XAL Selects IdeasUnlimited.tv Compliance Recorder
Government-Owned Public Service Provider Offers Value-Add
Xarxa Audiovisual Local (XAL) in Catalonia, Spain, implemented IdeasUnlimited.tv’s ContentProbe digital compliance recorder and FaultTracker systems as value-add services. The not-for-profit public broadcast service platform is installing 15 systems so its associate TV stations can retain all transmitted content for the legally requisite six months and receive automated alerts in the event of signal failure.
Based on IdeasUnlimited.tv’s patented Media Fingerprinting technology, the ContentProbe Compliance stores content internally and enables authorised users to browse transmitted material from their desktops. It eliminates time wasted on manually recording, archiving and retrieving transmitted content using VHS tapes and saves considerable storage space. It also confines problems of unreliability, tape-wear and faulty tape heads to the past.
Meanwhile, ContentProbe FaultTracker generates automated alerts via SMS and email about problems such as no audio/video, frozen picture and detects colour bars, and other images. Operators can then review playout remotely, which is crucial for stations with minimal on-site staff over quieter periods such as weekends. FaultTracker also offers an as-run log to verify that content was broadcast as planned. Additionally IdeasUnlimited’s unique FingerPrinting technology is used to confirm that the correct picture and sound are received at each remote site.
“XAL’s installation of IdeasUnlimited.tv’s compliance recorders and FaultTrackers provides a critical service to local broadcasters that lack such automated resources in-house,” says XAL technical director Israel Vela. “The systems give us a real competitive advantage over other service hubs.”
“Broadcasters of all sizes are under pressure from advertisers and legal regulation to retain their broadcast content to demonstrate that they broadcast what they should have done at the appropriate time,” says managing director of IdeasUnlimited.tv Glyn Powell Evans. “Smaller stations in particular often rely on their service platforms for such functions and XAL recognises its duty to provide the most efficient means of ensuring its associate TV stations can withstand these pressures.”
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