Satnews Daily
November 17th, 2011

SatBroadcasting™ — This report includes new information from Apps World Europe + TV Apps World, Digital Rapids, Ross + TV Azteca, Snell


[SatNews] Breaking news items for those who have an interest in the various technologies and products that will, or are currently, playing a significant role within satellite broadcasting's various market segments around the globe....

    Apps World Europe, in session from November 29th to 30th in London is the only event to dedicate an entire day of the agenda to the development of TV apps. The connected TV apps track will focus on the growth of the TV apps business, monetizing TV apps, alterations to viewing habits, the convergence of tablets and TV and the implications for content providers. Speakers include leading experts from BT, Deutsche Telekom, BSkyB, Zeebox, Shazam and Orange. The TV Apps World track occurs on November 30th. The session will focus on:

    • The case for building TV apps - How are developers able to monetise TV app offerings?
    • The Opera TV Store, web applications optimized for TV screens of all different sizes and resolutions. Creating a unique and compelling user experience
    • Writing interactive applications that connect to STBs and display contextual tv apps
    Speakers include: Patrick H. Lauke, Web Evangelist, Opera Software ASA, Andy Eardley, Founder & Director, TV App Agency, Andrew Zamler-Carhart, Senior Technology Manager, R&D New Initiatives Group, NDS, and Brian Fife, Director Technology Alliances, Rovi Corporation.

    Digital Rapids has joined Akamai's NetAlliance Solution Partner Program. Akamai has expanded its partner program to encompass the digital media ecosystem through the NetAlliance Solution Partner Program, with Digital Rapids joining as one of the new expansion's inaugural members. "We've worked closely with Akamai on projects from live streaming of high-profile events to large-scale, multi-screen initiatives for some of the world's largest media and entertainment enterprises, and we're pleased to be further strengthening our relationship through the NetAlliance Solution Partner Program," said Brick Eksten, President of Digital Rapids Corporation. "We look forward to continuing our success with Akamai as our customers tackle new opportunities and new challenges in the rapidly expanding media landscape." Digital Rapids' flexible hardware and software solutions transform live and file-based video and audio into the multiple formats required by applications ranging from production and archive to multi-screen viewing on devices from PCs, tablets, mobile phones and game consoles to 'connected' and traditional television. Combining superior quality, outstanding performance, unmatched workflow efficiency and easy adaptability to dynamic customer requirements, Digital Rapids' solutions enable media organizations and professionals to maximize the potential of their media content when pursuing new revenue opportunities or new ways to reach their audiences. Digital Rapids solutions -- including StreamZ and StreamZHD studio encoding systems; the Digital Rapids Transcode Manager high-volume, automated transcoding software; and the StreamZ Live family of live streaming and broadcast encoders — have been adopted by thousands of customers worldwide, from leading broadcast networks, motion picture studios, multichannel video programming distributors (MVPDs), online content portals and post production facilities to corporations, government agencies, universities and churches.

    TV Azteca, one of Mexico’s largest television stations, began regular 3DTV transmissions in August 2011 with Ross Video’s XPression Character Generator and Carbonite Production Switcher. Ross Video and their local rep in Mexico, Sistemas Digitales, partnered with TV Azteca to provide an XPression CG and Carbonite switcher configured to their expectations. TV Azteca is a current user of Ross’ CrossOver and Vision Production Switchers, XPression CG, and is the first television station in Mexico using an OverDrive Automated Production Control System for their news.

    Snell has announced that WAFF 48, an NBC affiliate serving the Huntsville, Alabama, is among the latest members of the Raycom Media station group to launch its HD newscast using Snell's Kahuna multi-format HD/SD production switcher. The Kahuna switcher is the centerpiece in a major HD upgrade for the WAFF broadcasting facility, which includes a state-of-the-art news studio and set, control room, and edit bays. WAFF produces more than seven hours of live, multi-element newscasts every weekday from its new production control room, in addition to weekend programs and pre- and post-production activities. With Kahuna ideally suited to the design of the control room, WAFF news directors take extensive advantage of the switcher's multiple-user capabilities and panel configurations, which they can easily navigate and modify on-the-fly to change users and configurations quickly. Different operators are able to save their own personal settings for each individual newscast, and they can load their preferences and presets without jeopardizing the next newscast. Kahuna's multi-format capabilities are also very important to the WAFF operation, as the station is continuing to rely on SD sources for some aspects of its HD broadcasts, including all ENG and satellite live shots. The switcher can automatically convert these SD streams to 16:9 widescreen format to provide consistency with the HD content.