Harmonic’s Spectrum ChannelPort playout module.
Image Credit: Harmonic

[Via Satellite 08-21-13] FOX Broadcasting Corporation is updating the entire playout infrastructure at its Los Angeles broadcast center using Harmonic’s solution built on Spectrum ChannelPort branded channel playout. FOX converted to efficient file-based playout with integrated master control capabilities in preparation for its new FOX Sports 1 Network, which launched on Aug. 17.

ChannelPort provides support for up to four channels per rack unit with low power consumption, which aligns with FOX’s growth strategy. The FOX network broadcast center in Los Angeles supports 14 FOX channels.

This deployment relies on Harmonic infrastructure that includes Spectrum MediaDeck 7000 playout servers equipped with dozens of ChannelPort modules, redundant Harmonic MediaGrid shared storage systems, and MediaCenter server controllers with integrated storage that together provide dozens of ingest channels. A redundant Media Application Server is tightly integrated with the existing automation system at FOX to provide media asset management capabilities for the ChannelPort deployment.

The dual digital video effect and eight-layer integrated branding capabilities offered by ChannelPort will make it easy for FOX to achieve an on-screen look for sports programming that is challenging and costly to achieve with traditional master control equipment. By placing both the main program and the commercial content on the same screen, a double-box effect allows FOX to go to a commercial break without leaving the action. The commercial runs in a large box while the game or other live program runs in a smaller box in the upper corner of the screen, with a themed background plate that matches the content of the commercial.

“The solution we’re providing to FOX Broadcasting offers an advanced and very robust file-based workflow architecture that will support simpler yet more flexible playout of compelling broadcast content,” said Eric Armstrong, vice president of North America at Harmonic.