German technology company Rohde & Schwarz has implemented its Pixel Power graphics and playout solution at SWR, the regional affiliate of public broadcaster ARD based in Baden-Baden.
SWR provides the primary playout facilities not only for its own channels, but also for other southern German ARD affiliates, including SR, hr and BR.
As its existing playout infrastructure reached end-of-life, SWR determined to move to a modern, software-defined solution. Central to its strategy was that graphics and branding must be an integrated part of the new solution.
After intensive benchmarking, SWR selected Pixel Power, a Rohde & Schwarz company, as the preferred solution to meet its requirements. Pixel Power Gallium automation and StreamMaster signal processing are software-defined and can be configured to precisely meet the requirements of each user, according to Rohde & Schwarz, adding that Pixel Power’s long history as a company providing high quality graphics was also a critical deciding factor.
“In our search for a modern playout solution, we wanted a solution that is truly future-proof, flexible and highly scalable. Gallium and StreamMaster is our chosen solution, providing all necessary information in one graphical user interface, without restrictions,” said Udo Fettig, Project Manager at SWR.
Central to SWR’s operational requirements was not only the ability to manage live events and schedule interventions, but also the agility to add live graphics when required, from lottery results to severe weather warnings. The new solution also supports text-to-speech functionality to provide access to emergency alerts for visually impaired viewers.
“Live content is absolutely central to linear channels,” added James Gilbert, CEO of Pixel Power and Director of Product Management for Rohde & Schwarz media solutions. “Thematic channels will ultimately be replaced by VoD: linear broadcasters must have the ability not just to integrate live events but to react to changing situations.”
Gallium and StreamMaster are software applications running on custom of the shelf hardware which can be configured to create the workflows required. The solution can operate on premises, in the cloud or as a hybrid. It also inherently supports remote access, and SWR has already run its output with the channel controller from a home office location while retaining the flexibility and interactivity around live interventions and unscheduled events.
“We are happy that the system is expandable and can scale up easily to meet our evolving requirements. Playout needs can arise very quickly, and the system lets us be even quicker,” said Andreas Mungenast, Head of Playout and Media Operations Centre at SWR.
