MUMBAI: Omneon Video Networks announced that Turner Broadcasting System, Inc. has launched origination of its Latin American networks - TNT, Cartoon Network, Boomerang and TCM - from newly installed Omneon Spectrum media server systems.
Fourteen distinct multilingual feeds are being played out from the Spectrum system to bring these four networks to Brazil, Argentina, Venezuela, Mexico and the entirety of Latin America via pan-regional feeds.
Significant factors in Turner's purchase decision included the flexibility of the server system, the ease with which it can be expanded and the reliability of its operation. With its modular and highly scalable design, the Spectrum media server system addresses these needs while managing the complex set of language options typical of multichannel broadcasting.
Its open architecture interfaces smoothly with Turner's Pro-Bel automation system, StorageTek automated data storage libraries and Apple Final Cut Pro nonlinear editing workstations to enable efficient transmission, media management, archiving and production.
Omneon's server system facilitates a unique audio track tagging capability that makes for more efficient media handling and more accurate playout of multilingual broadcasts. For TNT, Cartoon Network, Boomerang and TCM programming, any given video clip can be associated with up to 20 different language tracks. During ingest, operators apply names to all language tracks linked to specific content.
The Omneon system then accesses the appropriate language track for playout, automatically routing the right clip on the right channel. This process allows the facility to use fewer versions of media, perform less dubbing work and gain greater flexibility in assigning language tracks to programming.
"We're very pleased that Turner has once again selected our Spectrum media server solutions for its transmission facilities. The launch of these Latin America networks represents yet another successful multichannel, multilanguage playout installation based on Omneon server technology. We look forward to supporting Turner further as it continues to grow its news and entertainment network offerings," said Omneon vice president worldwide marketing Geoff Stedman.
The new installation was completed and put through an operational test phase prior to the launch of on-air operations, which commenced 14 November, 2005.
