ViewSat Expands with PlayBox
PlayBox Technology has supplied two playout channels to ViewSat, a leading provider of global broadcast and transmission services for television and radio channels. This brings the total of PlayBox Technology channels operating at ViewSat to 25 and continues a long relationship between the two companies.
The latest two playout channels each include an AirBox playout server and TitleBox interactive on-air graphics – the same configuration as most of the previous channels already in operation at ViewSat. Over the last 18 months, the continuing expansion at the satellite transmission service provider has meant that one or two more PlayBox Technology playout servers have been delivered every six-to-eight weeks.
ViewSat started working with PlayBox Technology when its operations began in 2006 and, according to ViewSat CEO, Awaes Jaswal, is now “broadcasting 85 channels and still growing.” Jaswal continues, “We have been using PlayBox because of its reasonable price and the good delivery times. The channel-in-a-box facility is important as it wraps everything we need, automated playout with interactive CG and graphics, into one.”
Jaswal highlights more reasons behind the choice for PlayBox Technology. “The user interface is important. It is straightforward and a lot of our customers are used to it, especially those in the Middle East, which makes training much easier. In addition the delivery is very good. We can get another server from PlayBox in two weeks, or even one sometimes.”
Ben Gunkel, UK Sales Director, PlayBox Technology, comments, “We are delighted and very grateful to have this long-term business with ViewSat. Over the years we have come to know each other very well and the fact that they keep buying the same server configuration means we always know exactly what they want. That helps us to make quick deliveries.”
The range of capabilities is put to good use, as Jaswal points out. “Our customers use a variety of content mixes – including SMS call bars as well as advertising and the normal programme playout. And sometimes there are live feeds. So there’s quite a bit of variety and there’s also a variety of people that work on the ‘box’.”