Recent Work

New service eases integration of Zoom and other web conferencing tools into Cablecast-powered government access channels; company also offers free COVID-19 resources for PEG stations

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA, April 14, 2020 – Local governments are rapidly embracing virtual civic meetings to comply with social distancing initiatives amid the COVID-19 pandemic, creating new operational challenges for the community media organizations that the public depends on for up-to-date information and transparency. In response to this sudden and pressing need, Tightrope Media Systems has created Screenweave LIVE, a cloud-based service designed to bring live feeds from Zoom and other web-based conferencing solutions into the Cablecast Community Media platform for cable television, online, OTT and social media distribution.

The Cablecast team has also launched a collection of free resources and tutorials to help PEG stations remotely manage their media operations and provide timely COVID-19 information to their audience.

“The need for community broadcasters to bring real-time information to local residents is greater now than ever before, and as always, we’re here to help,” said Steve Israelsky, President, Cablecast Community Media. “Collaboration tools such as Zoom have been crucial in enabling city or town councils and committees to continue meeting, and government access stations want to provide live and on-demand coverage of these virtual sessions. Screenweave LIVE makes it easy for them to integrate virtual meeting coverage into their cable, online and OTT channels.”

While version 7.1 of the Cablecast platform could already ingest an RTMP stream for broadcast or recording, and Zoom can output an RTMP stream, the ‘missing link’ was the need for an intermediary RTMP server between them. Screenweave LIVE eliminates this need without requiring additional hardware or any changes to the station’s network configuration or firewall.

Deployed entirely in the cloud, Screenweave LIVE receives a live RTMP stream from Zoom – or another RTMP streaming solution – and delivers it to a Cablecast VIO or Cablecast Flex video server running version 7.1 software, or to the Carousel Bulletin Board software for users of earlier Cablecast hardware or software. The Cablecast Broadcast Automation software can then record or broadcast the live feed on the station’s cable channel, while the tightly-integrated Cablecast Live, Cablecast Pro VOD and Screenweave OTT options can automatically publish live streams or on-demand clips for viewing on the web, Apple TV or Roku devices. Screenweave LIVE can also simulcast the incoming RTMP stream to Facebook Live and YouTube Live for maximum audience reach.

Tightrope also provides in-depth instructions on how to use Screenweave LIVE with the free, open source Open Broadcaster Software (OBS) to capture the meeting screen and audio from conferencing solutions – such as Cisco WebEx, Microsoft Teams, Skype and Google Hangouts – that do not offer native RTMP output. This tutorial is one of many resources now available on the new Cablecast COVID-19 portal (www.cablecast.tv/pandemic-response-updates) to help community media organizations navigate this crisis. In addition to tips for managing Cablecast systems remotely, the page also features free resources such as graphics, video clips and RSS feeds that stations can use to keep their community updated regardless of which vendor’s automation and playout system they are using.

Screenweave LIVE is the second offering in the growing Screenweave family of cloud-based content distribution solutions, joining the Screenweave OTT service and apps for bringing live and VOD content to Apple TV and Roku OTT viewing devices. Available immediately, Screenweave LIVE is offered on a subscription basis, with flexible pricing plans that can be customized based on customer needs.Interested stations are invited to email sales@cablecast.tv to discuss their requirements.

About Cablecast

For over 20 years, the Cablecast Community Media platform from Tightrope Media Systems has enabled community media organizations and content producers to easily and efficiently engage viewers across expanding consumer platforms including cable channels, websites, mobile devices and OTT delivery. The comprehensive Cablecast product line provides flexible, tightly-integrated solutions ranging from broadcast automation, playout servers, bulletin boards and on-air graphics to Internet VOD, live streaming and OTT distribution. For more information, visit www.cablecast.tv or call (866) 866-4118.

In this newly created role, Ullrich will provide application support and sales management for Xilica partners in the U.S., Canada, and select global territories, while Orlando will lead the emerging direction of Xilica’s systems product line

Toronto, April 13, 2020 — Xilica®, a global leader in digital signal processing (DSP) technology for AV and installed sound, has hired Mark Ullrich as Senior Manager, Application Sales, and promoted Joe Orlando to Product Manager, Systems, effective immediately.

Based in Bend, Oregon, Ullrich will lead application support and major project sales for dealers, distributors, and systems integrators in the U.S., Canada, and select global territories. Ullrich is a renowned expert on DSP technology and solutions, with nearly 20 years of cumulative experience in the pro audio and commercial AV markets. He has amassed technical and marketing expertise specifically throughout his career, with experience ranging across application and technical product support, international sales and distribution management, and cultivating partner relationships.

Ullrich spent more than 10 years at Symetrix, where he acted in technical sales engineering roles before being appointed as the firm’s international sales manager, responsible for all sales outside the United States.

“There’s a certain sense of fulfilment and excitement that comes with working for a young, growing tech company like Xilica where every decision is important, and the effects can be readily felt,” said Ullrich. “Therefore, my biggest goal is to recognize and prioritize those unique initiatives—such as new product development, partners, and projects—that can have the greatest and most beneficial impact. The experience I’ve gained over two decades, along with my personal interest in this field, align perfectly with Xilica’s goals and initiatives.”

Additionally, to spearhead its product line management within the integrated systems market, Xilica has promoted Joe Orlando, an experienced former integrator with more than 30 years’ experience in the AV industry, to the role of Product Manager, Systems. In his new capacity, Orlando will lead the global development, innovation and strategic alliance functions of the Xilica product portfolio to drive greater growth within enterprise applications, including the corporate and conferencing markets. He will additionally have responsibility for Xilica’s new Genius training program, both in-person and on-demand.

“We have some exceptional products at Xilica that are really well suited to enterprise applications, utilizing existing IT infrastructure and technologies to deliver an integrated AV ecosystem,” stated Orlando. “I look forward to helping the business further drive innovation and build relationships with key strategic partners that can help us make theintegrator’s life easier and simpler, while continuing to provide their customers with products of the highest quality.”

About Xilica

Xilica® is an award-winning manufacturer of innovative, next-generation digital signal processing solutions for AV control and command applications including conference, corporate, hospitality and leisure, retail and transportation. From its headquarters in Toronto, Canada, Xilica sells and supports products worldwide in over 75 countries, gaining rapid acknowledgement for its all-modular, ultra-small-format and high-performance product ranges that solve critical business challenges.

www.xilica.com

Broadcast industry consultant finds value in software for sfn planning

BALTIMORE, April 9, 2020 – Acrodyne Services continues to see interest from the US consultant community for its PROGIRA® plan broadcast network planning software as ATSC 3.0 planning accelerates for NextGen TV. Broadcast industry consultant Kessler and Gehman Associates (KGA) is one customer that is seeing a quick return on investment as more US broadcasters strategize their NextGen TV futures.

PROGIRA® plan is a powerful tool used worldwide to help consultants and their end customers design broadcast TV networks for optimum reception probability, a significant improvement over other planning solutions that only address field strength predictions. In recent months, Acrodyne has seen increased US sales as broadcasters move past repack and begin planning their ATSC 3.0 deployments. It is widely expected that many of these systems will take advantage of the OFDM foundation of ATSC 3.0 to transmit content using single-frequency networks (SFNs) that position multiple lower-power transmission sites around a market. That is a stark change from the typical tall tower, high power ATSC 1.0 TV systems that are designed using simpler coverage predictions.

“ATSC 1.0 was planned using long-established methods for a single use case – the tall tower, high power system. The modeling assumed directional rooftop antennas were used throughout an entire broadcast market, and field strength predicted to be above minimum threshold meant that coverage was achieved, which was clearly not true in practice.” said Andy Whiteside, General Manager of Acrodyne Services and President of Dielectric. “NextGen TV opens up a broader set of reception options that cover fixed and mobile systems. The ATSC 3.0 standard’s enabling of SFNs makes content delivery to these systems possible although predicting reception is far more challenging, requiring the use of a powerful modeling toolset.”

Whiteside points out that broadcasters are deploying NextGen TV in conventional tall tower, high power systems as well as SFN systems. PROGIRA® plan allows prediction of reception in both deployment methods for the wide variety of modulation and coding options the new standard permits. Consultants like KGA have increasingly turned to PROGIRA® plan and its sophisticated analysis toolset for ATSC 3.0 SFN planning. PROGIRA® plan helps consultants plan networks with multiple transmitter sites that are carefully designed to reinforce each other for consistent market-wide reception, whileavoiding self-interference. The software also helps users understand reception conditions and network timing requirements for mobile viewers. This is a key value proposition of NextGenTV, since the 6MHz channel can contain multiple PLPs (Physical Layer Pipes) chosen and coded for different reception environments.

“We purchased PROGIRA® plan for a variety of projects around spectrum planning and optimization, but there’s no question that the main scope is for ATSC 3.0,” said Ryan Wilhour, Consulting Engineer at Kessler and Gehman Associates.“The main benefit is the amount of time we save in planning SFN sites. The software interfaces with the FCC LMS database and exports studies to TV Study for final FCC presentation. It automatically defines the appropriate antenna patterns and network timings. We no longer have to manually pull in antenna patterns, apply them to contours one by one, and evaluate if they remain within allotted coverage areas. The software integrates seamlessly with ArcMap geographic information systems (GIS) as well, and allows me to very quickly generate contours and their population counts. Other tools I have used are very limited when it comes to integration with professional GIS programs.”

Wilhour points to an SFN project in San Francisco that is modeling potential reception plans for several UHF TV channels. According to Wilhour, working closely with Dielectric for new antenna designs, the PROGIRA® plan software helps him thoroughly analyze coverage contours around the entire market, and carefully exclude populations that lie just outside of each boundary. That exacting precision returns a substantial amount of time to the KGA team that they can then devote to other projects. Beyond SFN planning, Wilhour is using PROGIRA® plan for other broadcast projects, including a studio-to-transmission microwave path profile for an existing ATSC 1.0 system.

KGA is also experiencing a quick ROI on their purchase, as PROGIRA® plan has delivered a revenue-generating benefit. “There is no question that we are finding new business and making money by using this software,” said Wilhour. “We have one client that is looking at ATSC 3.0 SFN plans for all major markets, and they understand the requirement for accurate coverage models. We can start with the basic metric analysis and then provide very detailed theoretical data that will help them accelerate network buildouts, from identifying proper antenna patterns to gaining construction permits. This software opens up many new business opportunities.”

About Acrodyne Services
Acrodyne Services, a wholly owned subsidiary of Sinclair, provides service and support for Broadcast transmitters throughout the world. This includes the large installed base of transmitters sold by Acrodyne Industries (Ai) over its 40-year history, as well as products manufactured by Rohde & Schwarz, Harris, Comark and others. The staff of Acrodyne Services offer a combined total of over 150 years of experience in the design, manufacture, installation and support of all types of TV transmitters. www.acrodyneservices.com.

Offer includes three free months of Carousel Cloud digital signage software,” Frontline Responder” templates, and technical support to launch a digital signage system

MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA, April 9, 2020 – The COVID-19 pandemic has transformed many healthcare facilities into COVID-only treatment centers, and forced the opening of temporary facilities to address larger outbreaks. To show appreciation for frontline organizations, Carousel Digital Signage is offering a free package to help facilities communicate important messages in waiting areas, walkways and other public-facing spaces. The offer extends to healthcare facilities as well as essential businesses in operation.

“As crowded hospitals, pop-up healthcare/ICU tents, test sites, and other COVID-19 focused organizations interact with an influx of patients, family and community members, digital signage will make visitors feel welcomed, connected, and informed as they navigate their way through unfamiliar surroundings,” said JJ Parker, CEO of Carousel Digital Signage. “We want to help our frontline organizationsprovide accurate, up-to-date information and messaging without unneeded costs and technical concerns.”

Carousel Digital Signage is providing a three-month subscription of Carousel Cloud, a SaaS-cloud-based CMS, along with “Frontline Responder” templates to create and deliver emergency messages unique to each facility. Carousel Digital Signage will also provide creative and technical support services, with insight on using existing infrastructure and consumer devices with Carousel Cloud software. That includes leveraging traditional TV screens and Apple TV devices, which Carousel Cloud automatically configures as media players once connected.

Carousel will also provide a specialized training course that focuses on key software features and capabilities, ensuring that that time-constrained service providers can quickly implement digital signage. Training includes an overview of Carousel’s robust alerting capability, which can update all signage displays instantaneously as situations change. Trainees will also learn how to use Carousel software and manage digital signage content from onsite and remote locations.

“Because COVID-19 service providers have more important things to focus on, we designed training materials and set-up procedures to get from ‘zero to signage’ with the least amount of time commitment,” Parker said. “Once Carousel is configured, facilities can add displays in the indoor and outdoor areas where they most need to communicate.”

In addition to hospitals and healthcare facilities, Carousel Digital Signage is offering the package to essential government facilities and businesses, including grocery stores, pharmacies, take-out restaurants and manufacturing businesses with critical supply chains to manage. Organizations and those that work or communicate with them can email sales@carouselsignage.com for more information. Additional detail, including a signup portal for frontline organizations, can be found at https://www.carouselsignage.com/signup/covid.

About Carousel Digital Signage

Carousel is Digital Signage Content Management Software that is easy to use, scalable, and reliable. With a deep feature set and strong technology partnerships Carousel gives you the most value in digital signage. Carousel Digital Signage is a division of Tightrope Media Systems. You can reach the Carousel team at (866) 866-4118, or visit www.carouselsignage.com.

Online event will combine new solution introductions with private 1:1 meetings

ZURICH, SWITZERLAND, April 8, 2020 — Audio over IP innovator Barix will present its latest broadcast products and host individual meetings with broadcasters, audio professionals and systems integrators as part of the company’s “Virtual NAB Booth” from April 20-22, 2020.

“As we won’t have the opportunity to meet broadcasters and partners in person in Las Vegas as usual this year, we have created a version of the Barix booth in our office – with everyone staying 2m apart, of course,” said Manuel Merki, Head of Marketing at Barix. “Just as we would at the physical event, we’re offering both an open product tour at our booth and private meetings, but online. We’re always happy to talk to clients one-on-one at any time of the year, but with users and integrators actively planning their projects for when the world opens back up, this is an excellent time for them to learn about our new products and discuss their needs with us.”

Barix will present its latest broadcast product news on April 20 in three sessions, allowing attendees around the world to choose the most convenient time for their region: 10:00am CEST, 2:00pm CEST and 1:00pm EDT (10:00am PDT). Topics will include the new M400 SIP Opus Codec, uncompressed STL solution and Silence Monitor audio assurance device, as well sneak previews of upcoming new products.

The company is also offering one-on-one, online meetings with customers and prospects to privately discuss specific topics, projects and products of interest. Time slots are available April 20, 21 and 22.

To reserve a spot in the broadcast webinar or schedule a one-on-one meeting, please visit www.barix.com/virtual-nab.

Barix: We Move Audio (www.barix.com)

Barix supplies simple and reliable solutions and components to systems integrators and end users worldwide.  We move high-quality audio across IP networks, adding value to customer solutions for nearly two decades with hundreds of thousands of devices installed worldwide.  Background music distribution with dynamic advertising insertion for retail shops, bars and hotels; public address solutions for schools and public spaces; and intercom and entry systems for facility surveillance, protection and security are among the many applications of Barix solutions.  Barix also supports OEM projects for a number of Global 500 listed companies serving many industries worldwide.