Harris unifies technology, flexibility and scalability in Versio, its new “channel-in-a-box” solution

Versio brings together Harris' experience in automation, branding and graphics, and video servers (Nexio) in a single solution. At IBC 2012, Harris also introduces Invenio Motion 4, the latest version that will integrate multiple functions for monitoring, managing and executing activities within a unified workflow.

Harris Morris, president of Harris Broadcast Communications, began the pre-IBC press conference highlighting that of the 3.7 billion global viewers in the world, 74% of APAC and 72% MESA consumers already watch video monthly on their smartphones. This represents a very important challenge in order to prevent what today represents only 20% of income from leading to 80% of the investment, as happens in many cases.

Media companies are forced in this environment to change their operations both in production and media management (archive, IP Streams, CDN) and distribution (VoD, mobile, Catch Up, IP, Web...).

Version

In response to these challenges, Harris launches Versio at IBC 2012. This solution is based on the “channel-in-a-box” principle, unifying service, technology, flexibility and scalability at an efficient price.

Versio brings together Harris' experience in automation, branding and graphics, and video servers (Nexio) in a single solution.

In fact, Harris' Versio combines baseband video, channel branding and automated workflow capabilities into a single-rack, easy-to-install, software-based solution. Versio has managed to reduce the cost and time required to launch broadcast, cable and TV channels and services while offering easy integration with production, traffic and billing, scheduling, asset management, content playback and master control functions, leveraging existing workflows for maximum return on investment.

This release compresses multiple single-channel workflows into a 1RU platform, incorporating Harris video server, channel branding, and optional graphics and automation components. Flexible software-based configurations range from single-channel launches, independently or within an existing system, to multi-channel distribution and expansion and disaster recovery systems. Broadcasters will now be able to accelerate the time needed to launch a channel, reducing the usual preparation time from months to just weeks or days by eliminating the resources required to launch traditional channels.

Versio customers will be able to leverage Harris' deep expertise in digital asset, traffic and billing management to help manage overall channel costs and increase revenue, while adding a solution to their existing workflow. This includes the ability to sell and schedule new ads virtually simultaneously with broadcast to maximize flexibility.

Versio users will also enjoy the ability to use the features they need, with the flexibility to change their mind and turn options on and off as they wish. Existing Harris automation and storage customers will be able to use their native systems, for example, rather than being forced to use these capabilities as an integrated part within Harris' Versio platform.

I find

This year, the Invenio platform also stands out at IBC. At IBC 2012, Harris will introduce Invenio Motion 4, the latest version that will integrate multiple functions for tracking, managing and executing activities within a unified workflow, along with the unique ability to quantify the value and how each task relates throughout the workflow.

This solution from Harris represents a new approach to how people, applications and devices are integrated into the media management workflow.

The new version builds on the experiences of previous generation Invenio customers around the world, introducing improvements in areas such as traffic and billing, file management, content playback and other operations.

Traditionally, broadcasters and media companies refer to the number of links that occur in a workflow from an operational approach. Today, it's about understanding value, delivery and operating costs. This requires an intuitive resource management tool that is aware of all media workflow activities, whether focused on a single installation or spread across a global scheme.”

Invenio Motion 4 allows users to add, configure and manage devices, assign tasks to staff, and track projects from start to finish. It consolidates multiple asset management tasks within its engine, bringing together transcoding and storage options, for example (including deep archive assets in tape libraries).

Harris in London 2012

During the press conference that opens IBC, Harris Morris has announced the experience of using Harris systems by the BBC during the London Olympic Games, highlighting the Selenium platform that has allowed the British broadcaster to face the largest event with multiplatform content distribution in history. Selenium enables audio and video conversion, 6+1 encoding, multiplexing, statistical multiplex control, redundancy management, re-mixing and processing in a unified platform that takes up 88% less space with 75% savings in energy consumption.

Throughout the Olympic Games the BBC and Dega Broadcast have been broadcasting content to three broadcast networks, maintaining 24 interactive feeds, which provided continuous live coverage of each of the events. Most of what was broadcast was live.

Harris has supplied a range of technology to the BBC production center during the London games this summer, including the Selenium media convergence platform and the new Harris HView SX Pro multi-display management solution, on a Harris Platinum routing system, plus a large selection of Harris HView QS QVM 6800+ multi-viewers.

The purpose of the production center was to be able to obtain the broadcast ingest from the venues and customize it. The broadcaster then added the comments and his own presentation feeds. All post-production, commentary and presentation were implemented in the facility itself within the international broadcast center, which was located at the headquarters of the games.

Dega Broadcast Project Director John Cleaver reported that the intensity of this high-profile live event resulted in completely new system design and resilience needs within the production workflow.

Dega has also reported that the Selenio platform worked perfectly in this environment. The multiple Selenium units in the production center were responsible for managing all video and audio processing needs from a single highly integrated platform that simplified deployment and maximized simplicity of operation.

Pinewood

Another of Harris' most notable success stories this year can be found at the legendary Pinewood Studios in London.
Harris has provided a technical infrastructure solution for your migration to an HDTV production environment.

The new HD galleries encompass a range of Harris infrastructure equipment, including Platinum routers, HView SX Pro multiviewers, X50 synchronizers/converters and 6800+ modular processing platforms, all organized through NUCLEUS network control panels. This comprehensive solution allows Pinewood to reliably distribute, monitor and process multiple HD video and audio signals.

Pinewood's decision to choose Harris as its technology provider was the result of its long-standing and good relationship with the company. Pinewood is also the owner of Teddington Studios, where it has a number of presentation studios in which Harris channel transmission and signal distribution equipment has been installed and operating successfully for many years.

Work to carry out this major infrastructure upgrade began in the spring and the galleries were commissioned in August. Pinewood has reported that the installation proceeded according to a pre-planned schedule and came to fruition without major issues. The combination of routers, multiviewers, core processing and control technology provides Pinewood with an integrated and cohesive, yet resilient and solvent HD infrastructure solution.

Finally, regarding transmission. In this area, the Flexiva range (with a full range of FM transmitters) and Maxiva (with the lowest TCO and PowerSmart technology) stand out.