LPC design new playout suite

London Playout Centre (LPC) have designed a brand new playout suite dedicated to the UK and Southern Africa Sci Fi channels operated by Universal Studios Networks UK (USN UK).
LPC transmit over 15,000 hours of Sci Fi channel content every year.
Since migrating their playout operation in mid -2001, the Sci Fi channel has become the latest in a long line of USN transmission contracts won by LPC. These include 13th Street (Germany), Studio Universal (Germany & Italy) and The Studio (UK).
LPC’s in-house Technology Services team designed and built this customised playout suite to cater specifically for Sci Fi’s functionality requirements and to integrate with its media management and scheduling infrastructure.
Working to a brief of providing robust, tape based playout with the ability to maximise secondary event options, LPC continued their long and successful relationship with Pro-Bel by opting for Compass and MAPP automation. Pinnacle video servers are employed for all interstitial material while two Sony Flexicarts are controlled for the delivery of programme content.
LPC Client Manager, David Candler, who heads up the Sci Fi contract, said: “The key to our success and our growth is very much down to the success of our customers. We invest in them as they grow. It is vital we understand each other’s businesses. To grow in the current climate, a facility must understand not only the needs of their clients today but also their aspirations for the future.”
Dan Marks, President of USN UK, added: “We chose LPC due to their proven track record in supplying library and transmission services to the television industry, coupled with their high degree of professionalism when dealing with clients.”
(GB)