all the different broadcast and ingest tasks, independently of the chosen channel configuration. The operation is similar, but the system architecture is scalable according to the desired Local Storage Local Storage Multi-channel Scheduling redundancy levels.

The capacity to integrate any other hardware and software makes Formats Multi-Continuity TDT MAIN STORAGE VSNMULTICOM an open and affordable system in any case or circumstance. Local Storage Local Storage

(mcomply)

1.2 ROOM (Redundancy Config.) Storage Management in VSNMULTICOM

VSNMULTICOM is the tool that provides absolute security and robustness for 24x7 broadcast of any given broadcaster.

This architecture allows for configuring this channels (SAT, CATV, TDT, Analogic) in a very simple way, guaranteeing that its broadcasting chains (devices associated to every route) are managed safely and avoiding mistakes.

The “Virtual Matrices” technology, available since version 9, is an exclusive feature of the automation system that brings additional advantages on:

1) Costs savings in the number of hardware equipment associated to a TV station 2) “Hot changes” of every broadcast chain without any mistake.

In the final configuration of each channel, VSN’s engineers adapt and customize the solution to the desired workflow chosen by the Technical Direction. Example of a customized workflow in a continuity system

Product Information | VSNMULTICOM 5 1 VSNMULTICOM’s Main Features No matter the devices and manufacturers to control, VSNMULTICOM 1.4 INGEST ROOM, FORMAT CHANGES AND allows to replicate this architecture on demand in a simple and easy PRINT-TO-TAPES way. Almost 20 years after its launching, it owns one of the widest controlled devices range in the market, from VTRs, matrices, mixers, The control of the ingest processes is carried out by the VSNMULTICOM graphic and subtitling systems, GPI devices, Flexicart libraries, LMS, REC module. From the very same application, or from any other etc. remote PC (through VSNMULTICOM REC TERMINAL), the lists can be programmed (“rec-list”) with total accuracy, both for VRTs and for 1.3 COMPACT CONTINUITY (mono /multi-channel) external lines.

VSN guarantees the scalability of the VSNMULTICOM system, offering The ingested content can be directly transferred to the broadcast affordable configurations that can grow as the number of channels servers or to a centralized storage unit, making it immediately available grow. The client can decide to share content among different channels for the post production operators. or keep them independent.

If there is the need of transcoding video files to other formats, or if VSN offers different options to automate not only the broadcasting or it is necessary to integrate with production systems from other its events, but also other areas of the workflow that are not normally manufacturers (Unity, EditShare, Tarsys, etc.), there is a unique automated, such as transferring and transcoding of material, ingest element to manage all this transfers: VSNSPIDER. lists, compatibility of catalogues between different manufacturers.

Thanks to a simple interface, the Spider platform allows to automatically The system creates the broadcast lists from the file sent by the program all the necessary transfers and transcoding processes among Programming Department, or through the VSNMULTICOM Scheduler the different systems, as well as to monitor its execution. module, or even manually from the very same user interface of the broadcast application. One single programmer can provide the different VSNSPIDER is the union between the functional areas and the rundowns for different channels in a very simple way. subsystems, allowing for manual or automated/programmed ingests, taking care of the most boring and repetitive tasks and avoiding errors Planned rundowns can be exported in different report formats, to ease in the daily workflow. the elaboration of Programming Guides for satelite, TDT, etc.

6 VSN INNOVATION & MEDIA SOLUTIONS 2 VSNMULTICOM’s Advantages 2.1 CONTINUITY AUTOMATION VSNMULTICOM is the core of VSN´s continuity solution. With over 20 Continuity automation years of existence, it’s integrated with the majority of baseband devices, such as video routers and mixers. It controls any VDCP and Content Management most of CGs in the market. It offers many different redundancy options adapting to every client´s needs however demanding they might be, since it offers complete servers and lists redundancy. Videoservers Thanks to its calculator feature, integrated with the platform, it is possible to calculate how many event there are and how much they last WEB TV integration between two live programmes in a simple and fast way. VSNMULTICOM also includes a powerful counter management tool, while many other automation services do not. Device control

2.2 CONTENT MANAGEMENT VSNMULTICOM and VSNCREA TV enable advanced content Advanced operations management workflows that greatly accelerate and simplify MCR operations. When loading a playlist, all content that is not present in Advanced graphic integrations the video server is automatically requested to the MAM system. The system also checks which of the video server content is not registered in the Media Asset Management system. TV Channels Synchronization Regarding validated content, if a clip has been ingested but not validated, the system marks it in yellow with the status “not to broadcast”, giving Scheduling the full information about it.

Product Information | VSNMULTICOM 7 2 VSNMULTICOM’s Advantages

In that sense, it is possible to personalize the colours of VSNMULTICOM’s 2.6 EQUIPMENT CONTROL rundowns, depending on the type of content: program, advertising or No limit in the number of controlled devices; constantly notifying filling content, allowing to recognize with one look all the elements of the state of the connection with the devices, allowing for a quick the planned broadcast. intervention of the operator in case any problems arise. 2.3 VIDEOSERVERS 2.7 ADVANCED GRAPHIC INTEGRATIONS VSNMULTICOM integrates via VDCP or native API with the majority Complete integration with several advanced graphic systems, allowing of videoserver manufacturers in the market. In order to achieve the to take advantage of all their functionalities, selecting templates best possible performance, it integrates through native API with: DVS®, and sending the input data directly from VSNMULTICOM. Some Harmonic®, Seachange®, Imagine®, Avid®, Grass Valley®, Harris®, EVS® examples are the integrations with ORAD 3DPlay with several levels and Omneon®, among others. of communication and with Vizrt’s Trio and MultiChannel through its REST API. 2.4 WEB TV INTEGRATION 2.8 TV CHANNELS SYNCHRONIZATION The system fully automates workflows for sending and managing contents for webTV. It’s possible to select which content can or cannot Possibility of having different slave channels synchronized with one be broadcasted online and the system then takes care of stopping the or two main channels. For example, to have an international channel encoder and launching a playlist of alternative content. It also takes and other regional channels totally synchronized with a national care of eliminating commercial blocks when publishing the content channel, thanks to advanced playlist management and disconnection and provides an EPG optimized for web publishing. control for each channel. 2.9 SCHEDULING 2.5 ADVANCED OPERATIONS VSNCREA TV, web-based scheduling module, is fully integrated with For the same event, VSNMULTICOM enables the control of equipments VSNMULTICOM. It covers all scheduling needs of the advertising, and actions associated to three different levels: main sources such as production and broadcasting departments. It allows the user to, broadcast video servers, auxiliary sources such as graphic generators, among many other things, create weekly and daily program schedules, and secondary sources such as ingest video servers, GPI beacons, export the EPG, and track the number of times each content has been VOD, secondary router commuting, etc. broadcasted.

8 VSN INNOVATION & MEDIA SOLUTIONS 3 VSNMULTICOM’s Modules The VSNMULTICOM family is specially designed to solve all the needs of modern broadcasters, covering all the steps in continuity automation and offering maximum security to users. Here we present the different modules that are part of this family:

3.1 CONTINUITY AUTOMATION MODULES

VSNMULTICOM PLAY (Playout) VSNMULTICOM SCHEDULER

It is the channel’s tool. Organizes and Optional application that reproduces broadcast playlists from a coordinates all the equipment taking part in the broadcast process. different workstation, before sending them to Master Control Room. Through its user interface, operators can interact with playlists in It is specially useful in collaborative work environments to allow other real time, controlling all the equipment directly or through the Device users to simultaneously edit different playlists at the same time. Server.

VSNMULTICOM is the system that integrates with more devices in the market

VSNMULTICOM SERVER VSNMULTICOM REMOTE

It is a service module, typically installed when connecting or It is the application that monitors and controls VSNMULTICOM’s disconnecting , master-slave operations or parallel redundancies are channels in remote and real time, reflecting its status, possible error necessary. In multi channel environments, it synchronizes different and alarms. Specially useful in work environments involving a great VSNMULTICOM PLAY instances with the aim of offering broadcast number of workers, who will have clear visibility of all process carried redundancy and the management of the disconnecting Master. out by the automation system. It also allows for an only-monitoring mode, very useful for TV station chiefs that want to follow closely the real estate of the broadcast.

Product Information | VSNMULTICOM 9 3 VSNMULTICOM’s Modules

3.2 INGEST AND PRINT-TO-TAPE MODULES

VSNMULTICOM REC VSNMULTICOM PRINT-TO-TAPE

It is the VSNMULTICOM family ingest application. It coordinates all the Expansion that coordinates all the equipment that participates in the stations that take part in planning the ingests in broadcast lists and print-to-tape processes. specific recording lists. Through its user interface, the user is able to Through its interface, users can interact in real time with the list, and interact in real time with the list and control all the equipment directly control all the equipment, directly or via Device Server. or using the Device Server. Thanks to VSNSPIDER, it is possible from the QC’s XML file to synchronize servers with the platform’s send-to- server.

3.3 DEVICE CONTROL MODULES

DEVICE SERVER ENGINE

This module is the device server that contains all drivers with its protocols and native communication methods. It allows VSNMULTICOM PLAY, VSNMULTICOM REC and other applications to control them in a safe and robust way via IP by using the MULTICOM-TSS protocol.

10 VSN INNOVATION & MEDIA SOLUTIONS 4 VSNCREA TV & VSNMULTICOM: the perfect union for any TV Station

VSNCREA TV and VSNMULTICOM complete the automation system of any channel and achieve perfect syncronization between planning, broadcast and management of any TV station.

VSNCREA TV is a software module for planning and managing TV programming. It allows to manage the workflows of advertising, production and broadcast departments regarding broadcast planning (from general simulations for all the season, to programming and schedulling for a particular week). Its integration with VSNMULTICOM is total, opening infinite possibilities when managing a TV.

With VSNCREA TV is possible to generate the weekly grid and the daily playlists. It exports all the necessary information regarding the number of times, an external content or advertisement pieces that have been shown and exports the data for external invoicing systems as well. It also generates programming guides for the press and the EPG TV guide. It integrates with invoicing, playout automation and archive systems.

4.1 CHANNEL SYNCHRONIZATION WITH REGIONAL LINES

From VSNCREA TV it is possible to plan regional synchronizations so VSNMULTICOM sends the commands (via cue tone, GPI or IP), something that is useful in multi-regional configurations with a centralized automated control. For example, the central automation in Madrid can order the in Barcelona and Valencia the broadcast of commercials from their local areas while the Madrid automation keeps broadcasting national advertising for the rest of Spain.

Product Information | VSNMULTICOM 11 4 VSNCREA TV & VSNMULTICOM: the perfect union for any TV Station

4.2 MANAGEMENT OF LOGOS FROM THE PLANNING DEPARTMENT From VSNCREA TV it is possible to specify which logos are going to be broadcasted. For example, if a channel is planning the broadcast of an adult movie, it is possible to select the “+18” logo with VSNCREA TV and VSNMULTICOM will automate the CG devices to include that logo only for that particular film.

4.3 CONTROL OF SECONDARY EVENTS FROM THE PLANIFICATION DEPARTMENT From VSNCREA TV it is possible to command VSNMULTICOM TV Schedulling with VSNCREA TV the control of other devices. For example, if we daily broadcast a program that must be recorded, from VSNCREA TV we can command VSNMULTICOM to launch the capturing tool to ingest that program. If we go one step further and integrate the system with VSNSPIDER, we can even launch other events related to that ingest; for example, to send that clip to a different playout and to the archive at the same time in a different format.

4.4 AUTOMATIC RECOVERY OF CONTENT With VSNCREA TV it is possible to define which clips are going to be used in the planning. VSNCREA TV is able to send orders to the VSNSPIDER platform, to copy this content from Archive to the video server, in order to broadcast and register that content in the VSNMULTICOM database. Playlist view on VSNCREA TV

12 VSN INNOVATION & MEDIA SOLUTIONS 5 One final thought

Modern broadcasters need to have technology on their side when on air, Its secret? Offering a flexible family of modules that form a solid- to guarantee total security for the broadcast operation and have more rock solution for all the ingesting and broadcasting tasks, no matter time and resources to spend in what they do best: to create quality the configuration of channels chosen. The operation is similar, but content. When referring to continuity automation, it is crucial to carry the architecture of the system is scalable depending on the desired out the broadcasting of content in a stable and robust way, avoiding redundancy levels, giving maximum freedom and flexibility to users. mistakes or interruptions that can bring negative consequences for Continuity automation must not be trusted to cheap or inexperienced the channel and damage its reputation among the audience. solutions that promise great results but, when it comes to the real When choosing a solution it is necessary to have a close look at its game, fall down like a house of cards. For the most important part of reliability, features, integration with other areas and the devices it a TV channel, it is mandatory to count on a robust, powerful and safe controls. VSNMULTICOM, with more than 20 years of experience in system such as VSNMULTICOM, that perfectly understands the needs the market and hundreds of references around the world, guarantees of modern broadcasters and makes sure that technology is always on a perfect 24/7 broadcast for mono-channel environments and big their side. playout centers alike. Get to know VSNMULTICOM. It will not disappoint you.

Product Information | VSNMULTICOM 13 The expert’s opinion: Joan Ramon Ruiz, VSN’s 6 Project Engineering Manager

“A robust device control and a safe broadcast are unmissable elements in a reliable continuity system”

Continuity automation is a crucial tool and complete way all the devices currently that technology will be on their side when for any TV channel. In a world more and available in the broadcast and Media & reaching the audience. This is the most more connected in which reaction and Entertainment industries. important part of the content lifecycle, content creation times get tighter every since a single failure in front of the public year, to be able to control the broadcast This way, integration with the systems can damage the reputation of the channel and to automate processes bring users already installed in the channel and with forever. the chance to work in a simpler and easier the used hardware can be carried out in manner. Therefore, they can focus on the a clean and safe way, avoiding traumatic Summarizing, the requirements that any quality of the broadcast and not in parallel changes of equipment and problematic TV should look for in a continuity system processes, giving editors, directors and migrating processes that may affect are: an easy and smooth operation, easy journalists more time to concentrate the daily operations of the TV station. integration with any third-party hardware in developing quality content to engage Any systems integrator recommends to used by the already installed system, audiences. choose a reliable and flexible continuity automated workflows, and a robust and automation system with the maximum of safe broadcast while on air. Broadcast continuity automation is the device control range. perfect resource to cancel repetitive and With that elements, any TV station will be problematic tasks in any TV channel, When going on air, an automation able to face the challenges that the Media & improving the audiovisual assets’ efficiency, system must ensure a solid and smooth Entertainment sector poses every day and, productivity and Return on Investment. broadcasting, avoiding interruptions and more important, to succeed in engaging Therefore, it is key for any automation technical issues and giving operators, the audience. system to be able to control in a flexible journalists and TV directors total security

14 VSN INNOVATION & MEDIA SOLUTIONS 7 Our references

MORE THAN 1.000 CLIENTS IN MORE THAN 100 COUNTRIES

For more than 25 years, VSN has installed solutions for more than 1000 clients, creating value for different companies in the Broadcast and Media & Entertainment industries.

Saudi Airlines Cançao Nova RTVA VTelevision P.U. Javeriana 8tv TPA Amarin TV SingTel Saudi Arabia Brazil Andorra Spain Colombia Spain Angola Thailand Singapore

CTC TV Syrian National TV RPP Campus TV Al-Mayadeen Rai Al-Kout La Xarxa TVB Russia Syria Peru Honduras Lebanon Italy Kuwait Spain Hong Kong

Rio Grande do Sul TeleSur Telson Atlas Mediaset TV3 Bloomberg UTV HOLA TV Gol T Rede Massa Brazil Venezuela Spain Spain Spain India USA Spain Brazil

Barça TV Chilevisión TV Zimbo Telmex RCN TV Skaï Real Madrid TV Televicentro Dorna Sports Spain Chile Angola Colombia Colombia Greece Spain Honduras Spain VSNWEBINAR How to fully optimize your channel’s MCR Automation

In the following video you will discover how the systems we’ve talked about in this Product Information work seamlessly integrated. From the VSNEXPLORER Media Asset Management system to the VSNMULTICOM MCR solution, everything gets together with smooth synch and total control under VSNCREA TV.

Have a look at our How to fully optimize your channel’s MCR Automation webinar

Ask for a demo of our products here

www.vsn-tv.com VSN HEADQUARTERS EUROPE & AFRICA Parc Audiovisual de Catalunya Ctra. BV-1274 Km.1, 08225, Terrassa, Barcelona (Spain) Tel. (+34) 93 734 99 70 [email protected]

www.vsn-tv.com

Copyright © VSN Video Stream Networks S.L. 2015 All Rights Reserved. All the registered and non-registered trademarks and company names contained in this manual are property of their respective owners. No part of this document can be reproduced or translated without previous consent from VSN Video Stream Networks S.L. The information contained in this document has been provided by VSN Video Stream Networks S.L. and has been examined before printing. All functionalities described might change without notice and due to third party systems.