MTV Networks Europe North Advances To Desktop Operations With Pharos Mediator

Pharos has announced the completion of a new content management system for MTV Networks based on the Mediator platform.
Located in Amsterdam's Media Wharf near the city centre, the new facility empowers desktop operations at MTVN North from ingest right through to broadcast transmission and new media.
Installation commenced in January, went live in parallel mode in March and fully on-air during June this year. Pharos was contracted as technology supplier for Mediator and as software systems integrator for process and IT integration.
MTVN is now using Mediator for end-to-end content management across six programme channels and the new system has capacity for up to 20 channels.
Mediator manages ingest, media registration, quality control and promotions editing workflow. Mediator browse is also being used throughout the system. Mediator additionally managers all transfer management and transcoding for the delivery to VoD and mobile as part of the workflow. The system does not use conventional playout automation because Mediator works as a 'plug in' to the MediaGenix channel management system, interfacing bi-directionally to manage many operations at the desktop in a creative office environment.
Roderick Aal, VP of Technology for MTVN North, said: "Within the MTV Networks North region we are aiming to improve our channel presentation by managing content directly and more efficiently from the desktop.
"We needed a unified workflow for all operations under a single enterprise with browse at every desktop. To achieve this, it was essential to decrease internal complexity and maximise integration between different systems and processes, keeping all information synchronous throughout all departments automatically.
"We also aimed to open up existing transmission operations to make publishing accessible directly to the channel management teams. Delivering higher video and audio quality by minimising transcoding steps throughout entire process to offer digital delivery was also a priority."
Aal continued: "We chose the Pharos Mediator platform because it offers close integration with our key third-party subsystems including Apple Final Cut, MediaGenix What's On and Publitronic Nexua. Pharos delivers efficient processes and better workflows between these systems.
"We were impressed by Pharos' ability to respond to many of our specific needs within MTVN operations.
"Mediator improves operational efficiency, particularly in handling multiple versions of content, subtitles and multi-language audio.
"Our new system also allows secure remote operations, which is sometimes a good thin. Occasionally our staff use Mediator with browse to check or approve material when away from the office."
The entire workflow is handled using Mediator's transfer management and web-based user interfaces with integrated browse. Mediator also streams browse content and metadata directly to the MediaGenix What’s On channel management system. In addition to MTVN satellite and terrestrial DTV output, the new system also manages delivery of Flash movies to web viewers giving file-based delivery end-to-end.
Pharos will be at Stand 10.D31 at IBC2008 in Amsterdam. Further information is available at: www.pharos.tv.
(KMcA)