Media asset management software provider IPV has confirmed details of new growth capital that will enable it to further expand the global reach of its acclaimed MAM product, Curator. The £4m Series A round was led by SME-focused venture capital firm Mobeus Equity Partners, with additional ongoing finance secured from Calculus Capital.

Mark Fagan, IPV CEO said, “Multiple industries are rapidly expanding their use of video but are facing significant challenges during the content creation process. Curator makes it easy to remotely edit, collaborate and publish high quality video content – enabling customers to ensure consistency of messaging and sustained audience growth via digital, online and mobile platforms.”

This capital will enable IPV to deliver the benefits of Curator to an even wider audience, expanding into areas of digital marketing, customer experience and enterprise video management.

Globecast, the global solutions provider for media, has further strengthened its management team in Asia with the appointment of Tan See Chai as Head of Sales – Distribution.

Beginning at the start of January 2020 and based in Singapore, See Chai will report to Shakunt Malhotra, Globecast Asia MD. See Chai is responsible for sales of Globecast’s permanent distribution services to broadcasters, cable operators, news agencies, corporations as well as other relevant organisations across Asia and Asia-Pacific. This will include identifying and pursuing new business as well as maintaining and growing relationships with existing customers.

Malhotra said, “We are pleased to welcome Tan to this important role. He has huge experience across the satellite industry, in particular, and this will come to the fore in this multifaceted position. As well as liaising with new and existing customers, he will also work closely with our Singapore-based operations and engineering group – where one of our three global Media Centers is located – as well as liaising with key personnel in other Global Business Units located around the world.”

See Chai has over 25 years’ experience in the industry and was most recently Director of Sales with Telesat, a position he held for the past 30 months. In that role he was responsible for major satellite capacity sales across the Asia-Pacific region. Prior to that, he held a range of positions with Globecast, the last as Senior Director of Sales – Head of Occasional Services for Asia, a job he held for five years. He has also worked for Verestar and Echostar International, among others.

See Chai said, “I’m genuinely excited to be appointed to this important position with my extensive experience across the industry being recognised as being invaluable to the role. I already have extensive experience with the company and I look forward to helping Globecast attain further growth across its distribution business.”

Statistical Multiplexing (Statmux) is now available with AWS Elemental MediaLive, Statmux is a technology used in live broadcast workflows that allocates bits in real time among multiple live video channels. It instantaneously adjusts the bitrate of each channel in the statmux pool to make the best use of total available bandwidth and combines the encoded outputs into a single transport stream. This maximizes network efficiency by optimizing picture quality for a group of channels within a fixed total bandwidth.

Using AWS Elemental MediaLive with Statmux, customers can now deploy linear video processing and playout in the AWS Cloud for broadcast, cable, or terrestrial distribution.

Media companies, such as national broadcasters, originate live content and simultaneously share that content with their distribution partners. Traditionally, this has been accomplished by preparing channels for distribution using purpose-built, on-premises hardware encoders. These systems can take months to procure and configure, require extensive engineering to operate reliably, and cannot be repurposed once deployed. AWS Elemental MediaLive with Statmux lets broadcasters and content providers build and manage broadcast video workflows on fully managed AWS services and gain flexibility, reduce hardware and management costs, and deliver excellent picture quality with built-in reliability.

Key benefits of AWS Elemental MediaLive with Statmux include:

• Cloud flexibility—Add, remove, or update live channels based on evolving audience and business needs, easily introduce new codecs, prioritize resources on a per-channel basis, and take advantage of multiple codecs and resolutions.
• Built-in resiliency—Resources are automatically allocated across multiple availability zones for high availability and fully managed failover.
• High video quality—Statmux for MediaLive lets you maximize video quality while optimizing for fixed satellite or cable distribution bandwidth. And, you can tune quality settings on a per-channel basis without disruption to assure that the highest-priority channels maintain the highest quality.
• Operational efficiency—Build broadcast distribution workloads in minutes, without on-premises hardware, and deliver channels more efficiently over fixed network bandwidth.
• Monitoring and metrics—Integrated Amazon CloudWatch monitoring enables real-time views of video metrics and multiplexer performance.
• Unified headend—For content providers that distribute traditional broadcast video as well as multiscreen linear video, Statmux for MediaLive can deliver both through a single architecture. With the increasing importance of OTT delivery, having one system to manage all encoding can dramatically simplify operations.

Learn more about how customers are saving time, reducing overhead, maximizing low-cost cloud resources, and maintaining optimized picture quality with AWS Elemental MediaLive and Statmux here: https://aws.amazon.com/medialive/features/statmux.

Videon today announced compatibility with AWS Elemental MediaStore, enabling a cost-effective, low-latency solution. Videon customers can now use AWS Elemental MediaStore as a direct ingest from the EdgeCaster H.264/HEVC video encoding platform to support ultra-low latency workflows with outputs supporting both HLS and DASH using CMAF. AWS Elemental MediaStore's support of EdgeCaster's ingest protocols enables less than three-second worldwide latency to be achieved with standards-based, scalable, and cost-effective workflows.

"Live streaming should not come with a latency penalty as compared to traditional broadcast TV," said Todd Erdley, founder and CEO of Videon. "EdgeCaster's compatibility with AWS Elemental MediaStore is a strong step forward to making live streaming truly live —using standards-based, viewer-scalable, and cost-effective solutions. Compatibility with AWS Elemental MediaStore represents an important development in our relationship with Amazon Web Services. AWS Elemental offers crucial insight into how streams can be ingested into AWS Elemental MediaStore and how Videon can optimize our platform."

German post-production specialist OMNIMAGO GmbH, has chosenXytech’s MediaPulse resource management software as its go-to solution for its scheduling, billing and project management needs.

Recently released at IBC 2019, MediaPulse 2019 features an updated user interface developed to place targeted functionality in the hands of all users in an enterprise, including every staff member, freelancer and vendor to create a seamless end-to-end automated workflow accessible on any device connected to the internet.

Given the variety of projects OMNIMAGO takes on, it was integral the company found a solution to contain the whole process, from bidding to invoicing, within the same system.

“This ensures all of the necessary information is easily available to all of the people and departments involved,” said Peter Fries, OMNIMAGO’s managing director. “MediaPulse has proven itself as the ultimate tool to support us during the administration process on all of our technical projects.”

Currently holding 45 MediaPulse licenses, OMNIMAGO has been using MediaPulse for almost 20 years and selected the software for its best-in-class efficiency.

“It fulfills all of our scheduling, billing and project management requirements in the best possible way,” Fries said. “We took a number of other established ERP systems into consideration, but nothing compared to the efficiency of MediaPulse.

Channel 5, based in St. Petersburg, Russia, has dramatically rationalised its core technology by updating to a Platinum™IP3 router from Imagine Communications for its MCR and playout. The remarkable design of the Platinum IP3 incorporates much of the video and audio infrastructure, eliminating a large number of outboard devices from multiple vendors, simplifying cabling and reducing power consumption, as well as making workflows more coherent and transparent.

Channel 5 was already using an Imagine Platinum router, but continually increasing operational demands called for more inputs and outputs. Channel 5 took the opportunity to rationalise its infrastructure by bringing much more functionality into the new, expanded router, eliminating the need for external third-party devices.

“We knew that the newest models of Platinum router, like the IP3, can host a huge amount of functionality within the frame, making system architecture much more logical,” said Sergei Volhin, technical director of Channel 5. “It meant we could do away with a lot of other equipment, making the installation neater and easier to understand. The new Platinum IP3 reduces the cost and complexity, maximises on-air security, and gives us the capability to quickly set up workflows and expand the I/O as our needs develop.”

The new 28RU Platinum IP3 router was specified, configured and installed by Imagine’s channel partner, MediaProject. The IP3 is highly scalable, and in its initial implementation, it provides for 576 x 1024 video I/O in SD and HD, with fully redundant routing and both copper and fibre interfaces. The router also supports 64 TDM audio slots, each carrying up to 128 audio channels.

As well as the highly resilient switching, the Platinum IP3 also offers video and audio processing which in other systems would require large numbers of third-party devices — each consuming power, cooling and rack space. At Channel 5, all the multiviewer displays in the playout and master control area are driven by router-integrated Platinum SX Pro multiviewer cards — enabling a real saving in outboard processors and ensuring faster and more secure operation. The router also integrates audio embedding and de-embedding with full level control and channel shuffling and extensive video processing.

“Every broadcaster wants a core infrastructure that is going to be absolutely secure and resilient, but is also compact, convenient and clear,” said Mathias Eckert, SVP & GM EMEA/APAC, Playout & Networking, at Imagine Communications. “The fundamental design of the Platinum IP3 router allows us to configure very complex signal management, processing and monitoring in the same device, so a single command can fire multiple actions without the need to set each parameter. That makes for very secure operations, even in complex workflows.

“The result is that — as Channel 5 identified — the Platinum IP3 is a complete solution, and one which reduces cost while enhancing resilience,” Eckert added. “And, when the time comes, it can be expanded to encompass IP switching alongside SDI and digital audio, providing long-term security.”

The router project was installed and commissioned by MediaProject during summer 2019.

For more information about Imagine Communications’ products and solutions, please visit https://www.imaginecommunications.com.

Tedial, the leading independent MAM technology solutions specialist, has announced that it has certified Ebantic, a provider of solutions for the integrated management of audiovisual content, as Advanced Developer of its flexible and configurable Evolution MAM platform. Using Tedial’s Integration API, third-parties can develop tailored solutions and services for customers via the Tedial Evolution MAM platform, further highlighting the scalability and flexibility of the solution.

Tedial and Ebantic are currently working together on two important projects in the Spanish market. These projects include the management and distribution of content for FOX Network Group and the content and sales management platform of The Mediapro Studio.

Both projects have demanding integration requirements that have led Tedial, with the support of Ebantic, to further develop its Integration API for its content and management Evolution solution. As a result, Tedial has granted an Advanced Developer certification to Ebantic, in recognition of the company's in-depth knowledge of the Evolution integration layer. This enables broadcasters to expand their solutions using Ebantic’s services.

Mongolian broadcaster TV8 Television has expanded the PlayBox Neo playout system at its headquarters in the national capital, Ulaanbaatar. This latest project includes upgrading the existing system to latest-generation Neo-19 software.

"PlayBox Neo provides highly reliable solutions which our staff have used for many years and find very easy to work with," comments TV8 Technical Consultant, Buriad Ganbat. "Especially important is the ability to insert live content or newly-created interstitials between prescheduled programs when an important news story breaks while we are on air. The user interface provides the information needed for each step of the creative process and alerts the operator ahead of transmission if a significant element still requires attention. PlayBox Neo also gives us the ability to advance into UHD transmission if required at any time in the future."

"Our Neo-19 series software includes all the refinements needed to allow full integration with the operating procedure at TV8 Television," details Iulian Ionescu, Regional Sales Director, PlayBox Neo Asia Pacific. "Every step of the workflow from ingest, playlist preparation and graphics creation right through to transmission can be handled quickly and easily with any desired level of automation."

www.playboxneo.com

 LTN® Global, the global leader in broadcast-quality IP video transport solutions, today announced that Eric Zornes has been appointed director of operations for its Niles Media division, which specializes in media content creation and TV remote production. Zornes will lead the highly skilled Niles Media production staff in all aspects of production, from the onboarding of new clients and events to postproduction review.

"At Niles Media, we take great pride in making the creation of live content for live events simpler, more cost-effective, and easier to scale. Eric's industry experience and deep knowledge will be essential as Niles Media continues to deliver innovation and excellent customer support to our partners, whether they are focused on sports, esports, corporate, entertainment, or long-duration events," said Neil Harwell, general manager of Niles Media, a division of LTN Global.

Zornes has been a part of the Niles Media team for more than eight years as a freelance videographer. Most recently, he served as a staff technical manager and logistics coordinator for the company.

Further information about LTN Global is available at www.ltnglobal.com.

GB Labs, innovators of powerful and intelligent storage solutions for media and entertainment workflows, today announced that the Office of Communications and Brand Management at Eastern Kentucky University, Richmond, KY, has purchased GB Labs’ FastNAS F-16 Nitro media storage system.

The office provides a wide range of services for the university, including communication strategies for projects that track with the university’s strategic direction and institutional priorities. Among those services are brand identity; public relations; web services; video production; social media; advertising; graphic design; news and promotions.

Amazon Web Services, Inc. (AWS), an Amazon.com company, today announced that Network 10, one of Australia’s largest television networks, has selected AWS Media Services to support its video transport structure for remote production in South Africa for its upcoming season of the reality TV series I’m a Celebrity… Get Me Out of Here, and to enhance the streaming delivery for live-streamed sports and Network 10 shows, including The Bachelor, Australian Survivor, and MasterChef Australia.

Network 10 is one of the first companies in Australia to use AWS Elemental MediaConnect, a cloud video transfer service, which provides secure and reliable delivery of live video content. The technology enabled Network 10 to transport video from Kruger National Park in South Africa to its Sydney-based production studio for I’m a Celebrity…Get Me Out of Here during the 2019 season, and will be used again in the upcoming seventh season.

Using a combination of AWS Elemental MediaConnect and AWS Advanced APN Technology Partner, Aspera’s High Speed Transfer Service, Network 10 reduced its production turn around window from overnight to less than two hours, and in some cases, only a few minutes.

PlayBox Neo reports a well-supported and highly successful Broadcast Technology Event, held in Lagos, Nigeria, November 4th-6th. Organised by UK-based Medialogy, it attracted representatives from many of Nigeria's broadcast channels.

Working in partnership with UK based broadcast system integrator Megahertz Ltd, Custom Consoles has completed a new production gallery desk, engineering control desk and a MediaWall monitor display for the Royal Opera House in London's Covent Garden. The project forms part of an extensive UHD/HDR upgrade to the facilities used by the ROH to relay performances of over 12 events each season for live viewing by cinema audiences in Europe and for distribution to other venues around the world. The ROH also live streams frequently from the main house, Linbury theatre and other studios in the building.

mediaClass announces Broadcast-Pro, a new version of its end-to-end IPTV/OTT multiscreen platform. Broadcast-Pro is designed for broadcasters and content owners who are looking to launch an independent TV-everywhere service for their customers.

Rajamangala University of Technology (RMUT) in Thailand has chosen a Neo-19 series Channel-in-a-Box playout system as the heart of a new online TV channel. Operated by staff and students of the university's Mass Communication Technology faculty, the channel will form a basis for training in the techniques of broadcast television content production and distribution.