With a new approach to transmission that takes full advantage of the power, speed and stability of modern computer platforms, iTX makes the software-based playout solution a reality.
When complemented by software techniques that reflect years of experience in the broadcast automation industry, commodity hardware systems become flexible and affordable solutions that offer fast and reliable performance in managing the broadcast transmission chain from start to finish.
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The iTX solution, which uses a standard Gigabit Ethernet network, includes standardized use of the latest chipsets from AMD, as well as enhancements to the system's networking capability and the way that data is manipulated across the network to improve network bandwidth.
Ingest Encoder
Real-time media encoding is achieved by using either dedicated encoding engines that have a 601 input or by standard broadcast video servers that have a network interface.
Database Server
In addition to the SQL server, the database server runs a number of core G3 services for media searching and asset management, logging, security and alerts. It is also the main storage repository: one of the main advantages of iTX is its use of standard, off-the-shelf IT storage for all of its media. The precise architecture of this storage depends on the scale of the system and the level of redundancy required. Solutions include SAN and NAS.
Desktop Clients
iTX is based on OmniBus' G3 architecture and therefore allows numbers of clients on the network to attach to and control individual or groups of channels and services. A number of standard layouts are provided to support control of the system and these can be configured and assigned to individual users and workstations as required.
Output Servers
The Output server is the heart of an iTX system; it consists of advanced image processing software that implements all the requirements of the playlist in real time. Being software based, it can support standard software decoders and most current and future video formats. A number of different models are available to provide SD/HD and WM9 streaming outputs.
Each output server also has its own next-generation OmniBus G3 automation software. This is responsible for running the playlist and reflecting real-time status back to the clients. The automation will continue to run if it is cut off from the rest of the network and, in the unlikely event of a crash or power failure, will auto start, restoring its schedule and picking up at the correct point in the schedule.
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