CNBC Europe selects Pebble Beach automation

Pebble Beach Systems, a leading provider of automation software solutions to the broadcast market, has announced the installation of its multi-channel Neptune system at CNBC Europe in London.
This system is playing out the Sci-Fi channel on Sky Digital which went on air last month. CNBC plans to control other channels with the same system in the near future.
At CNBC, the Neptune system is controlling a 4-port Omneon server, a 6-port SeaChange server, a Sony FlexiCart with two VTRs, a Pixel Power Clarity character generator, a Quartz Q32 SDI router, a Grass Valley Venus routing switcher, external VTRs and a Softel subtitler.
The system comprises fully flexible and configurable clients where multi-tasking of ingest and transmission functions is possible. The system includes four playlist, a full automatic schedule record list utility and a playlist translator, which enables Neptune to interface to the MSA Focus traffic system.
The system also features the Pebble Beach Periscope tool, a unique timeline viewer, allowing any operator to monitor all playing channels on one screen at a glance. And to ensure the complete integrity of the system, the system at CNBC has a spare device controller with a changeover switch for enhanced redundancy.
“We made some serious investigations around the industry about what automation systems people were using and which they would recommend from those available on the market today. Pebble Beach was repeatedly endorsed by many broadcasters as the company to watch and to consider for our own business model, “ said John Turner, Director of Operations, CNBC Europe. “The team at Pebble Beach also listened to our needs and understood our business which allowed them to adapt their products to meet our broadcast requirements.”
(GB)