When StorerTV began integrating our world class CentriX workflow engine into our Media clients' operations, we quickly found that there is a real need for broad workflow applications across the breadth of operations. We expected that operations would need to automate their program versioning and distribution systems or address the interconnection needs of their master control play-out operation. As we spend more time assisting clients with workflow applications, we are finding true return on investment is unique in every situation, and we have been pleasantly surprised by the innovative requests for workflow automation. Here are just a few of the ideas requested by our customers:
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Programming Contract approval
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The workflow requirement is to initiate and track the inter-office programming contract approval process with management notification of the completion or status of each approval step. It uses automatic or time based escalation procedures to be triggered if a process becomes delayed. The workflow integrates various back office software systems to reduce duplicative data entry chores.
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Long Form Content Preparation
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Create a management dashboard to track, route, and report on the interdepartmental preparation steps for the long-form content as it is readied for broadcast. This workflow is designed to prioritize and schedule content processing by "first to air" date.
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Log Preparation
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In a large, multi-location operation, track interdepartmental steps to complete and deliver the log to master control operations and communicate delays that may impact other departments. This workflow includes dashboards and escalation procedures.
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Content Preparation
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Automate and integrate a multi-thread workflow to track and report the content receipt and preparation processes including ingesting of media, version transcoding where required, quality control, delivery to Asset Management storage, near-line and archival data, and the delivery to the master control operations center in a remote location. Additionally, this workflow presents customized steps to users based on both content-type and "first air date".
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Deal Memo
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Create and route program contract "deal memos" through a defined internal approval process. Provide a management overview of the process, and any delays, and automatically update software systems when the approval process is completed.
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Intra-Company Communications Enhancements
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Between a network and its operational playback center, track content receipt and preparation for air, report on the daily log status including media status, and supply a unified, jointly accessible dashboard displaying log and content ready-to-air status. This workflow employs innovative communication objects to provide management status updates without compromising either company's network security systems.
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Each of these ideas provides a unique level of savings, either in actual labor costs or avoidance of costs. Most of the workflows are designed to provide management with a new view into their procedures, and escalation triggers to ensure smooth and timely operations. As you consider enhanced workflows to streamline your organization and reporting, our media experts can offer ideas, applications, and tried solutions for your consideration.
This was my first year attending IBC, and as a long-time NAB veteran I was not real sure what to expect. I found that in many ways IBC is like a kinder, gentler NAB because of its relaxed pace over a 5 day period. The halls however were smaller and arranged in a maze-like pattern, which caused a bit of confusion to a newcomer like myself.
Push-VOD was a new concept to me, and the business model is based on the idea that the large majority of the world's population does not have access to broadband. The Push-VOD model has content suppliers sending a pre-determined amount of content to a set-top box from where viewers can access the content without having to stream in real-time. This seems like a good idea for newly released movies, but not for someone with more eclectic tastes in television.
I saw multiple vendors presenting their implementation of TV Everywhere. Offering the ability to view content on almost any device offers content sellers the chance to gain more impressions and hopefully better monetization of content. I will keep watching out for the latest TV Everywhere trends as it should get pretty interesting in the coming months.








