PlayBox Powers Six Channels at GMG
PlayBox Technology has delivered a complete multichannel playout system for six new television channels based in Tbilisi for the Global Media Group (GMG), the largest cable television broadcaster in Georgia. This turnkey project was managed by PlayBox Technology’s recently formed Broadcast Systems Group in partnership with the systems integrator Qualitron Systems, Finland. The complete system was delivered and in service on time within a short timescale.
The six new channels include two each for GMG Sports and GMG Movies and one each for a children’s channel and a TV Series channel. The six channels are in an N:M redundant playout configuration provided by six main AirBox Pro playout servers and two multi-channel redundant AirBox Pro backup servers.
The workflow is built around a file-based architecture and comprises a wide range of PlayBox Technology modules, all of which are managed by PlayBox Technology MAM. These include AirBox Pro playout and automation servers, with integrated TitleBox interactive on-air graphics and multichannel audio to allow multilingual broadcasting, SubtitleBox for subtitles, and SafeBox for workflow management – making sure the media files required by the playlists, composed using ListBox, are in the AirBox Pro servers well ahead of transmission time. The PlayBox MAM includes the 16-channel ingest servers that accept video from a range of sources including DVD, videotape, a commentary booth and external satellite feeds. All feeds are ingested at HD resolution although the playout is currently run at SD, but is fully upgradeable to HD.
The workflow also includes postproduction. This uses Final Cut Pro NLE stations with their output sent to the 100TB fibre-connected central NAS store, along with all other media files. The channels can make use of the ‘Live Input’ feature included on the AirBox servers. This allows the servers to simultaneously accept and output live video and audio while adding TitleBox graphics and switching to and from recorded footage, when required. The live feeds are also ingested for re-broadcast, with or without graphics, and the MAM system is used to add metadata to the content live, which is then accessible in the MAM Media Library.
The project was international with the Finnish company Qualitron Systems responsible for the overall systems integration. The PlayBox Technology Broadcast Systems Group managed the delivery of their systems, utilising the installation and training resources of both the UK and Bulgarian Sales and Support offices.
Scott Adams, BSG Manager commented, “This project was a great opportunity for us to prove how the new Broadcast Systems Group can work in partnership with our existing reseller network to conceive and deploy complex turnkey solutions on time and on budget.” He continues, “Working in partnership with Qualitron Systems we had a first rate systems integrator and galvanised the already strong working relationship to provide a first class result. This is exactly how we want to continue to collaborate and make sure we meet the customers’ requirements. Understanding the end-to-end workflow is paramount. Knowing that the PlayBox Technology Broadcast Systems Group is 100% involved in every stage of the project lifecycle gives greater confidence, both to the client and reseller.”