KBTC Selects Pro-Bel To Create Unique Automated PBS Model
Melville, NY - 20 November 2006: PBS station KBTC, which is based in Tacoma, Wa and serves the western part of the state, has installed a wide range of Pro-Bel technology to sit at the heart of a groundbreaking move to a highly automated multi-service facility.
The new ingest and playout workflow has been designed to provide a very high level of automation by using cutting edge technologies that provide an accurate and sustainable level of remote access, monitoring and control. Pro-Bel has supplied the automation, central routing and master control technology for the five core services: four SD and one HD channel.
KBTC selected the company’s Morpheus automation and playout system alongside four TX-500 series master control units - one for each of the SD channels - and Pro-Bel’s HD-inspired Masterpiece master control for the HD version. A Sirius router - 256 x 256, populated 64x64 SD and 64x64 HD - has also been installed.
“Our aim was to increase the level and range of service by taking advantage of the latest technologies. We needed to do this while also being aware of the cost implications; we had to act in a responsible manner in terms of investment. We have created a highly automated environment with a real level of remote access and control,” explains Darin Gerchak, Director of Engineering, KBTC.
One key decision was to run separate automation and master control technologies while making full use of the communication between the systems. The Pro-Bel solutions have facilitated two key things: unattended master control - a true first - and remote access. “We wanted to have minimal operational staff onsite and it was important to be able to bypass the automation system and run the master control separately in the unlikely event of a problem. This we have achieved. I can access everything I need from home,” continues Gerchak
As PBS stations expand - and KBTC is no exception - it is very important that costs don’t expand too. As they add services the ability to run unattended master control is a prime example of being able to increase service in a responsible way. The Pro-Bel technology was key in this regard.
Neil Maycock, President Pro-Bel Americas, concludes, “This is a truly groundbreaking installation and one that sets a precedent for the automation of PBS stations. We are, of course, thrilled that our technology was selected and we look forward to working with other stations around the country.”
Contact Information:
Company contact:
Katharine Guy
Pro-Bel Ltd
Tel: +44 1189 214 294
katharine.guy@pro-bel.com
Press contact:
Jennie Evans
Manor Marketing
Tel: +44 1635 44991
jennie@manormarketing.tv
Images available at:
www.pro-bel.com/news_and_events/c/Press Information/