The Orlando Magic Scores with Telestream HD Transcoding

Posted by Derrick on May 16, 2010 under Video Streaming and Compression | Be the First to Comment

Telestream, a leading provider of digital media tools and workflow solutions, announced that Orlando Magic Broadcasting has successfully deployed its FlipFactory video transcoding automation product for fast, efficient HD file format conversion and delivery of game-action highlights and pre-produced features for the National Basketball Association (NBA) team. Orlando Magic Broadcasting is the in-house video and audio production department for the Orlando Magic professional basketball team.

“Game action highlights are the bricks we use to build anything we need,” said Rick Price, Assistant Director of Broadcast Technology and Services for Orlando Magic. “We looked at other video transcoding solutions and found that Telestream was the only one that could decode and encode the proprietary EVS format. FlipFactory provides a cost-effective solution, fast transcoding speed, and tremendous workflow improvement.”

Prior to Telestream, camera shots and non-game actions were captured in HD via the OB truck. However, the Orlando Magic were unable to convert important game action highlights from their EVS slow motion, instant replay system into HD-compatible files for editing on Final Cut Pro systems. This kept them from being able to deliver HD content for game telecasts.

Since deploying Telestream’s FlipFactory video transcoder, over seven Terabytes of HD game highlights were transcoded during the 2008/2009 season alone. Price said that while he chose FlipFactory for game highlight conversions, he’s found that he can use it to do a lot more, including transcoding back to EVS HD, Flash for the web, H.264 for proxies, and Windows Media for review and approvals.

“We’re pleased that the Orlando Magic chose FlipFactory as the important final link in delivering superior-quality, all-HD broadcasts to its viewers,” said Barbara DeHart, VP of Marketing at Telestream. “One of FlipFactory’s strengths is the depth and breadth of formats and systems it supports, including the EVS system for sports broadcasters.”

FlipFactory provides a cost-effective alternative to buying and maintaining an expensive HD tape deck to record HD game highlights. It also eliminates the extra steps involved in handling and laying video off to tape. According to Price, “For the cost of the FlipFactory software and a server, we now have an all-HD workflow.”

Telestream FlipFactory video transcoding automation software offers more video and audio formats and third-party system support than any other file format conversion solution on the market. Used by thousands of the world’s most demanding media and entertainment companies, FlipFactory provides direct media and metadata integration and file exchange between all major professional systems.

FlipFactory is sold through a worldwide network of direct sales and resale channels. More information is available at www.telestream.net

Studio Hamburg MCI Selects Telestream for Tapeless Workflows

Posted by Derrick on September 9, 2009 under Video Streaming and Compression | Be the First to Comment

Telestream announced that Studio Hamburg Media Consult International (MCI) selected its Pipeline and Episode products for a major tapeless IT workflow project that was recently completed for Studio Berlin Adlershof (SBA), the new technical operator of TV.Berlin and Hamburg 1 in Germany. Telestream’s Pipeline Quad network video capture system and Episode Engine Pro transcoding server software provide the speed, quality and automation needed for time-critical news workflows at these facilities.

Telestream products play an important role in tapeless workflows,” said Martin Brosthaus, Product Manager at Studio Hamburg MCI. “Pipeline Quad allows edit while ingest which speeds the video capture process. Episode Engine Pro provides broad support for all required formats and delivery of high-quality output at incredible speeds.”

Installation was completed at new premises for TV.Berlin which began operation in May 2009. Hamburg 1 underwent a complete facility redesign which went live in July. The tapeless IT workflows at both facilities are virtually identical, incorporating an Apple XSAN production environment and a high degree of automation.

“Studio Hamburg is one of the largest TV and film production facilities in Europe. We are pleased that Episode and Pipeline were chosen to play such a key role in this state-of-the art tapeless workflow,” said Barbara DeHart, VP of Marketing at Telestream. “These products are ideally suited to provide the speed, quality and level of automation required for this project.”

The central component for ingest is Telestream’s Pipeline Quad four-channel network video capture system which is automatically controlled by various ingest workstations via standard LAN technology. Pipeline control software provides scheduled recording or crash recording of live sources as well as log and capture from tape sources. A key Pipeline advantage is that all four channels can be accessed from any computer on the network. The ability to record open QuickTime files is an important feature, allowing edit while ingest for time-critical workflows.

Episode Engine transcoding also plays an important role in these tapeless workflows for editing in different formats and providing the required DV format for the playout servers. Raw material and reports are transcoded on a largely automated basis with the help of Episode presets and watch folders. A low resolution browse copy is created in parallel for the editorial system. Episode provides a variety of input interfaces such as file monitors, FTP monitors and watch folders which allow easy integration in mixed Windows and Apple network environments.

According to Brosthaus, “Episode Engine and powerful Apple hardware provide a cost-effective and easy-to-operate solution for professional transcoding workflows in time-critical news environments like TV.Berlin and Hamburg 1.”

Max Below, Head of Studio Hamburg MCI Product, adds “Modern components which can save
resources, such as the network-based Pipeline and Episode Engine, make completely new methods of automation possible.”

Pipeline and Episode Engine are being demonstrated at the International Broadcasters Convention (IBC) in Amsterdam September 11-15, 2009 in Telestream Stand 7.C19.