VDS DiReCT passes 100 Channel Mark!
Posted by Larry Mincer on Wed, Jun 20, 2012 @ 03:59 PM
In an earlier post, we explained all the challenges of Automating Asset Management of Broadcast Branding Graphics. This post also showed how the VDS DiReCT system can overcome those challenges and greatly streamline your multichannel operations.
We are happy to tell you that the DiReCT system at the Discovery Communications US and Europe facilities is now managing the transfers of graphics and audio assets for more than 100 channels of content playout.
Pretty cool software . . 
Each channel of DiReCT manages from one to four edge branding devices per channel which also play out audio files. In total, the edge branding devices that are under the control of DiReCT at Discovery now total over 200. With expected video and audio asset transfers at as many as 3000 per hour, automated transfers via DiReCT is a true game changer.
DiReCT monitors the automation playlist in advance to determine the schedule of utilization for each of the asset elements that have been ingested into the system. Based on the playlist, DiReCT transfers those digital assets to the edge branding devices and verifies that the correct assets are on the correct devices so that automated playout can occur.
DiReCT also continuously manages disk space utilization on edge devices, as well as on the graphics storage server, according to facility-defined metadata and usage statistics.
DiReCT automatically assigns metadata such as ingest date/time, file size and usage statistics to the digital assets and allows facility operators to assign additional metadata such as expiry date/time, description, and user-defined status (permanent, temporary, media needed, etc).
Operators may define metadata fields at will, for a completely extensible system that may be used for order fulfillment, statistical analysis, and automated management.
The DiReCT system provides multi-channel facilities like Discovery’s with the ability to manage digital assets with much greater accuracy, efficiency, and frequency. The system is easily integrated into existing equipment and currently interfaces to Harris ADC and Omnibus Colossus automation systems as well as a wide range of broadcast graphics devices.
If you'd like to learn more about DiReCT, what automation systems and graphics devices it currently supports, just let us know.
We'll be happy to help!