Malden Access TV upgrades with PlayBox Channel in a Box
London, UK, 23/06/21 – PlayBox Technology UK, the leading channel in a box provider for media companies worldwide, has implemented an integrated playout system for Malden Access TV, based in Malden, Massachusetts. The system replaces life-expired technology at the service provider.
Malden Access TV is a commercial and open access provider, with a wide-ranging schedule from music and entertainment to news and public information. It is one of the offerings of Urban Media Arts, the non-profit organisation that provides media and other resources for the community.
The broadcaster is largely staffed by volunteers, and it needed a playout platform which would deliver to the highest professional standards while being intuitive and reliable in operation. Systems integrator Finer Associates implemented the PlayBox technology for them.
“PlayBox channel-in-a-box software, running on commodity hardware, is the perfect choice for this sort of user,” said Steve Finer of Finer Associates. “It provides the high level of automation they need, allowing for unattended operation for parts of the day, while giving users direct interaction when they need it, for example around the live community debates which are an essential part of the station’s output.”
With more than 15 years’ experience in developing comprehensive playout solutions, PlayBox has now developed a highly advanced playout engine, capable of serving multiple outputs and operating in an SDI, IP or hybrid environment, at resolutions up to 4k Ultra HD. It provides a fully redundant playout service, including the control of third party equipment such as routers and master control switchers.
The software includes scheduling as well as sophisticated automation for playout control. Graphics can be created within the Channel in a Box environment, via a simple, clean and engaging HTML5 user interface. Integrated SRT and FTP applications allow seamless automated content ingest, and playout is to SDI or to IP streams.
“This is a great example of the flexibility of our core integrated playout platform,” said Phillip Neighbour, COO at PlayBox Technology UK. “The same facilities that major broadcasters around the world rely upon are here available to a community resource. Using PlayBox, they can engage with their audience without compromise, while comfortably staying within the confines of their budget.”