Pharos debuts Mediator 4 version 1 content management and workflow at Broadcast Asia 2009 (7H2-09)
Asian language support, browser based user interface and Event Templates help multichannel broadcasters to improve efficiency
Singapore - 28th May, 2009 - Pharos, leading media management, workflow and automation solution provider, announces it will debut the latest version of its Pharos Mediator content management platform at Broadcast Asia 2009 in Singapore from June 16 - 19, 2009 (stand 7H2-09).
Pharos Mediator and Playtime in action at HBO Asia, Singapore
Pharos solutions help multi-channel broadcasters and service providers quickly adopt and benefit from file based multi-platform distribution. With Pharos, organisations simplify workflow processes, unify operational teams and better utilise the technology infrastructure across the entire broadcast environment. Millions of media assets across hundreds of television channels are powered 24/7 by Pharos' software architecture, integration expertise and comprehensive support services.
Pharos Mediator 4 version 1 has many unique advantages for the Asian market when managing content for multi-language and multi-channel broadcasting. Mediator manages any number of languages for each asset at any stage in the workflow from library, through tape ingest and file upload for both SD and HD assets, through QC, promotions editing and all the way to playout. Visitors to Broadcast Asia 2009 will see a unique user experience using Adobe Flash and delivering QuickTime MPEG-4 H.264 browse at every desktop for both Windows and Macintosh.
Mediator is compatible with a wide range of third-party automation systems and can cost-effectively improve upstream workflow for any existing installation already using third-party automation. Pharos Playtime is the optional multi-channel automation plug-in for Mediator that enables the publishing of multi-format content far beyond traditional television channels. Playtime is fully integrated with Mediator's multi-language workflow and can report workflow status of material channel by channel.
Pharos solutions also support both traditional and simplified Chinese language for metadata entry and checking during scheduling and workflow. Chinese language support for playout via 3rd party broadcast graphics devices such as Clarity and Orad 3D play is also new in Mediator 4 version 1.
"Pharos helps make end-to-end broadcast processes easier and more efficient by combining media management, workflow and playout," comments Russell Grute, Director of Marketing at Pharos. "A wider range of transcoding and content preparation processes can now be managed with metadata, workflow, search and browse at every desktop. Pharos solutions provide a strong framework which can be implemented beyond broadcast in areas such as mobile, interactive content and VOD."
Pharos, which established a permanent presence in Asia at offices in Singapore last year, is planning to further expand its operations to support growing customer demand across the region.
As Patrick Keys, Managing Director of Pharos Pte explains, "We hope to expand on our success with HBO and Globecast in Singapore. Working in partnership with our first Asian customers has helped us learn a lot about the specific operational requirements in the region."
Key Pharos Mediator 4 version 1 highlights include:
Streamlined ingest and file import workflows:
Integrated library management, ingest and QC workflow to increase ingest and encoding productivity. Throughput is also improved by up to 20% using parallel processing for tasks such as language tagging and rewrapping. New resource-sharing capabilities optimise the use of expensive third-party infrastructure such as Flexicarts, HD/SD VTRs and encoders
Wider support for the growing number of file formats:
A wider range of file types can now be managed side by side in the same system. Including MXF, Apple QuickTime, Sony XDCAM HD, Apple ProRes 422 and Avid DNxHD. File-based promotions, commercials and subtitles produced remotely can also be uploaded centrally as a part of the workflow.
Wider range of third-party QC solutions:
New integration with Amberfin iCR, Interra Baton and Tektronix Cerify. Mediator's integral transcode and rewrapping have been also enhanced to QC material and metadata automatically for multiplatform delivery
Pharos Event Templates:
Innovative new tools to improve the creation and delivery of complex secondary events such as 'coming up next' graphics, credit squeezes and series promotions using the Pharos Event Template. Cross-channel promotions can also be managed using Pharos Event Templates to automatically update on-screen timings where schedules across multiple channels are changing.
Management Reports:
Every user action in Mediator is tracked in real-time against business priorities such as the schedule or service level agreement and displayed using Mediator Dashboards. Clear and accurate reporting can help channel managers quickly spot and fix issues such as low free space on a server or material not yet approved or ready for transmission.
Published on 1 Jun 2009