OmniBus iTX Offers 3-Tier Graphics Capability for a New Era of Versatility and Interactivity in Production

LONDON and DENVER — July 7, 2009 — OmniBus Systems, the award-winning provider of comprehensive broadcast automation, content management and workflow solutions, will be showcasing breakthrough iTX graphics enhancements at IBC2009, with advanced real-time 2-D and 3-D functionality adding to iTX's sophisticated palette of graphics capabilities. Offering tight integration with external devices such as Pixel Power's Clarity and the ability to combine external graphics with its own in-built real-time graphic elements, OmniBus iTX makes it possible for broadcasters to achieve a new level of graphic richness combined with an unmatched ability to make last minute changes, even while on air.

iTX now provides users with a wide choice of approaches to graphics creation. The built-in graphics available with iTX as standard encompass sophisticated character generator (CG) capabilities, providing functionality equivalent to using many dedicated CGs simultaneously, with dynamically updating multiple crawls and datafeeds from external sources, multiple animated TARGA sequences and multiple logos. Building on the standard graphics, the optional iTX GFX plug-in provides the tools to create ground-breaking real-time 3-D graphics and DVEs combining text, video and 3-D in the same space to achieve a level of integration that has been impossible with conventional equipment. For users with existing products and workflow, iTX provides a third path for graphics production by integrating external devices such as CGs and dedicated graphics systems, with full control from the iTX desktop, and the ability to combine graphic elements from different sources in the same event.

"For broadcasters using iTX, the power, data integration and interactivity of its graphics engine has been one of the most significant benefits of the system," said Ian Fletcher, CTO, OmniBus Systems. "Broadcasters have been devoting increasing time and effort to channel branding, with the material between programmes becoming almost as important as the programmes themselves in establishing the brand and building the audience. Now, with these new graphics capabilities, iTX offers the tools for crafting a really exceptional, eye-catching look, far exceeding what could be achieved with a conventional setup."

New graphics features in iTX include:

iTX GFX Plug-in – The optional advanced GFX 2-D/3-D embedded graphics engine allows unprecedented integration of real-time 3-D and other graphic elements including text and dynamic text, live video and TARGA sequences. iTX GFX delivers full-featured CG capability and the ability to create sophisticated DVE moves that can be previewed on the iTX desktop. The tight integration of advanced capabilities into the iTX workflow combined with real-time rendering, allows a breakthrough level of interactivity and the ability to make changes dynamically or manually to complex 3-D graphics while on air. iTX GFX also allows multiple interacting effects within a single graphic script, giving the capability of multiple, independently controlled character generators operating simultaneously. Graphics are resolution-independent, so the same graphic can be played out in multiple resolutions for simultaneous SD, HD and web streaming, without the need for separate versions. External content from third party systems is easily integrated into the graphic elements, making it simple to incorporate ENPS, weather data, XML feeds and more.

Clarity Plug-in – iTX has fully integrated control of external Pixel Power Clarity graphics devices, with an easy-to-use pop-up for selecting content from the Clarity unit, and drag-and-drop of Clarity events for instant addition into the schedule.

CG Crawls – Crawling text elements with adjustable speed can be defined as individual graphics and can be looped continuously on air and combined with other graphic elements including other crawling text at different speeds. Crawls can use text from the schedule file, or be dynamically updated from an external source such as an RSS feed.

CG Dynamic Effects – Animated in/out transitions can be configured for each element of a CG template, with transitions stored with the CG rather than as part of the playlist, allowing decisions about the template to be made as part of the design process. Different transitions and timings can be applied to each individual element within a CG.

CG External Data Feed – Text elements, including crawls, can be fed from external text files, and updated automatically on air.

TARGA Sequence Support – iTX supports the use of animated TARGA sequences up to full screen resolution (HD 1080).

OmniBus iTX is the next-generation solution replacing the conventional broadcast equipment used for automation, master control and playout chain. It combines and exceeds all the functions of a conventional transmission chain in a single, integrated suite of software applications running on low cost and highly reliable IT servers. With market-beating support for SD and HD, and exceptional ability to integrate with third-party systems, iTX delivers the most powerful solution available while significantly reducing the investment required to launch and operate high-quality channels in broadcast, IPTV, mobile TV, disaster recovery and business continuity applications.

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About OmniBus Systems
OmniBus Systems provides broadcasting, cable and satellite organizations with comprehensive automation and media content management solutions that address every area of television-related operations. Its newsroom, content and workflow automation solutions include acquisition and recording of rich media material, low-resolution editing, media asset management and playout. OmniBus is a global company with headquarters in the United Kingdom and offices in the United States and Kuala Lumpur. More information is available at www.omnibus.tv.