Day: Apr 19, 2019

Wilmington Community TV Streamlines Productions with BPswitch GX Integrated Production Switcher

Posted on by contentntek in News, Production & Post Production

The system was installed earlier this month in an effort to simplify productions for WCTV personnel and volunteer crews.

Adam Dusenberry, operations manager for WCTV, said the new install allowed a general “decluttering” of extra gear from the control room, including playback decks and an external CG. “Having one console to do graphics and video roll-ins makes it a whole lot more streamlined and easier to do in our environment,” he said.

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Wilmington Community Television purchased a Broadcast Pix BPswitch GX integrated production switcher to simplify productions.

All roll-ins and opens are stored in the BPswitch using its Watch-Folders media management system. Dusenberry said all shows have a dedicated folder; producers upload their assets from an NLE using the integrated BPNet™ cloud-based video workflow service. “The goal is to make it as easy and streamlined for our producers as possible,” he added.

Graphics are produced with the built-in NewBlueNTX multi-layer 3D motion graphics CG, which has improved the on-air look and saves at least one producer from adding specialized closing credits in post. WCTV also uses the integrated BPview™ customizable multi-view, which feeds four monitors in the control room, including two main monitors on the wall and two smaller monitors in the production console dedicated to graphics and the technical director.

The new BPswitch replaced a Blackmagic Design ATEM switcher. “We’d been pushing the envelope on production quality and outgrowing the capabilities of the ATEM,” Dusenberry explained. “We wanted to add more, but we also wanted it to be user friendly. The BPswitch fit what we were looking for – there’s an improvement both in usability and how our programs look to our viewers.”

WCTV offers hyperlocal coverage of events, government meetings, and education programs. The station operates three cable channels that are distributed through Comcast and Verizon, well as a website with live streaming and video-on-demand. WCTV maintains an active production schedule in its three-camera HD studio, with a handful of series as well instructional workshops for its active youth program, promotional videos for local organizations, and other shows.

“I will push a piece of gear to its limits,” Dusenberry said. “I always want to try and push for the production values that will make our programs look similar to the major networks. The BPswitch really makes that easy to do.”

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TVU Networks and South Korea’s KT Corp. Partner in World’s First 5G UHD Broadcast Network

Posted on by contentntek in Broadcast & Playout, News, Satellite & Transmissions

TVU Networks announced a partnership with KT Corp., the largest telecom company in South Korea, to bring UHD broadcast over KT’s 5G enterprise network. Under terms of the agreement, KT and TVU Networks will work collaboratively to establish an enterprise 5G network and related broadcast capabilities in Korea.

KT, formerly known as Korea Telecom, showcased the world’s first trial 5G services during the PyeongChang Winter Olympic Games in February 2018. KT also broadcast live the last concert of K-pop group Wanna One on its IPTV service, Olleh TV, earlier this year. The broadcast was delivered through set-top boxes and mobile devices using the 5G network. KT is expected to launch the network’s full-scale commercialization in April.

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This recent partnership marks a major step in TVU Networks’ continued commitment to 5G technology. The company has been at the forefront of 5G from the very beginning, with its transmitter product line supporting 5G. TVU Networks continuously collaborates with regional providers around the world in their 5G deployment efforts, looking to implement that technology within its video over IP solutions.

“We’re thrilled to be part of such a pioneering effort that reflects our own continued commitment to the power and possibility of 5G,” said Paul Shen, CEO, TVU Networks. “Video is now what most people watch on their smart phones, but to take the quality of services offered and accessibility of video to the next level requires the low latency, high speed, and ultra-connectivity that 5G provides. The backbone of the 5G network pairs perfectly with our ability to acquire, manage and deliver the ultimate 4K video over IP.”

TVU Networks will work closely with KT to provide 4K UHD broadcast technology and services that meet KT’s 5G device standards. KT will provide technical support such as device standards and a testing environment.

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Seoul Broadcasting System (SBS), one of Korea’s three major broadcasting companies, is working with KT to develop the broadcast capabilities of this new 5G network. SBS is a customer of TVU Networks and introduced TVU Networks’ capabilities to KT. Assisting SBS in these efforts is TVU Network’s Seoul-based reseller iCRAFT.

“We’re clear that 5G networks will be critical as we provide our customers with the optimal mobile video experience,” said Park Hyun-Jin, Senior Vice President of KT’s 5G Business Unit.  “The data capacity, speed and low latency in the network will enable innovations unlike anything we’ve seen before. We know that TVU Networks is the ideal partner to take this next step in our company’s evolution. And we’re positive our customers will agree.”

TVU Networks has over 2,500 customers in more than 85 countries. The TVU Networks family of IP transmission and live production solutions gives broadcasters and organizations a powerful and reliable workflow to distribute live video content to broadcast, online and mobile platforms. TVU has become a critical part of the operations of many major media companies. The TVU Networks suite of solutions has been used to acquire, transmit, produce, manage and distribute professional-quality live IP HD footage as an integral part of news, sports and major global events.

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