There are several models for Central Casting that can be supported with AVECO automation.

Totally Centralized

A centralized hub develops all playlists and assembles all media for playout that is then distributed to spoke stations for on-air broadcasting. The centralized hub functions as a multiple channel station that feeds media ready for broadcast to outlying stations that put the signal on-air. Some of the content at the hub is shared among all outlying stations while other portions of the hub's media is specific to each remote station. For implementing this centralized model, our products offer multichannel broadcasting capabilities with the ability to synchronize media playout from multiple playlists and simultaneously broadcast from one source to many. Automation synchronization with GPS receivers or the station's masterclock and time managers on each playout channel allow our systems to account for time delays in transporting streaming media from the hub to the spoke stations.

Centralized Media with Localized Playlist and Control

Here, a central hub is used to manage media while outlying stations develop playlists and remotely control playout from the hub. The hub provides a broadcast ready media stream to the spoke stations that put the signal on air. Our systems can do this because, in addition to the capabilities that make AVECO systems suitable for a totally centralized operation, we can control devices frame-accurately over WAN networks that introduce uncertain transmission delays. We can also implement the mirror image of this configuration and centralized playlists and control while keeping the media handling capability at each spoke station.

Cooperating Sites

Here the ability to develop playlists and work with media is maintained at each location. AVECO systems, with network transparency, connectivity over WAN/Internet using TCP/IP and comprehensive media management, can automatically coordinate two or more different locations as if they were one multiple channel operation working in one building. For the same reasons stated earlier, each individual location can become the central hub for the others. Systems and resources can be shared among facilities. For example, one location can yield control of router outputs to the sister station that is using them. Or, one area can delegate control of its equipment to another. From the automation's point of view, moving clips among locations is no different than moving then among devices in one room except that the transfer takes longer. Also, AVECO's support of live team work extends to teams working from different locations so distance is no reason for a group's stations not to work together.

Hybrid Configurations

Variations off all kinds are possible with AVECO automation. Perhaps you would like to keep the news team on location while all other departments move to the central hub. Or, you want local ad insertion to take place at the spoke stations. No problem. Let us know what you need and we will configure your AVECO system to do it.

Additional comments on central casting

The full functionality of AVECO automation is available in central casting configurations as it is for a single location system.

Database configurations: If the automation system is set-up as one system in a totally centralized configuration, one database will manage the entire operation regardless of the number or servers or TV channels. When automation systems at separate locations cooperate, each site will have its own database. These databases will work with each other to find and track media and corresponding metadata. When hybrid models are implemented, multiple databases can be coordinated or one centralized database can serve the entire system depending on specific requirements. A full database mirroring option is available wherever a database is present.

Playlist discussion: Playlist managers run on PC automation servers, and playlist browsers run on disk-less PC terminals. Depending on the complexity of each broadcast channel, one PC automation server can host up to 6 channels and their corresponding playlist managers. The maximum number of channels for a multiple-server automation system is unlimited since servers can be added to the system to to increase capacity. One client terminal can have access to all playlists on the system as long as access rights are granted. However, the number of playlists browsers that can be displayed simultaneously per PC terminal is limited by the screen space available at the client. For channels that require heavy operator intervention, like channels broadcasting live events or programming that requires many last minute changes, one or more terminals per playlist are recommended. If there are a number of channels playing on full automatic mode so they can all be managed by a single person, then the question is many playlist browsers can be concurrently displayed on single PC. We recommend from six to a maximum of ten. The internal diagnostic subsystem for each channel will alert the operator of any need to take action, therefore, direct viewing of all playlists is not necessary to ensure smooth playout of multiple channels.