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Future proof, space saving design With a traditional playout solution, each channel can require multiple broadcast devices from multiple vendors. In contrast, iTX uses enterprise- grade IT servers to perform multi-format video playout, signal processing, video/audio mixing, multi-level graphics, metadata insertion, and Nielsen audience measurement. The result is a dramatic saving in space and power playout iTX automated IT-based requirements. The software-based iTX platform also offers much greater future-proofing, with the ability to take advantage of ongoing CPU/GPU developments in IT hardware.
Enterprise-level software and services As a critical business system, iTX offers full enterprise-class software functionality, with sophisticated upgrade management and version control. iTX also provides detailed system health monitoring, with optional continuous remote monitoring performed by Miranda. To fully support iTX installations worldwide, the company also offers a wide range of MirandaCare services for project management, training and 24/7 technical support.
Exceptional resilience and fast recovery The iTX system offers exceptional resilience, and fast playout chain recovery. With its enterprise-standard IT platform, wide-ranging capabilities are available for backup and redundancy of the hardware, operating system and database software. In addition to full system redundancy, each Output Server acts as a content cache, dramatically reducing dependence on the LAN for play-to-air. An iTX Output Server will continue to run even if it is cut off from the rest of the network. In the unlikely event of a crash or power failure, an iTX channel will auto-start much more quickly and effectively than a traditional playout chain.
Uncompromised playout performance iTX offers uncompromised playout performance, ideally suited to the requirements of primetime television channels. The system delivers superb picture quality due to the reduced number of broadcast devices in the chain, combined with native YUV signal processing. It also offers highly flexible audio management, and the multi-level graphics capabilities needed for effective channel branding and audience retention.
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www.miranda.com/iTX iTX IT-based automated playout › › › › › › Reliability Reduced BENEFITS AND FEATURES KEY operators. wide-rangingTV paybenefitsand broadcasters to technology, enterprise-classadvancedsoftware thishardwareandandansolutionbrings is builtserver standardITiTX on iTX: › › › › › › makes off-site disaster recovery facilities cost-effective more makes disaster off-site recovery IT-bas rebooting for aneed or loss, apower in of the event and afaster recovery provides High o level r system hardwareCommodity simplifies overallautomation control, and increases diagnostics in-depth solution with centric and reporting status Indust single server IT branding, and metadata audience insertion, measurement all a by provided integrated design, traditional with playout, signal master processing, control, Signifi R IT hardw IT educed capital expenditure and lower cost of ownership of capital througheduced and cost commodity expenditure lower ry-standard IT servers offer an easy-to-maintain and cost-effective IT- an easy-to-maintain offer and cost-effective servers IT ry-standard ed architecture simplifies architecture redundanted of the development systems, and cantly reduced rack space andcantly requirements reduced due tohighly power
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scalab ility Comparing IT-based and traditional playout The traditional transmission chain consists of a series of proprietary hardware devices from multiple vendors, each modifying the signal prior to transmission. Each of these broadcast devices is typically controlled by the automation via its native protocol, using serial or Ethernet connections. This multiple device control is responsible for the majority of problems with automation today, purely as a result of the number of devices, connections and protocols involved. In essence, the overall reliability is impacted by the high number of potential points of failure in a traditional system.
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IT-based architecture
In contrast, an iTX IT-based platform involves far fewer elements, and this iTX requires a small number of IT servers, along with IT-based storage promotes a higher level of overall reliability. With this system, the playout to hold recorded content. It requires a server for each channel, another server, signal processing, master control, branding, metadata insertion, to host the database and core services, and an IT disk array for content and audience measurement devices are all replaced by enterprise-grade storage. These servers are connected by a gigabit Ethernet LAN and software and standard IT servers and storage, with local area network controlled by one or more client workstations. This platform delivers all the connectivity. capabilities needed, in a scalable and inherently reliable system.
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www.miranda.com/iTX iTX IT-based automated playout Note: It is important to check the latest specifications with Miranda prior to purchasing servers for iTX systems iTX for purchasing to Miranda prior servers with specifications latest the check to is important It Note: › › › › › › › iTX Output Server: core video, audio and metadata processing functions processing metadata andaudio video, core Server: Output iTX System followingthespecifications: DL-360ProLiant6/7, HP thewith Generation is model specifiedcurrent The platform. server IT enterprise-grade an on based is Server Output iTX The iTX: › › › › › › › compon Hardw R quTwo (2) mai12GB 1U rack-mount chassis Two (2) 72/146GB SAS dual port drives dual port SAS 72/146GB Two (2) Dual pow Dual/Q AID 1redu AID
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1080p 23 1080p 1080i 29 1080i 720p 59 720p 720p 59 720p 480i 29 480i 1080i 25fps 1080i 720p 50fps 720p 576i 25fps . . . . 97fps . 94fps 94fps 98fps 98fps Software Metadata decode Metadata audio, video andaudio, video Multi format format Multi
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In the normal iTX transmission process, content required by the air schedule is copied to the Output Server cache, from where it is played to air. As content is played and no longer required by the schedule, the cached copy is automatically deleted, and more new content is copied to the cache. However, late-arriving content can be decoded and played by the iTX Output Server by streaming directly from the Content Store (NAS). Any live sources from satellite or studio are routed directly to the Output Server, and can be mixed and branded just like recorded content.
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Advanced pre-rendered & dynamic graphics The iTX Output Server can output the most advanced promotional and channel branding graphics, using either a pre-rendered After Effects workflow or a dynamic graphics workflow. The tight integration of the graphics preparation tools with the playout automation simplifies the preparation of schedule awareness graphics, and also allows late schedule changes to be fully addressed (see page 430). iTX IT-based automated playout iTX automated IT-based The iTX Output Server offers a wide mix of graphics options, ranging from an entry level logo generator to the most advanced graphics processing, using the iTXG option, which offers the same powerful rendering capabilities as the Vertigo XG graphics processor.
Emergency Alert System support For the North American market, EAS emergency alert graphics and audio messages are fully integrated, using the Trilithic EASyCAST™ system.
Stereoscopic 3D playout iTX supports the playout of Side-by-Side stereoscopic 3D content. It allows 2D and 3D content to be included in the same playlist, with 2D content automatically converted to Side-by-Side Stereoscopic 3D. The channel branding graphics can also be output as Side-by-Side Stereoscopic 3D, with variable Z-plane graphics depth control.
Metadata insertion The Output Server can insert a wide range of Metadata, including Closed Captioning and Subtitles, as well as Vchip information, AFD data and Dolby Metadata (AC-3 and Dolby E), including the Dialnorm and Line/RF Mode. Supports closed captioning (EIA608 / EIA708 with 608 to 708 upconversion, captions from SCC file), as well as OP47 subtitles, with subtitles from EBU .STL file.
Integral audience measurement The integration of Nielsen watermarking within iTX offers complete security in asset tracking and ratings compliance, without the need for additional dedicated hardware.
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iTX Edit Channel: off-line schedule playout iTX automated IT-based creation ›› The Edit Channel allows operators to create a new playout schedule, or edit an existing schedule, without affecting the on-air channel ›› It can also be used to check schedules that have been sent from traffic prior to them being loaded to the live channel
iTX Playout ›› iTX Playout leverages state-of-the art automation and intuitive drag- and-drop functionality ›› Simplifies transmission of one or multiple channels under the control of a single operator ›› Playout schedules can be created and edited on the same user interface ›› Plug-ins allow CGs, graphics, and vision/audio effects, as well as voiceovers and live events, to be applied and configured
www.miranda.com/iTX iTX IT-based automated playout protocols. network other or Services Web via interfaces messaging custom and files export systems’ traffic specialized “native” for meet support include to These provided requirements. be can interfaces exchange data Custom Exchange Data Custom iTX. to queries on-demand to response in systems external to returned be can Metadata be can logs As-run required. as frequently returned in real-time as each event airs, or as daily for each channel. andContent delivered time, be any at can iTX lists to purge and Metadata content updates, days, partial schedule or full for schedules Air messages. network XML-encoded as lists purge and Metadata, content logs, as-run schedules, air includes protocol BXF 2021 SMPTE the using exchange data Services-based Web WebServices Using day.a once iTX by returned channelare each for logs As-run required. as frequently as and time, any at iTX to delivered be can lists purge and XML- as lists purge and files. Airtext schedules fullfor encoded content days, Metadata partial or Metadata content logs, as-run schedules, air includes protocol BXF 2021 SMPTE the using exchange data File-based Protocol BXF 2021 SMPTE Using required. as frequently as and time,any at iTX to delivered be per 24-hour period for each channel. Content and Metadata wipe lists can air lists as text files. Air schedule includes and as-run logs are typically exchanged once Protocol Import iTX (channel) content logs, schedules, as-run (clip) and Metadata purge the (wipe) using exchange data File-Based Protocol Import iTX Using essentialscheduling exchange:datafourkeymethodsof are Theredata. program/contentand Using industry standard protocols, offers full iTX integration with third traffic party systems to provide effective exchange of iTX: integration with traffic Video and file-based ingest iTX provides components for a range of ingest workflows. These include scheduled and on-demand feed recording from satellite or live sources, manual encoding at the Desktop, unscheduled ad-hoc tape ingest, including batch recordings, support for digital file delivery and clip preparation for all modes of ingest. Basic acquisition components are included as standard, while advanced modes of ingest such as scheduled feed recording are available as add-on components.
Ad-hoc tape ingest and clip preparation
›› The iTX Desktop provides intuitive control of ad-hoc tape ingest and clip playout iTX automated IT-based preparation using a LAN connection ›› Desktop tools simplify the identification, timing and annotation of video clips acquired by all methods of acquisition ›› Desktop components include controls for the viewing and timing of recorded clips with frame-accurate in, out and segment markers, as well as the capture of clip Metadata, such as titles, descriptions and content types ›› Requested dubs are carried out as a background task, allowing additional dub requests and clip preparation work to continue in parallel ›› When used with the proxy sub-system, clip preparation can be performed using low-resolution proxy copies of content, allowing multiple workstations to access and prepare content
Scheduled and on-demand recording ›› iTX Ingest Manager is designed to support the demanding operational environments of news and sports Manual ingest ›› A highly-flexible feed ingest system that combines the management of scheduled and recurring satellite or live feeds with on-demand recording of feeds ›› Provides dynamic assignment of ingest services resources, along with the ability to carry out simultaneous recordings to multiple ingest servers ›› With a master recording schedule, multiple users can view resource allocation and have simultaneous access to record scheduling ›› A list view of all scheduled recordings is provided, as well as an active timeline view with color highlighting to indicate the status of each recording at a glance ›› Unique dual-timeline display shows the status and time allocation of both record sources and ingest jobs
Digital content file delivery ›› iTX Delivery Manager provides support for file-based delivery, including spot, program and news content delivery services such as Pathfire, DG FastChannel and PitchBlue ›› By communicating with the delivery services’ edge servers, Delivery Manager extracts pre-encoded digital content files and associated Metadata from content packages, and registers delivered content in the iTX database ›› Content selection from delivered packages can be filtered by site-specified Ingest manager rules, or by required content lists, provided by traffic or program management systems
www.miranda.com/iTX iTX IT-based automated playout › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › iTX Asset Segmentation Segmentation Asset iTX Search PinPoint Management Content iTX multipleacross trimlocations,andclips. Metadata, create/delete/rename addand database content the search to ability theinclude and iTX, withinintegratedfully capabilitiesare management Content iTX: › › › › › › › › › › › › › › › R Store the Content or butto A delete and view according totheir can type selected be assets the tool, PinPoint search With clip, take and up do not additional consequently disc space As ‘Save the media of locations Clip inf resolu and full proxies -both and content for tosearch preview operators Allows Segment b Segment Control Automat Space ga Single cl c Assets Superv Modific Adjust apid and clip easy segmentation tion ment of the clip inpoints, of ment out or name, transition video and audio level isors can manageisors residing the content the on servers ormation provided by a notes editor, anotes by ormation along provided information with about the led usingled Time Code values traditional specific or mark-in/mark-out ations can applied be tothe media parent directly the on database ic file name generation an be searched by Metadata by an searched be ip and batch operations deletion ’ feature allows sub-clips of ’ feature creation which tothe parent arepointers ed in the preview window ined the preview uge space showsthe amount remaining free of Store the on Content integrated content management oundaries visible areclearly n provides permanent deletion of content from the database from content permanent and/ of deletion n provides Search PinPoint iTX iTX
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Segmen Desktop tation Content archiving iTX offers fully featured support for Front Porch Digital’s DIVArchive via a plug-in module within the iTX Media Watcher. This allows iTX to use Front Porch Digital’s system for archiving, restoring and deletion. iTX IT-based automated playout iTX automated IT-based Archive functions Restoring functions iTX assets can be archived using DIVArchive whenever the iTX Media When new content is scheduled by iTX, the Media Watcher checks for the Watcher registers new assets via the Inbox. These include the following existence of the media. It first checks locally and, if the media is not found, asset types: the archive is checked. Once media is found in the archive, the item is ›› Video: MOV, MXF, MPG, MPEG, WMV, AVI, TS, XTL, GXF, SAF copied from the archive into iTX. On completion of the transfer, media is registered by iTX, and cached to the Output Server(s). ›› Audio: WAV, MP3, WMA ›› Graphic: JPG, JPEG, PNG, TIF, TIFF, SPG (processed .tzip) ›› Caption: CAP Delete function The archive pulls the files from the main iTX location. Media files are not Content from the archive can be deleted by the Media Watcher via an deleted upon archive completion. Archive Delete request. This deletes only the requested archive object and related files; the object is not modified on the iTX system.
Integration with Front Porch Digital’s DIVArchive
System administration clients Traffic system
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www.miranda.com/iTX iTX IT-based automated playout › › › › The highly flexible Channel Control user interface is the primary control layout, and consists of the followingcomponents: thekey of consists and layout, control primary the is interface user highly flexibleControl ChannelThe Flexible channel control versatilegraphics,offers vision/audio controlCGs, of mixing, liveand events.voice-overs and edited, and created be to schedulesplayout allows interface controlflexiblehighly functionality. Thedrag-and-drop intuitiveautomationand art state-of-the its withsingleoperator a channelsby more of one of controlstreamlinesthe iTX iTX: › › › › scheduled duration, and the next scheduled event with a countdown to its start scheduled duration, start toits scheduledacountdown with event and the next toshow events onlyand primary can compressed be such events and as logos, CGs voice-overs secondary the transmission tochoose Channel used channel Selector: Now-Ne :d View List Multi- iTX track Timeline: showsthe on-airtrack Timeline: and upcoming as well events, as
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Event time specification Every schedule item within iTX has a time mode which defines how the item will behave with respect to other items within the schedule. Time modes determine whether an item is treated as a primary (full screen) item or as a secondary (overlay) item. They range from Auto Events, which will play the next item immediately after the parent item finishes playing to air, to events triggered at an offset to the parent event. There are also manual triggers, which put an item on hold until “Take Next” is selected. playout iTX automated IT-based
Content Selector and Event Editor The various content type plug-ins reside inside the Content Selector, which is dynamic and changes the options available depending on the type of content being edited in the schedule. Each type of item in the playlist has a corresponding Event Editor. When an item in the schedule is selected, its properties are loaded into the Event Editor, and options are presented for customizing how it will be used in the active schedule.
Content controlled (manually or automated) by user interface
Video Clip: master control transitions and picture-in-picture (PIP) effects Live Events: these are performed by selecting a router source and via a 2D DVE can be applied to video clips. Other settings include aspect passing it through as the primary content. iTX includes an option for ratio and audio properties. recording a live event as it airs for later re-use.
Logos: a virtually unlimited number of logos can be keyed over any Sequences: a pre-defined series of events. For example, a complex primary video – live or from files. Varying key levels, audio effects, and news opening sequence, can be created in iTX, stored as a single event video transitions such as wipe, mix and slide can also be applied. sequence, and used on air whenever required.
Stills: full-screen images can be used as stand-alone primary video Schedules: a pre-defined series of events, for example, a complex content or as backgrounds for DVE moves and keyed graphics such as news opening sequence, can be created in iTX, stored as a single event logos and CGs. sequence, and used on air whenever required.
CGs: iTX includes an integrated character generator which includes Subtitles: iTX offers fully integrated support for both open and closed graphics, text, images, templates, and numerous other effects and subtitles. features.
Slide Show: complete sequences of music and still images can be Voice-overs: audio files can be used as secondary events with any created and played out as a single item of any length in the schedule. primary video content.
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Integration with iControl Playout Manager The iTX SNMP Service allows external systems, including Miranda’s iControl Playout Manager facility monitoring, to query and monitor the health of up to 100 iTX channels using SNMP. iControl Playout Manager integrates tightly with iTX, and the iControl GUI can present alarms from iTX, and provide automatic pop-ups of iTX health and media management playout iTX automated IT-based tools.
Miranda`s iControl Playout Manager facility monitoring integrates tightly with iTX
Remote health monitoring Enhanced levels of proactive, remote site monitoring are provided by the health monitoring service. This automatically gathers data from iTX log files and provides a series of system reports to the Miranda support offices, allowing potential problems to be identified before they have an on-air effect. An overall health score for a site can be generated, with any deviation from that normal score indicating a potential problem.
Remote health monitoring
Distribution control The system management console enables remote upgrading of system software, with a batch mode that allows multiple channels to be upgraded simultaneously. This makes it possible for an entire facility to be upgraded within minutes.
Distribution control
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KEY FEATURES AND BENEFITS Manual Control via Imagestore Master Control Panel Imagestore options ›› Supports the IMC-100, IMC-200 and IMC-300 master control panels ›› Optional 2D DVE, single or dual channel ›› Dedicated automation take, hold, cue and skip next ›› Optional Dolby encode and decode and upmix support ›› Access to logos and graphics ›› Optional EAS ›› Configurable transition rates mapped to fast, medium and slow pre-sets ›› Supports mix/fade/cut transition types as standard Graphics options › › Automation enable/disable and panel lock ›› On-board Imagestore support for logo insertion and basic branding ›› Optional Intuition XG for advanced branding under automation control Automated, automation assist or manual operation ›› Support for 3rd-party graphical devices via key / fill Input ›› Fully automated operation from iTX ›› Automation assist with dedicated controls on the panel As run logging › › Full manual control with as-run logging ›› All on air actions are logged in the as-run logs ›› User actions / button presses are also logged separately Multiple live inputs ›› Allows multiple live sources to be scheduled including live-to-live transitions ›› Supports transitions between live events ›› Preview output ›› Clean feed output
509 www.miranda.com/iTX
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Video iTX Control iTX IT-based automated playout iTX automated IT-based Oxtel Control
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ORDERING INFORMATION
iTX-MC-SDBundle-1 1+1 iTX, with Imagestore modular Im agestore options iTX-MC-SDBundle-2 1+1 iTX, with Imagestore 750 Dolby D iTX-MC-HDBundle-3 1+1 iTX, with Imagestore 750 Dolby E DVE The above options are available as channel only bundles for customers who already have an iTX Framework Re lated products Densité frame Pa nel choices XVP iMC-100 iMC-200 For advice on ordering an iTX solution or further information, please contact your Miranda iMC-300 office or local representative.
www.miranda.com/iTX