The efficient way to handle complex channel branding

Viz Multichannel combines Vizrt s high-quality graphics with a hands-off workflow for channel branding. The application gives broadcasters full control over graphics elements and video clips in multiple channel playlists. Viz Multichannel

Viz Multichannel The efficient way to handle complex channel branding Viz Multichannel allows broadcasters to utilize high-quality Vizrt graphics and video for channel branding. The application simplifies the playout of playlists by providing a single client that handles the playlist elements of one or multiple channels. Viz Multichannel helps to cross reference and promote commercial messages on multiple channels in a fully automated way. It combines pre-scheduled, timecode-based playlist operations with the possibility to add real-time 2D and 3D graphics effects and powerful branding capabilities. In complex environments the application helps to centralize the workflow on one desktop.

Integration with the workflow Viz Multichannel integrates seamlessly with existing channel traffic and scheduling solutions. It supports the import of playlists from all major traffic and automation systems. Support for automation systems Viz Multichannel s integration with the automation system guarantees that every single element is played out at exactly the right time. After receiving a playlist from the traffic system, the automation takes control during playout, telling Viz Multichannel when to run a specific element. Last-minute changes, made in the automation system, will automatically be synchronized with the playlist in Viz Multichannel. This means that the solution as a whole always reflects the latest status, regardless of when a playlist is changed. Accessing the video database Viz Multichannel uses Viz Link to integrate with Viz Video Hub. The operator can search and browse video clips that are stored in the Viz Video Hub from within the Viz Multichannel user interface. Clips in the playlist are automatically transferred to the relevant Viz Engines and are purged once they have been played out. Event handling While shows or ad blocks are considered primary events, the graphics effects within the show, like squeezebacks, tickers and lower thirds, are seen as secondary events. After a primary event has been triggered by the automation system to guarantee accurate timing, Viz Multichannel takes control of the secondary events and plays them without the need for user intervention. The communication between Viz Multichannel and the automation system uses standard protocols: VDCP, Intelligent Interface, and Broadcast Exchange Format (BXF) open Viz Multichannel for third-party systems. Adjusting the playlist Last-minute changes to existing playlists are more than common in broadcasting. Whether sports events go overtime or breaking news demands its own space in the playlist, Viz Multichannel handles time-critical changes without the need for user interference. Staying in control Viz Multichannel allows users to maintain full control over the playlist up to the very last minute before playout. Templates automatically collect information such as the program s name and start time. Should any changes occur, all relevant information is updated instantly. An automatic error check makes sure that changes in the original playlist do not corrupt the graphics playlist. Advanced error protection features include alerts concerning overlapping animations, mismatches, or other deviations from the schedule. Viz Multichannel s flexibility is based on relative timecodes: Offsets are based on the timecode of a specific program rather than on an absolute time of day. Because the relative start point of a template in relation to the main program always stays the same, updates in the playlist do not affect the graphics schedule

Template-based graphics and automated rules Viz Multichannel uses Vizrt s template-based graphics solutions to automatically generate the content for graphics elements. The properties of the graphics templates can be seamlessly populated with data from the traffic system s information fields. Viz Multichannel supports advanced features like Transition Logic to automate transitions between different graphics elements. Templates make graphics accessible Predefined templates can be added to items in the playlist by a simple drag-and-drop technique. Graphics elements, based on predefined rules, can also be created automatically, allowing non-technical personnel to prepare graphics for playout. The predefined rules can, for example, trigger a sequence of graphical elements at the start of a show, insert them with an offset from the end, or run a specific graphics item for a predefined amount of time. Furthermore, Viz Multichannel can automatically fill in templates based on information gathered from the program information list. Text, 2D images and complex 3D geometry can then be created based on the start time of a show, its duration, or the genre. Branding and promotions Viz Multichannel does much more than simply merge your promotion and branding strategy with the playlist. It also allows cross referencing programs over different channels while helping you to control and monitor the content. Supporting the marketing department The Viz Preview Engine is an integral part of Viz Multichannel. It enables full preview ability for Vizrt graphics. This preview functionality is an essential tool for operators in the master control room who need to monitor graphics before sending them on air. In case of last-minute changes, Viz Multichannel allows authoring of graphics templates directly from the rundown, thus enabling full flexibility for corrections and additions. Viz Multichannel also offers more advanced support features such as as run logging, which can be used by other departments for billing and statistical purposes. All images courtesy of A&E

Key Features and Benefits Translates network promotions into rules that automatically create graphics playlists Support for pre-defined graphic templates Automation for an unlimited number of channels Cutting-edge real-time 2D/3D graphics and DVE effects Supports all SD and HD formats Interfaces with all major automation solutions via GPI, Chyron Intelligent Interface, RS-232/242 and TCP/IP Integrates with Viz Video Hub through Viz Link One operator can monitor all channels from a single client Full preview functionality Automatic notification of traffic errors Automated billing and reports Full user access control Supports the full feature range of Viz Artist and Viz Trio

www.vizrt.com Copyright 2008 Vizrt. All rights reserved. No part of this software, documentation or publication may be reproduced, transcribed, stored in a retrieval system, translated into any language, computer language, or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronically, mechanically, magnetically, optically, chemically, photocopied, manually, or otherwise, without prior written permission from Vizrt. The specifications are subject to change without notice.