BFE DELIVERS NEWS PRODUCTION FOR HESSISCHER RUNDFUNK

Leading German systems integrator BFE has handed over a new production system for news to Hessischer Rundfunk (HR) in Frankfurt. Core components enabling the system to be controlled most economically by a single operator are from ENPS, Aveco and Pixel Power, with data exchange using the MOS protocol.

HR has been using the ENPS newsroom since March 2001 and it remains at the heart of production in the new environment, providing the primary interface for all journalists and the underlying technical infrastructure. The MOS protocol, originally developed for ENPS, was the logical choice for control and information exchange. Because ENPS supports multiple MOS versions simultaneously, Pixel Power and Aveco systems could take advantage of the enhanced functionality in MOS 2.8 without compromising existing MOS 2.6 communication with the Avid editing network.

Aveco’s Astra automation was extended to handle a fully template-based production operation. Customer-defined storyboards of the news shows now serve as Astra templates, with settings such as timelines, device behaviour and effects automatically created. Astra controls even complex scenes with multiple DVEs, multiple keyers, audio mixers and camera robotics. A control panel with LCD buttons where the features are enabled or disabled according to the story's context allows a single operator to control an entire live news bulletin.

The broadcast graphics and captions are generated with a Pixel Power Clarity 500 system, which also provides the stills store functionality. Linked to it is a Pixel Power Control Centre which, as well as being the MOS gateway, acts as the browse server for the Pixel Power ActiveX windows running within the ENPS clients on the journalists desktop. Journalists are able to select the appropriate template from inside their ENPS client and then fill in text or graphical fields. Once complete, a drag and drop operation inserts the new Pixel Power graphic into Astra's rundown.

Should a required news graphic file not be available, the journalist can request it from the graphics department, via the ActiveX window. A placeholder is inserted in the rundown, which will automatically be replaced as soon as the new graphic is created.

Pixel Power worked with BFE, ENPS and Aveco to extend its XML protocol into a full MOS implementation to allow the automated creation, control and playout of graphics in news. Initially developed for this project, the Pixel Power MOS interface has already formed the basis for other projects.

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Notes to editor

Pixel Power is a leader in the development and production of SD and HD broadcast graphics systems, news production workflow tools and live interactive content with more than 2,000 installations worldwide. With a local presence around the world the company’s award-winning solutions suit broadcasters, post-production houses and outside broadcast (OB) trucks of all sizes for distinctive, professional, reliable and cost-effective on-air graphics.

Established in Cambridge, UK, in 1987, the company also has a wholly owned subsidiary office in Florida, USA, and a dedicated network of distributors and support offices around the world.