Pebble Beach Systems launches a virtualized channel in a box for the public cloud

The software-defined virtualized IP channel solution, Orca, is now available for both private and public cloud deployment.

An IBC 2016, Pebble Beach is demonstrating the deployment of multiple virtual channels in a public cloud using Amazon Web Services (AWS), and in a private cloud.

Visitors to the Pebble booth can see a live demonstration of deploying and hosting multiple channels in the cloud using Orca, Pebble's virtualized playout solution running under the Marina automation control system.

With the ability to launch new channels in minutes and at low cost, Pebble's public cloud solution is particularly ideal for pop-up, event-based channels, and disaster recovery applications.

With Orca, centralcast hubs, service providers, MCOs (multi-channel operators), sports broadcasters and enterprises can create new IP channels from a series of templates and with the touch of a button, and then quickly deploy them to an on-air system without having to restart it or make configuration changes. Orca allows fully automated channels to be launched and operational with the click of a button, using the same Marina infrastructure as installed systems and requiring little additional staff training.

Ian Cockett, Chief Technology Officer at Pebble Beach Systems, commented that "a virtual channel in a box, running in a private or public cloud, offers an affordable option to deploy or contract IP-based channels instantly, without the need for complicated racks and hardware, weeks or months of configuration and preparation. From the user's perspective, creating a channel on premises or in the cloud offers the same almost instantaneous experience."

For Disaster Recovery (DR) applications, Orca offers a cost-effective and efficient solution that can be used dynamically and only when necessary. This reduces costs considerably since cloud services are generally only paid for when they are running. The storage can contain backup material to be run during an emergency, while the “mirrored” program content for the day can be quickly loaded in a matter of minutes. With the content uploaded, the DR feed is a perfect reflection of the original broadcast.

"For many broadcasters, the expense of maintaining a channel running in parallel for disaster recovery purposes is prohibitive. Deploying an on-demand backup infrastructure in the cloud, which mirrors a broadcaster's on-premise installation, offers the same user interface and experience for the operator, with minimal risk and cost for the customer," adds Cockett.

At IBC, Pebble Beach is also previewing its new AWS Channel Launcher, a tool for ultra-fast channel deployment.