The automation controls all processes related to recording to the videoservers, VTRs and low resolution video servers both automatically and manually.

Unique identifier management

To make sure the recorded media are identified uniquely within the whole facility or even across the facilities is a crucial point.

The automation has the ability to generate unique identifier upon requests with full respect to all limiting factors such as control protocol restrictions. When the users want to write the identifier manually, there is still the check which makes sure the identifier is unique.

Metadata management

Prior to recording or during the recording there is the possibility to describe the recorded clip. The metadata is then stored in the database. Please read more about this here.

The metadata can be filled up manually in the form, copied and pasted from the playlist, generated automatically, or combination of all.

Simultaneous recording

The automation is able to record to multiple recorders at the same time. For example the record can proceed on the videoserver, VTR and low resolution server simultaneously, which results in the original record on the videoserver, archive record on tape and the low res copy for browsing.

Manual record

This is the simplest and most straightforward way to record media. Just the record application is started in the GUI which controls the recorder, let's the user select the source, fill up the metadata form and start the record.

The sources can be either controllable ( such as VTRs, other videoservers for capture via SDI, nonlinear editing systems in VTR emulation mode), live signals or networked storages. If the source can be controlled, then the in and out points are found and the recording is frame accurate.

Record scheduling

The record scheduling module stores and processes all the requests for recording from the live sources. The scheduler recognizes the regular requests which repeat every day, every week, every month, every workday, every Monday etc. Besides them there is the possibility to insert record request manually. The recording of the requested item is processed automatically or can be triggered and or stopped manually.

Record for replay

Any event in the playlist can be marked for record. When the event gets on air, the record starts and when it gets off air record stops. The replay of such an event then proceeds from the recorded copy.

This feature is mostly used for the live shows.

Cart cache

This feature is used when there is the cart machine. The playlist is checked by the control system for those events located on tapes which fit the caching criteria. The selected events are recorded to the videoserver for later playout. Manual selection for caching is also supported.

When the event is cached, the event description in the playlist is changed to the videoserver copy.

The events within the incoming playlist which are cached already are recognized and played out from the videoserver.

The criteria for caching can be based on the duration of the event or it's characteristics (all jingles, all commercials, etc).

Manual cache

Similar feature to the cart cache, but instead of having the robotic arm moving the tape there is the arm of the operator.

Generally

When a playlist is received or a new event is added to the playlist, AVECO automation looks for the corresponding content. The system will look in all media storage systems it controls, including systems in other cooperating facilities connected with AVECO's automation. If the clip is not found then the system knows the material needs to be ingested.

When ingest is required, content capture can be fully automated to control all devices involved and to implement complex recording sequences from satellites, microwave feeds, tapes and other sources, all accessed via LAN or WAN configurations of the media network. Scheduling sequences accommodate everything from complex and changing jobs to simple and recurring tasks. For example, the live 5 o'clock news can be automatically recorded and set for re-broadcast at 7. A network feed from one time zone can be recorded and set for broadcast in a different time zone. Ingest can be triggered by time, video code or any other criteria to identify the correct media. Special requirements you have for media ingest can be configured into your AVECO automation system and controlled automatically.

Once clips are ingested or found within the system, they are moved through the station or among cooperating sites as required by the workflow. AVECO automation can simultaneously record a single ingest source to multiple devices such as the playout videoserver, the low-res browser, and a tape back-up. The automation system keeps the media network transparent, by coordinates media conversion to and from native, production, distribution and playout standards and compression ratios. The system also coordinates transcoding to allow media transfer between videoservers from different manufacturers. All media transfers can take place in real-time or faster than real-time depending on the capability of your station's equipment. Media transfer status is clearly displayed. You can save time by reviewing as you dub since concurrent recording and playout of the same clip is supported. Let us know what your workflow requires, chances are we can configure the system to your needs.

Operators are notified of missing media that cannot be located. To help, AVECO automation keeps a historical record of all clips handled by the system. When the playlist calls for a clip that has been seen by automation system before, but not currently available to the system, AVECO automation will notify the operator of the clip's history and source. For example, if the clip's source was a tape, the automation system will notify the operator of the tape's ID and the clip's cueing position.