VSN Tapeless Television. End to end automated and digital solutions for broadcast and Audiovisual Markets

VSN, an active player at the International Forum for the development of FIMS

2012-01-16

VSN keeps its steady commitment in favor of a greater standardization and interoperability of tapeless workflows for TV broadcasters. As a recently appointed member of the committee of General Members of the AMWA (Advanced Media Workflow Association), the Spanish company has joined the FIMS project’s work team (Framework for Interoperable Media Services). Other manufacturers like Sony, Avid, IBM, Harris, Harmonic, BBC or Quantel also participate in the same team.

FIMS is a joint initiative of the AMWA and the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) for the development of a technology platform that enables greater interoperability of systems and components. As the market moves away from traditional video technologies to embrace IT-based technologies, the design and management of production systems becomes a challenge for most TV broadcasters. Due to the lack of standard interfaces among the different components and systems, integrators must devote increasing resources and efforts in the development of customized adapters to integrate the technologies from different manufacturers. This, in turn, brings about scalability and maintenance issues, and the replacement or update of some component demands new adaptation expenses.

The future FIMS specification has been designed from scratch in order to provide greater interoperability and standardization to production, post-production, distribution and media archive applications. It promotes the implementation of a service-oriented architecture (SOA), and takes into consideration large file (TB+) management, frame accuracy and time-consuming tasks (like transcoding).

For a project like this to be successful, a work team consisting of manufactures (AMWA) and users (EBU) had to be created. Manufacturers are interested in reducing the costs and risks related to scarce integration. Users, on the other hand, are interested in getting faster integration times, with lesser costs and risks. The adoption of standard interfaces at the entrepreneurial level, as the SOA is promoting, will enable to achieve these goals.

With this project, VSN reinforces its mission to contribute to the industry by establishing the foundations and standards for broadcast workflows in the near future.It is one of the most active companies in the development of software applications for television based on these new trends, and collaborates very actively in all international fora on standardization. All the new modules that the company is currently developing under the Spider umbrella project work in web service environments orchestrated by a workflow manager, and can easily interoperate with other FIMS-compatible solutions from other manufacturers, thereby reducing the times and overall costs of the project.

VSN will present its new releases at CABSAT 2012

2012-01-03

VSN will be present in the next edition of CABSAT that will take place next February 28^th – March 1^st in Dubai. Promoting its new generation of broadcast software solutions, the company will showcase new versions of its products in the areas of News Production, Content Management and Distribution and Advanced Graphics. All the new releases will be available at the booth S1-G21.

Included in the Spider platform, the new VSN’s Workflow Manager allows full customization of a TV Channel’s different workflows, thus generating a fully automated production operative. The seamless integration with VSNIPTRANSFER to work in a distributed environment (WAN), and the combination of Web architecture with Windows and Mac OS platforms, results in a powerful distributed, multiplatform ecosystem for the news production and the content management and distribution.

The VSNWIRES new module allows for the reception, transcoding and storage in the VSN’s MAM system, of the stories from external news agencies, content providers and ENGs. All metadata included by the news agencies are filtered and formatted. Thus, all journalists receive the news in real time and they can drag and drop what they wish to the playlist’s text or video. The video (if it exists) is transcoded to the main format compatible with the selected editors.

Also, in the way towards enhanced interoperability, VSN will be showing a complete integration of its VSNIPTRANSFER content contribution tool with Avid’s editing environment. Avid’s NLEs are also compatible and iNews can be integrated with VSN’s MAM system since last NAB. The same VSNIPTRANSFER client can now be installed on Mac OS too.

In addition to this, the new 5.0 VSNCG+ version will also be available for demonstration at the VSN’s booth. The new, enhanced platform for advanced graphics ensures compatibility with new hardware/multicore processors, and native support for 32/64 bit. The integration of the most advanced OpenGL 3.0 offers a significant speed boost, while maintaining low CPU load, ideal for HD needs. The new, powerful GUI features search filters, multilevel undo and floating windows.

Alyoum TV, a new Kuwaiti channel with VSN technology

2011-12-09

The brand new Kuwaiti channel Alyoum TV has chosen VSN’s technology for the deployment of a complete 100% tapeless broadcast system. With an initial staff of a hundred people, the channel has specialized in news production, mainly broadcasting local news and general information on Kuwait. Alyoum TV produces four daily newscasts, among other debate and talk shows. The VSN technology was selected by the channel’s technical management because of ‘their excellent quality/cost ratio, their ability to offer a complete and integrated system and the Arabic support of their graphics tools’.

The installation includes a news production system VSNNEWS with fifteen news writing stations, three non-linear editing (NLE) cabins and a VSNPROMPTER teleprompter. Alyoum TV’s personnel utilize the news installation in two daily shifts. The solution VSNAUTOREC is used for ingesting contents, and includes a powerful ingest programmer for frequent as well as for specific recordings. Master control playout and automation are all managed with the playout and multiformat server VSNMATIC, which is now integrated with the titling system VSNCG. A compliance recording system VSNLEGALREC is also included in the installation. The channel, which is betting high on branding, utilizes advanced graphics thanks to the solution VSNCG+ that offers a much more powerful user interface in version 5.0, including search filters, the ability to undo changes without limits, and floating windows allocation. The channel manages their contents with the multiplatform solution VSNSHARER, included in the brand new VSN Spider architecture.

VSN won the tender in collaboration with its partner, Motion Media. Alyoum TV, which has plans to continue to grow, may acquire a complete archive system VSNARCHIVE in a second stage of the installation. The channel already has news, sports and talk-show studios.

VSN integrates with Avid in RCN

2011-11-24

The Colombian broadcaster RCN decided to implement a managed system of contents contribution between its branches and headquarters in Bogotá. The technical managers were satisfied with VSNIPTRANSFER due to its transparent integration with their current news and content production systems, which creates a simple and automatic workflow that accelerates the availability of materials and avoids all performance errors.

The forecasts generated in Avid’s i.News news system get automatically published in the VSNIPTRANSFER server (i.News Sync module). The 10 client nodes, installed in different cities, generate their local contents and publish them in the central server at speeds up to 10 times faster than conventional FTP using state-of-the-art encoding H.264 technologies and the transfer acceleration protocol UMP, a VSN patent.

The contents delivered to Bogotá are transcoded without delay for automatic copy and registration in the RCN Bogotá’s Interplay-Isis system, becoming immediately available for editing. The VSNWORKFLOW MANAGER, which is part of Spider new applications platform, is responsible for this function. The system also generates proxies in .FLV format of all published clips.

Likewise, the 10 clients may consult the central catalog and quickly download any clip at any time with the help of VSNIPTRANSFER’s FLEX client, which uses all generated proxies for previewing, in/out entry points selection and total/partial download of the desired contents at the same speeds.

This solution greatly enhances video contribution and lowers down RCN’s contents exchange costs as it allows using any available IP link. The transparent and automatic integration with the existing Avid’s News and Production environments was a key factor in RCN’s decision.

SKAÏ TV to deploy its new playout centre with VSN

2011-10-18

Skai TV (ΣΚΑΪ), a Greek TV station with nationwide coverage, has been recently awarded the playout service for the four sports channels of the Hellenic Telecommunications Organization (OTE S.A.)’s IPTV service, branded as CONN-X TV. CONN-X TV currently offers 48 thematic TV channels with digital clarity as well as Video on Demand services. VSN’s flexible technology and Ariston’s knowledge and on-site support of VSN’s solutions were key for Skai TV’s decision.

The project is based on a standard and easy expandable, open IT infrastructure including 4 VMAX SD/HD video servers (2 units 4IN/1OUT for ingest and 2 units 4-output-channelforplayout), plus a central storage that provides full redundancy with no single point of failure. Both VMAX playouts are configured to broadcast synchronized 3 SD channels and 1 HD channel.

The easy-to-use VSNCREATV solution is used to schedule broadcast programs weeks ahead. The broadcast automation system, VSNMULTICOM delivers the redundancy for the playouts and the automation itself. Furthermore, VSNMULTICOM is in charge of controlling an Evertz EMX Router (288x288) as well as a QMC-2 switcher. A full integration for the Evertz QMC-2 MCS was developed for this project in order to control the logos and graphics insertion from the automation system, besides the effects and cross point switching. The graphics system comprises 4 VSNCG connected in fill and key mode to the MCS, also scheduled by VSNCREATV and triggered by VSNMULTICOM. The installation includes integration of Sony’s Media Backbone SONAPS news production system and Blue Order’s archive in order to feed with additional content to VSN’s playout video servers.

As a result, the MCR automation makes possible to have an optimal operation of the four Channels that are broadcasted through IPTV service and satellite, reducing operation errors and providing maximum availability.

VSN presented its TAPELESS 2.0 new releases at Broadcast Madrid

2011-10-14

VSN participated in the latest edition of Broadcast it, that took place last October 25^th -28^thin Madrid. Promoting the TAPELESS 2.0 concept around a new generation of broadcast software solutions, the company showcased new versions of its products in the areas of News Production, Content Management and Distribution and Advanced Graphics. All the new releases were available at the booth 3D09.

The VSNWIRES new module allows for the reception, transcoding and storage in the VSN’s MAM system of the stories from external news agencies, content providers and ENGs. All metadata included by the news agencies are filtered and formatted. Thus, all journalists receive the news in real time and they can drag and drop what they wish to the playlist’s text or video. The video (if it exists) is transcoded to the main format compatible with the selected editors.

Also, in the way towards enhanced interoperability, VSN will be showing a complete integration of its VSNIPTRANSFER content contribution tool with Avid’s editing environment. Avid’s NLEs are also compatible and INews can be integrated with VSN’s MAM system since last NAB. The same VSNIPTRANSFER client can now be installed on Mac OS too.

In addition to this, the new 5.0 VSNCG+ version was also available for demonstration at the VSN’s booth. The new, enhanced platform for advanced graphics ensures compatibility with new hardware/multicore processors, and native support for 32/64 bit. The integration of the most advanced OpenGL 3.0 offers a significant speed boost, while maintaining low CPU load, ideal for HD needs. The new, powerful GUI features search filters, multilevel undo and floating windows.

VSNNEWS for 8TV’s digital newsroom installed by Unitecnic in record time

2011-09-30

8TV, Catalonia’s private regional broadcaster, with headquarters near Barcelona and part of the well-known multimedia and press group Godó, released its new 3-hour live show ‘8 al día’; a combination of news bulletin and magazine in prime time and conducted by the popular Josep Cuní. Unitecnic carried out the integration of the new digital newsroom for the show with VSN solutions.

The new newsroom includes 24 workstations, 16 of these devoted to editing staff, and it is ready to simultaneously receive news from six news agencies (AFP, Reuters, Europa Press, EFE, Atlas and ACN) plus additional external feeds via FTP like BarçaTV and six ENG’s of the channel. The workflow is very dynamic as the news from each agency are received, transcoded and stored in VSN’s central MAM system. All metadata included by the news agencies are filtered and formatted by VSNWIRES. Thus, all journalists receive the news in real time. The workflows required for the project have been customized thanks to VSN’s Workflow Manager, which is included in the new Spider platform generating a fully automated production operative in 8TV.

All editors have access to the same News playlist through VSNNEWS and can access the same Archive and MAM system by using VSNARCHIVE. The journalists can modify the prompter information as well as the content of the graphic templates through VSNCG+ from their own workplace. Also, they can export selected news to their Web site from the rundown with a single click. This action automatically generates a MP4 file along with an XML file that gets automatically added to BrightCove’s current Web solution. The VSNWEBNEWS and VSNWEBCUTTER facilitate the remote access of news writers and editing staff.

The agnostic features of the VSN platform also make possible the multiplatform integration of 3 FCP7 editing systems and 13 Edius6 GV stations. Thus, 8TV becomes one of the first Spanish channels operating under the new VSN’s Spider platform.

VSN integrates VSNMULTICOM with Flumotion’s Web TV system in Barcelona TV

2011-08-11

The public broadcaster in the city of Barcelona, Barcelona Televisió (BTV), has recently upgraded its broadcast automation system with VSN. The channel, which was already using VSNMULTICOM for playout management purposes, was in need of real time synchronization with the publishing system for Flumotion’s Video on Demand and Web Live services.

The integration of these technologies carried out by VSN involves two separate processes: integration with the Video on Demand (VOD) service and integration with the Web TV Live service. VSNMULTICOM digitizes the contents that must be sent to the VOD service in high quality format right at the time when these are being aired on TV. Said contents are processed in real time in order to consolidate all video segments, embed the channel’s logo and all associated metadata and send the materials to the Web service repository so they are available only a few minutes after they have been aired. On the other hand, VSNMULTICOM identifies contents with permissions for webcasting purposes and notifies the streaming platform about air times, while providing alternative material for time slots lacking contents with said permissions. All this information gets updated in real time to adjust for any changes in the programming schedule during airtime.

As Jordi Colom, BTV’s Technical Manager, puts it, “we are very happy with the VSNMULTICOM system and with the integration carried out by VSN. Thanks to its flexibility and technical efficiency we have been able to accomplish automation of the publishing processes in real time for our video on demand and Web TV services. This positions us as one of the pioneering TV networks to offer high quality services over the Internet.” VSNMULTICOM controls the broadest range of controlled devices and systems from all vendors in the market, among them, Omneon, Seachange, EVS, Grass Valley and Vector video servers; Pesa, Evertz, Miranda and Kramer switchers and routers; Orad, Vizrt and Chyron graphics systems; Tarsys and Ardendo MAM solutions, etc.

VSN unveils the ‘Tapeless 2.0’ concept at IBC 2011

2011-07-27

Following its Spider R&D project on the way to a new generation of tapeless solutions, VSN will be presenting several new versions of its main products at the IBC show, which will be held in Amsterdam next September, 9th to 13th. All new versions and product enhancements in News Production, MCR Automation and BMS areas will be available for demonstrations at the booth number 7G33.

Distributed News & Live Production Ecosystem

VSNNEWS features now a set of new functionalities including the system’s integration with different social networks like Twitter and Facebook and SOA interfaces with MAM solutions. The proposed architecture is completely scalable as it grows, because most of the services are now centralized and operated by ‘workers’, no matter the size of the system and the number of lo-res and hi-res clients involved. The web clients for text and video editing will be showcased in Europe for the first time. Also, in the way towards enhanced interoperability, VSN will be showing a complete integration of its VSNIPTRANSFER content contribution tool with Avid’s editing environment. Avid’s NLEs are also compatible and INews can be integrated with VSN’s MAM system since last NAB. The same VSNIPTRANSFER client can now be installed on Mac OS too.

The ability to customize workflows for each customer (Worfklow Manager or BPM), the seamless integration with VSNIPTRANSFER to relocate resources and, finally, the combination of Web architecture with Windows and Mac OS platforms, make the VSN News-MAM system one of the most powerful and flexible solutions in the market.

MCR Automation

The top-class VSNMULTICOM automation reaches version 9.10. It features native integration with Omneon, Orad and Miranda, unlimited linear channel scalability, 5 levels of redundancy (storage, video channels, video servers, device control and playlists, either n+1, n+n, etc.), and improved customized shortcuts for better usability, among others.

Broadcast Management System (BMS)

The latest VSNCREATV version shows now a greatly improved advertising management module, an advanced content purchase contract module and a much easier integration with VSN or third party’s MAM and automation due to its redesigned public API.

VSNMULTICOM offers native integration with Omneon and Orad

2011-07-10

With the launchof VSNMULTICOM’s new 9.10 version, the Spanish company has completed oneof itsmost ambitious projectsintegrating its own broadcast automation solution withthird-party systems, in this case Omneonand Orad.

After performing numerous developments to integrate Omneon servers in diverse customers’ installations, the latest version of VSNMULTICOM incorporates now the possibility to take control of live events ingest, recognition ofLTC(LinearTime Code), broadcast segmentation, trimming management and quality assurance (QA). Working withnativeOmneonAPIallows taking control of such videos servers in a way much more advanced than the usual standard VDCP.

Furthermore, VSNMULTICOMalso offers native integration withOrad’s 3DPlay graphics system. The control of 3DPlayconsists of four levels: full screen monitoring (main event), logos monitoring, overprints (auxiliary event) and texts control (auxiliary event). The capacity to combine many different types of events makes it (automatic operation of graphics) the most sophisticated on the market.

VSNMULTICOMisthe MCR automationsystem thatoffers the mostcomplete integrationwiththird-party systems on the market. Besides the native integration with Omneon and Orad systems, it has also been installedin numerous projects controllingSeachange, EVS and Grass Valleyvideo servers,Chyron and Vizrtgraphics systems, Nevion, Pesa, Grass Valleyand Miranda switchers, etc.More than 150customers around theworld trust and managetheir broadcasting with VSNMULTICOM.

VSN announces the definite merger of Activa Software

2011-06-30

VSN, company founded in the 90's, which develops software solutions and video servers for the digitization of TV channels, and Activa Software, a technological company that has also been dedicated for more than 20 years to develop solutions for the audiovisual market, announce their definite merger. Both companies were already working together since 2007, when the acquisition of Activa Software by VSN took place. Since it is a merger by absorption, all Activa Software’s assets and business portfolio will remain integrated within the structure of VSN, whose turnover will be significantly increased.

“This is a strategic decision which positions us as one of the main companies in the world of broadcast solutions’ manufacturers. Thanks to this merger we will expand our offer to the most complete range of products for the Broadcast & IT Media market, featuring a full integration among all operational areas of a TV station, including scheduling, ingest, news and live production, digital archiving, master control room and IP content delivery”, explained Jordi Utiel, VSN’s CEO. In words of Jordi Gilabert, founder of Activa Software and now VSN’s R&D Project Manager "the acquisition in 2007 was already beneficial for Activa Software in terms of the great commercial expansion of VSN, with its subsidiaries in Dubai, USA, Brazil and Uruguay. Now we are very proud of the synergies reached among developers of both companies, and especially, of the common R&D project that we started 3 years ago. We are about to launch to the market a Cloud Computing platform for the distribution and management of media content."

In 2007 Activa Software’ solutions allowed VSN to complete its product range, incorporating high availability systems for broadcast automation and scheduling, and for the distribution of broadcast media content over the Internet. The offer of products and solutions from both companies are present today in more than 1000 TV channels, in 80 countries.

VSN presented important new releases at Broadcast Asia 2011

2011-06-24

VSN showcased its range of new solutions for tapeless environments at the 2011 Broadcast Asia show in Singapore, from last June 21st to 24th.

Promoting the concept TAPELESS 2.0, the company is presented new versions and functionalities of its News, Archive and MAM modules, VSNNEWS and VSNARCHIVE, integrated now with existing user management systems (Active Directory, LDAP, Domain, etc.).

The revolutionary and affordable virtual set VSNFREEMOVE was also presented for the first time in Asia. VSNFREEMOVE does not need tracking systems to create camera movements and perfect embeddings. It features 4 video inputs (cameras and/or live signals for virtual screens), a high-quality chroma key, 10 scene memories, integrated mixer and a digital quality level unique in its segment. Real and virtual furniture can work together seamlessly.

It can also be added to the list of new features, the ability of the VSN system to integrate with Avid editing software. VSN's technology allows building a fully automated tapeless TV channel with truly integrated applications from one single vendor. Its new architecture stands for an unbounded scalability, the possibility to customize the workflows to meet the needs of each customer, a total level of integration among the channel's all working units (management, scheduling, archive, traffic, news, etc.) and, finally, the adoption of open protocols (web services, REST, SOAP, etc.) with an aim to integrate any third-party manufacturer's solution in the VSN ecosystem without a problem.

VSN signs distribution agreement with the Bolivian company SEST

2011-06-03

Last April, VSN signed a commercial agreement with the Bolivian company SEST (Systems, Equipment and Technology Solutions) to distribute its automation and digitization solutions for TV channels in this Latin American country. With the broadcast sector in Bolivia currently making the digital technology transition, both companies hope to undertake a commercial adventure together to cater for the needs of the different Bolivian TV channels.

As Orlando Videira, General Manager of SEST, pointed out:"We chose to represent the VSN technology right at the time of a new regulation for the transition to digital broadcast technology in Bolivia. The rationale behind our election was VSN's scalable and open system, a wide variety of solutions covering a complete workflow and a great development capability." On the other hand, VSN's Sales Manager Pedro Serrano points out "this commercial agreement makes us very happy. SEST is a very professional company capable of offering the necessary local service and support. Undoubtedly, it is one of the best companies to represent the VSN technology to Bolivian TV channels."

Systems, Equipment and Technology Solutions S.R.L. (SEST SRL) is a company devoted to project engineering and equipment setup in the telecommunications sector. With more than 18 years of experience in Bolivia, the company has specialized personnel in consulting, integration and setup of VSN systems in that country.

VSNIPTRANSFER: a content exchange platform in Castilla La Mancha (Spain)

2011-05-11

The VSNIPTRANSFER technology was selected by the Testing and Development Center for Castilla-La Mancha Digital Television Foundation for their project to create a platform for the exchange and distribution of digital media contents among production houses, television channels and creative professionals from the region. NRDmultimedia, VSN's official dealer and winner of the project bid, was the system's integrator, which includes 60 VSNIPTRANSFER client licenses and a storage and virtual servers' system.

The Foundation will be responsible for the cost of the content exchange system to make it available to companies or independent creative professionals from the La Mancha audiovisual sector. As Juan Angel Sánchez, Manager of the TV Digital Foundation, puts it: "we want to create a specialized cluster and support center to energize the technology and digital media content industry in Castilla-La Mancha. We chose VSNIPTRANSFER because it allows us to reduce the operating costs of businesses, freelancers and/or government bodies that need to exchange media or market their audiovisual output." José Fernando Sánchez Bódalo, Vice-president of the Tv Digital Foundation pointed out that with this project "we are heavily betting on energizing the audiovisual sector as a new productive model based on new information and communication technologies."

Contents are published on a server in VSNIPTRANSFER thus allowing users to find them with the help of a management tool and view them in low-res to eventually download them. All video clips can be imported or exported in several formats, which makes the solution to easily integrate with all production, master control or video editing systems.

The goal of the Foundation is to facilitate the tools that help invigorate the audiovisual sector in Castilla-La Mancha. The founding sponsors of this non-profit organization are the Board of Communities of Castilla-La Mancha, the City Council of Alcázar de San Juan and the University of Castilla-La Mancha.

VSN workflow used for broadcasting the Verao Salvador Festival in Brazil.

2011-04-26

The Festival of Verao Salvador, one of the most important music events in Brazil, was celebrated in Salvador de Bahia last February. The event, which is famous for its musical diversity, brought together more than two hundred thousand people during four days. Every day TV Globo broadcasted a special show with the highlights of the festival. For the production, TV Bahia (a Globo's affiliate) used VSN systems.

Through Video Systems, VSN's official partner in Brazil, the Spanish company provided its storage and media asset management solutions. The following systems were used for this particular event: VSNAUTOREC for ingest automation and VSNNETSHARER for media management and storage, all integrated with a collaborative network editing system. As Kazuyuki Tsurumaki, Director of Video Systems, pointed out: "The amount of ingested materials was huge so the channel had to work with many hours of video. To us it was a challenge to be able to accomplish the goals of everyday's operations so the two companies [VSN and Video Systems] travelled to Salvador de Bahia a couple of weeks before the event. There, we were setting up all the equipment and testing."

In addition to the staff working on site, a team of VSN engineers and developers, remotely connected from locations like Miami, Uruguay and Spain, worked closely together on this project double checking all configurations, solving little unexpected technical issues and watching over the complete, error-free performance of the system.

This experience is further evidence of an efficient collaboration between VSN and Video Systems. Thanks to the hard work of the two companies, TV Globo was able to air the best moments of the festival, which was an unprecedented success.

VSN now compatible with Avid editing systems

2011-04-05

Among the new releases that were presented at the NAB Show in Las Vegas (last April 11th-14th), VSN showcased the new versions of its ingest, MAM, archive and playout solutions, which allow integration with Avid's most popular editing solutions transparently.

The VSNAUTOREC content ingest systems can now generate, among other formats, OPAtom encapsulated MXF files, in native Avid environments, which allows for renderless use of Media Composer. As for the Media Asset Management (MAM) subsystem, either the on-line (VSNSHARER) or the near and off-line (VSNARCHIVE) versions, they all are already compatible with the most popular formats and encapsulators of said editing systems. This allows Avid users to be able to affordably build scalable network and storage infrastructures for news and content share-editing. Partial or full retrieval of archive materials is now much faster as there is no need for file transcoding. To complete the workflow, all exported projects are compatible with all VSN studio and master control playouts. This VSN feature was already made available for other well-known editing systems like Sony, Grass Valley, Apple, Adobe, etc.

On another hand, VSN also announces the compatibility of its MAM and automation system with Avid's iNews solution. All TV channels using this popular NRCS tool can now integrate and scale their storage, MAM system and VSN playouts efficiently.

The Spanish company's R&D department is currently working to shortly gain the complete integration of all Avid's post-production storage systems (Interplay, etc.) into a chain of creation and playout (ingest-postproduction-playout-archive) in a non-proprietary environment like the one offered by VSN. The forthcoming IBC in September 2011 is the expected launch date. All these new releases fall under VSN's Tapeless 2.0 philosophy, which involves the biggest R&D effort made by the company in recent times.

VSN is awarded the 2011 Citizens Prize in Technology Development

2011-03-23

Last Monday March 21st, VSN, an international reference in software development for the broadcast and media markets, was awarded the prize of the Citizens Awards Association and the Citizens Debate Forum "in recognition of the company's development of technology for the telecommunications sector". Jordi Utiel, VSN's President, received the prize from Francisca Sauquillo, member of the European Parliament and President of the Users and Consumers Council.

According to the members of the jury, VSN deserves the award in recognition of its contribution to the new technologies sector, taking the lead in audiovisual technology. In words of Sauquillo, "it is very enriching for the new technologies sector that companies like VSN keep on investing resources in innovation and development even in the current economy. VSN's technology, implemented in TV stations nationally but also affordable to local TV stations, has made it possible for citizens to have a better access to information in all geographic areas". On the other hand, Jordi Utiel appealed to the entrepreneurial spirit of Spaniards, "it is very important that Spanish companies keep on innovating and developing our own technologies. Internationalization and innovation are the basis to beat the financial crisis and continue to grow and improve. In our case, seventy per cent of our turnover comes from overseas markets."

In the 90's, VSN pioneered the introduction of computing networks in TV stations, replacing traditional videotapes with data files. Today, it is one of the few companies with capacity to develop a complete set of end-to-end solutions to build all the areas within a TV channel. The company, with four branches abroad, supplies its technology to more than a thousand TV channels around the globe. The patent of a new technology involving unprecedented speed rates for media file exchange over the Internet stands out from among the R&D projects undertaken by VSN in 2010. They have also led the Live Culture project for the broadcasting of live events over IP networks and have signed an agreement to contribute its technology in the set up of the Catalonia’s Audiovisual Ring.

The 9th Citizens Awards are given by the Citizens Awards Association in collaboration with the Citizens Debate Forum. The awardees were selected by a jury composed of outstanding intellectuals and representatives of city associations in recognition of the people, institutions and projects that have an impact on the city or their inhabitants and involve civic and democratic values as well as social, cultural, scientific and technological dimensions.

More than 20,000 'green' hours of video exchanged with VSNIPTRANSFER in 2010

2011-02-28

VSNIPTRANSFER broke a new record in 2010 with over 23,000 hours of video exchanged in broadcast quality among more than 200 users like TV channels (La Voz de Galicia, TV3, etc.) production houses, news agencies (ACN – Catalan News Agency) and broadcasting consortia (XAL – Local Television Network, TDI – Independent Digital Television Network, Comunicàlia, etc.). All of them totalled 160,000 video transfers during last year. This revolutionary technology is fully ecologic as it avoids all pollution produced by carrier vehicles, it does not require special infrastructure for contribution purposes, and does not produce any waste like videotapes, which are still in use today.

As Jordi Utiel, VSN's CEO, remarks: "this solution has avoided the emission of tons of CO2 to the planet. Estimating 4 media content transfers made with VSNIPTRANSFER are equivalent to a professional video tape, we could say that the 160,000 transfers made in 2010 would have implied around 40,000 video tapes to be distributed by thousands of carrier vehicles. All that involves large ecological savings and that is the reason, together with savings in costs and higher efficiency, why TV channels, production houses and content distributors are witnessing an increasing demand for this technology”

The more than 200 users of this VSNIPTRANSFER saved a substantial amount of money by avoiding alternate ways of delivery like satellite or radio link transmission services, or courier services for videotape delivery. On top of that we add an outstanding file transfer speed -the new UMP transport protocol, fully developed and patented by VSN, allows for increments in transfer speed 10 times faster than any other system. This new multiformat technology, including the latest developments in broadcast content encoding-decoding systems, video compression, signal processing and IP transfer, is dismissing traditional videotapes and turning them into files thus making contents ready for broadcast in a more efficient, economic and ecological fashion. All ingest of materials is performed via a safe Web interface environment.

VSN continues to reinforce its IP Video division by devising a business model based on innovation and technology solutions which are environmentally friendly.

VSN to unveil important new features in its broadcast architecture at NAB 2011

2011-02-23

Pioneering the TAPELESS 2.0 concept, VSN will be presenting important new features for its broadcast software solutions for tapeless digital environments at the forthcoming NAB Show 2011. Located in booth N1208, the company will exhibit new versions of its products covering most areas of a broadcast workflow such as Archive & MAM, News Production, IP Video, Scheduling & Traffic and Master Control Room. NAB's 2011 show, one of the most important broadcast events in the world, will take place on April 11th-14th in Las Vegas.

Archive & MAM

Within its Spider project, aimed to develop a new architecture and generate customized broadcast solutions and workflows, VSN will be showcasing a revolutionary workflow manager that employs a simple and innovative script editor. Also, the integration of all Archive, News and MAM modules with current domains (Active Directory, LDAP, etc.) will be presented. It can also be added to the list of new features, the ability of the VSN system to integrate with Avid editing software.

IP Video

Version 7.0 of VSNIPTRANSFER integrates the new UMP protocol, fully developed by VSN. This powerful enhancement increases transfer speed at rates 10 to 20 times faster than other technologies, like ftp. Also, for the first time in America, VSN will be presenting its “Live” module for live event broadcasting in broadcast quality.

News & Live Production

Within its news production environment, and with a vision to develop “in the cloud” applications to facilitate journalists and TV channels’ work, VSN will present its news Web client VSNWEBNEWS and will also unveil its new Web pre-editor, VSNWEBCUTTER, based on Silverlight.

Traffic, Scheduling & Management

Version 3.0 of VSNCREATV will also be shown for the first time at NAB 2011. VSN’s simple yet powerful programming schedule and management system features now important enhancements in usability and operation speed. Also, a new module has been added that allows to register all aired commercials and generate reports integrated with the accounting and financial system (SAP). The commercial opt-out system allows managing commercial airings and classifying them by channel or geographical area in order to meet different audience targets.

VSN appoints new Country Head for the United States

2011-02-10

VSN is pleased to announce the appointment of Van Duke as its new North America Sales Manager. Mr. Duke will be responsible for implementing VSN’s business plan in the United States and developing the company’s channel business.

Van Duke brings to VSN over 25 years of broadcasting industry experience. He has a proven track record of expanding markets for manufacturers in the US. In words of Pedro Serrano, VSN VP Sales, “until now we have been focused on developing our business in regions such Europe, South America, Middle East and Asia Pacific. After VSN’s successful growth there, it is now the time to expand into the US market. I believe that Mr. Van Duke, with his years of experience and our strong product line-up, will successfully drive our business to even greater heights”

Today, VSN is one of the few brands worldwide that offer the most comprehensive range of software solutions for the Broadcast and Audiovisual markets. Built on open standard technology and featuring more than 40 software modules from ingest to playout, VSN system allows building a fully automated tapeless TV channel with truly integrated applications from one single vendor. As pioneer of the Tapeless concept, VSN will continue to innovate and introduce its new and exciting range of products that make up the 2nd generation of Tapeless Automation solutions at the different sectorial fair shows and exhibitions in 2011.

VSN presents new version of Traffic and Scheduling solution for TV broadcasters

2011-01-31

Planning (mono or multichannel), management of programming schedules and TV commercials and knowledge of broadcast profitability at different time slots are key aspects in broadcast environments today. With the aim to facilitate management team's work, VSN introduces the new 3.0 version of its traffic, management and planning solution for TV broadcasters: VSNCREATV.

VSNCREATV 3.0 comes with a new and enhanced user interface with an optimised arrangement of menus that makes its use easier. The new sales management module allows to add advertising contracts and clients and check their reliability. Also, a new module has been added that allows to register all aired commercials and generate reports integrated with the accounting and financial system (SAP). The commercial opt-out system allows managing commercial airings and classifying them by channel or geographical area in order to meet different audience targets.

Nowadays, broadcast environments are more competitive than ever and sales and planning departments are becoming more important to rapidly manage unexpected events, breaking news and new methods for sponsoring/advertising TV programming. VSN's traffic solution allows for a tight integration with master control operation while facilitating those departments to efficiently manage resources.

Great new deployment of VSN technology at Syrian National TV

2011-01-14

Syrian National TV (ORTAS), Syria's national TV channel, will soon be launching a new 24-hour news channel and expanding its current infrastructure. Once more, they will be relying on the Spanish company, who put into operation their current automation and news production systems two years ago. The main reasons for this choice were the channel’s overall satisfaction with VSN solutions, the commitment and support received, and the system's efficient adaptation to Arabic texts.

Syrian National TV will be moving its headquarters to a new state-of-the-art office in Umayyad Square (Damascus). The new system installed there will have two studio sets entirely configured for newscast production. The VSN infrastructure includes a scheduled ingest system, media asset management (MAM), 33 journalist stations for text and video editing, two 2-channel studio playouts, teleprompters, a complete digital archive (VSNARCHIVE, HSM and control for one LTO-4 robotic tape library) and systems for publishing contents on the web and receiving texts coming from news agencies for all 33 workstations. The channel's graphics module will be meticulously taken care of so it includes the advanced graphics system VSNCG+ along with several workstations for advanced editing of vectorial templates and 3D as well as a powerful multilayer tickers system with real time updating. The master control of this news channel will be commanded by the automation VSNMULTICOM controlling VMAX video servers in a redundant configuration.

On the other hand, the new satellite 24-hour news channel will keep the current Syrian broadcaster’s location and systems and will incorporate an extension that includes the expansion of its existing ingest, playout and legal copy systems, 2 new VMAX video servers connected with their fiber channel storage, 10 new journalist stations, 2 VSNCG+ graphics systems with vectorial and 3D editing capabilities plus a new ticker generation system with external data capture and one module to publish their contents on the Web. For the complete management of all branches, ORTAS will be installing a content exchange server and 10 new customer licenses of the powerful VSNIPTRANSFER for their remote reporters. VSNIPTRANSFER will be the foundation of their new production resources' contribution and decentralized management system.

As Syrian National TV's Management Board commented, "the reason why we chose VSN as the provider for our new 24-hour news channel and expansion of our current infrastructure is their commitment, fast delivery and quick and easy integration of their system in our channel". The agreement includes a 1-year renewal of their maintenance and support contracts and updating their current fiber channel storage system.

VSN lectures in a broadcast workshop for the Arab State Broadcasting Union

2011-01-04

The ASBU (Arab State Broadcasting Union) Training Center, in Damascus, hosted some training sessions on the Use of modern IT on Radio and Television. The event, that was held last December 5th-9th, included a workshop on A Complete IT-based Broadcast Solution. Fernando Carrasco, VSN’s Operations Engineer and Dubai Branch Manager, delivered a series of lectures that covered the key areas of an end-to-end broadcast workflow, namely MAM & archive, automation, playout, ingest, video signals and file formats, newsroom, NLEs, storage and graphics.

The International workshop’s participation included 22 televisions and radio stations from different countries such as Syria, Lebanon, Algeria, Saudi Arabia, Tunisia, Sudan, Jordan, etc. With a growing interest and demand for open, non-proprietary and multiplatform systems in the industry, VSN is keen to share the acquired knowledge as the technology continues to advance.

VSN’s modular architecture features integrated solutions for all areas involved in a TV station. Modularity, scalability and reliability are key concepts of all VSN solutions. VSN´s workflow adapts to the needs of many different users including broadcasters, content providers, news agencies, government, official organizations and educational institutions.

The Arab States Broadcasting Union (ASBU) is one of the oldest pan-Arab institutions, belonging to the League of Arab States system. It is a professional organization that promotes cooperation among broadcasters in the Arab States for better production and content development. ASBU provides services to member broadcasters, mainly public broadcaster, and to others, such as engineering and consulting services, radio and television exchange of news, programming and sports, as well as radio and TV training.

VSN, TDI and i2CAT broadcast a live event over the Internet

2010-11-30

Last November, the ETV-Llobregat TV channel broadcasted on digital terrestrial the cultural event Nueva Ágora. The event, featuring urban dance, poetry and sound and visual interaction by several artists from different countries, was celebrated at the Contemporary Culture Center, in Barcelona. The event was broadcasted live using the Internet for the first time. The signal was transferred through VSNIPTRANSFER using a 2Mbps symmetrical Internet network and a 1, 5 Mbps encoding profile.

VSNIPTRANSFER's functionality to perform live transmissions in broadcast quality over P2P networks (broadcast ready to be received by several points at once), derives from the Cultura Live R&D project, developed in collaboration with the i2CAT research center, the TDI (Independent Digital Televisions) entrepreneurial group and the DMAG (Distributed Multimedia Applications Group), from the UPC (Polytechnic University of Catalonia). The success of this project gives great support to the local TV business model as it generates a new market of contents; it brings important savings in signal transport over the satellite, and allows promoting local live events internationally.

The Cultura Live project, which finished last July, was 50% sponsored by the European Fund for Regional Development within the framework Operative Program Objective 2 of Regional Competitiveness and Occupation of Catalonia FEDER 2007-2013 through the Department of Government of the Generalitat de Catalunya.

RPP to deploy a News TV channel using VSN's HD technology

2010-11-24

RPP, the most listened radio station in Peru, will soon be taking a new step in its television experience with RPP TV, a new News channel in high definition. VSN's technology has been chosen for the technical deployment of a complete HD turnkey installation, integrated in the channel, and to be delivered by the Telvicom Company.

Enrique Luna Victoria, RPP TV manager, manifested the main reasons behind the choice of VSN solutions for the new channel: "VSN was the only company to offer us a complete HD offer that met our requisites. VSN systems sped up the installation of our TV channel because of their ease of integration"

The project comprises a complete news production system VSNNEWS with 5 news writing and 5 news editing workstations, teleprompter, high definition graphics and an HD 2-channel studio playout. The installation integrates with 2 Brainstorm virtual studio sets and includes a compliance recording system VSNLEGALREC and a storage system VSNSTORAGE. The channel also acquired a 6-channel (2 HD/4 SD) scheduled ingest system VSNAUTOREC and master control based on 2 video servers VSNMATIC HD.

The synergies among all modules from the same manufacturer facilitates a smooth integration among the different subsystems resulting in significant savings in time and costs for RPP TV, which are also studying the possibility to implement redundancy as well as increase the number of workstations in the system in the future.

laSexta TV trusts in VSNMULTICOM for the management of its 2 new channels' MCR

2010-11-15

Once more, the Spanish famous TV network, laSexta, relies on VSN's technology and Unitecnic's integration services for the management of the MCR in its new DTT channels, laSexta 3 and laSexta HD, which began broadcasting last 1st November.

The robust automation solution VSNMULTICOM, installed in laSexta 3 in a fully redundant configuration, controls two Grass Valley's K2 video servers as well as wTVision graphics. In this occasion, the system manages video flows across IP networks, automatically transferring contents from the main channel, laSexta, to the MCR servers at laSexta 3, depending on the network's interests. The same automation software also controls the MCR server's time delay function so the contents can be aired with some delay while they are being ingested.

On the other hand, in laSexta's MCR expansion, VSNMULTICOM controls all HD equipment of the new channel, laSexta HD. The new system will be working in parallel and totally synched with the previous installation in SD format.

VSNMULTICOM already controls the MCR at laSexta, laSexta 2, laSexta 3 and laSexta HD. In the words of Silvia Roy, MCR Technical manager of laSexta/Mediapro: "We all need to be efficient at work and the VSN systems really help us to meet such efficiency".

VSNMULTICOM manages Marca TV's MCR with great success

2010-11-02

Since last August 29, sports have a new window on the Spanish DTT with Marca TV. The FIBA World Championship opening ceremony was the starting signal for this new channel, which showed all the games on widescreen format, for free on open TV, offering daily full 24 hour coverage of the tournament.

Marca TV has relied on VSNMULTICOM as the main tool to control and automate the channel's MCR. The solution, provided by VSN in compliance with the strict quality commitments and tight delivery times, was installed at the channel's facilities by Unitecnic, an integrator of media solutions member of the Mediapro group. The VSNMULTICOM solution, installed in a fully redundant configuration, controls two Grass Valley K2 video servers and Vizrt graphics, with whom VSN is highly integrated through control of secondary and auxiliary events.

On this particular occasion, VSN has developped several applications in order to manage the channel's unassisted ingest so broadcast live sports events can be recorded and breaks automatically deleted for later consolidation and archive in a single file. This procedure allows broadcasting the events tape delayed without breaks. Furthermore, the system manages the flowing of video over IP networks by automatically transferring the clips to and from the main repository and the MCR servers. On the other hand, VSNMULTICOM controls the DVE effects generator so the channel can simultaneously broadcast the last few minutes of some sports events that are being played at the same time.

Following the line of the well-known MARCA Spanish sports newspaper, the channel is offering interesting debates and talk shows on current topics of interest featuring the voices of the most reputable reporters and the celebrities involved. Today, over 150 channels have entrusted their MCR to VSNMULTICOM, a solution with more than 20 years' experience in the field. Marca TV has just joined the list.

VSN adds ProRes 422 support to its video servers

2010-10-06

Moving forward in Mac workflow support, VSN now offers native integration of Final Cut Pro codec ProRes 422, across all its workflow. This feature, along with the possibility of having client versions running on Windows and Apple in the same broadcast automation system, will suppose a step ahead towards the seamless interoperability of Windows and Apple systems.

ProRes 422 (HQ, LT and Proxy) will be included in the long list of VSN's already supported codecs: DV, DVCPRO, MPEG2 Long GOP 420/422, MPEG2 I-Frame 422, IMX, DVCPRO 100, MPEG2 Long GOP 422, 5-300 Mbps, XDCAMHD 422 1920x1080 50 Mbps (CBR) and H.264.

The new versions allow content producers and broadcasters to build end-to-end ProRes 422 workflows, from ingest to playout, based on VSN’s architecture.

This enhancement will directly improve ingest (VSNAUTOREC), playouts (VSNMATIC and VSNAIRNEWS) and video servers (VMAX). All interested customers can be offered a migration path to the new versions at an affordable price.

VSN celebrated its II Latin American Partners Meeting

2010-09-30

In a market where technological evolution is key and where it keeps getting more and more difficult to offer value-added services and products, VSN keeps boosting its channel strategy thus celebrating the II Meeting of Latin American Partners last 7th-9th September.

The goal of these meetings, which brought together integrator companies from 12 countries, was to present the latest news and products of the company at the corporate, commercial and technical levels. Also, a workshop was held on various case studies for important international installations and where several aspects on the business model of the Spanish manufacturer and its Latin American partners were discussed in depth. The company has recently announced new important installations in that market. Projects like the Centro Ático of the Javeriana University in Colombia or TV Canção Nova, in Brazil, are important referents for VSN as they consolidate its number of complete broadcast automation systems in the area.

This II Meeting, which included a tour around Barcelona's points of interest, was positively valued by distributors. "I have been working for VSN for over 5 years now because it is a flexible, innovative company which keeps its promises. Their products and dedication are unique and interesting to my Colombian customers. Now that I know how they work at their Terrassa offices I am even more convinced of its ability", explained Aldo Buenahora, from the Compañía Comercial Curacao de Colombia, S.A.

During the different sessions, the new VSN developments for Mac OS were reviewed and the R&D project SPIDER, on which the company is currently working with the aim to achieve higher levels of integration among the MAM, automation, traffic and TV workflows (BPM) areas, was presented. The presentations included the latest enhancements to the contents contribution and distribution tool VSNIPTRANSFER, which includes the LIVE module for transfer of live events and the addition of the UMP protocol, entirely developed by VSN, providing a remarkable increase in transfer speed.

A 1,5 Million HD tapeless project awarded to VSN in Brazil

2010-09-15

TV Canção Nova, a Catholic TV Channel managed by the Juan Pablo II Foundation, will be starting one of the most ambitious broadcast projects in Brazil. The channel, created in 1989, has consolidated as Brazil's largest Catholic broadcast station and for being the first featuring such a high level of complexity and integration in the country.

After a detailed technical specifications sheet and a rigorous process of selection for the best manufacturers in broadcast environments, VSN has been selected as the provider to guarantee a complete HD production and playout workflow, from ingest to archiving. As Mauricio Belonio and Danilo Gesualdo, Technical manager and IT manager of TV Canção Nova, said: "during the decision-making process, VSN stood out for their understanding of our project. We personally visited other installations with other clients from different countries. Also, they offered to us all the adaptations and customization needed to comply with the compulsory requisites of TV Canção Nova, which reinforced our final decision to make VSN the provider for our project."

The new installation, designed by the technical management of TV Canção Nova and VSN's engineering team, includes a 100% HD complete production system with 12 Apple Final Cut Pro post-production islands that will be editing HD projects. In order to meet the channel's main requisite, the total lack of points of failure throughout the system, VSN ensures a total redundancy of all the critical elements in it (servers, database clusters, network infrastructure, storage, etc.) For this project, TV Canção Nova acquires a complete news production system vsnnews, with 40 concurrent news writing stations. From the news writing desks, the journalists and producers will be working on low-res clips generating EDL's that will be delivered to specialized servers for high-res consolidation thus giving the workflow a higher productivity level. The archive system vsnarchive will be controlling an LTO-5 robotic tape library with 400 slots.

The TV automation system vsnmulticom will be controlling the broadcast playout chain, with Harris Nexio video servers and Chyron character generators. Four VSN video servers with 4 playout channels each work in a dynamic configuration, with variable channel assignment depending on the use of TV Canção Nova's three production centers. The system also provides control and SMS processing as well as automatic web publishing. The station also has a scheduling system vsncreaTV to manage the programming schedule of the four channels, including asset management and broadcasting rights.

This installation is a symbol for VSN in the Brazilian market as it shows how powerful its range of solutions are in a 100% HD tapeless environment. The customer will have at its disposal a local support infrastructure via the VSN's affiliate in Brazil (VSN do Brasil). In the future, two additional TV Canção Nova production centers will be integrated in the system, both in Brazil and abroad, through vsnIPTransfer, VSN's content exchange solution over IP networks.

VSN’s exciting new releases at IBC

2010-08-25

The Amsterdam trade show will be the place chosen by VSN to unveil to their customers their new products and versions of their media asset management and broadcast automation systems for digital tapeless environments. Read our full press releases on the right-hand column

Version 6.1 of vsnIPTransfer shows the important advances recently developed by VSN concerning file transfer technologies. As the main highlights, we can emphasize the ability to make Live transfers while simultaneously registering video files in the central server; the possibility for uncompressed transferring, i.e. DVCPro25 MXF or XDCAM HD; a complete new delivery-reception chain in .mov formats; considerable speed increase and, optionally, the possibility to work with the new UMP protocol. This technology, entirely developed by VSN, provides noticeable increases in transfer speed, especially when the distance among nodes is very long.

The revolutionary and affordable virtual set vsnfreemove 1.5 will be presented for the first time in Europe. This solution makes this technology available to small/medium size TV stations. vsnfreemove does not need tracking systems to create camera movements and perfect embeddings. It features 4 video inputs (cameras and/or live signals for virtual screens), a high-quality chroma key, 10 scene memories, integrated mixer and a digital quality level unique in its segment. Real and virtual furniture can work together seamlessly.

More than a year ago, VSN started an important R&D project, called Spider, in search for a higher level of integration among the media asset management (MAM), automation, traffic and TV workflows (BMP) areas. The first results of this effort will be shown to VSN world partners at the IBC. The new VSN solutions architecture includes three different levels or 'layers': a) the system's static layer, namely, databases, MAM, playlists, contracts, rights, event registration, device control, etc; b) the dynamic layer: basically management of programming, ingest, validation, post-production, archive and broadcast playout workflows; c) communication/integration services among the different VSN and third-party modules.

The principal consequences of the new architecture are an unbounded scalability, the possibility to customize the workflows to meet the needs of each customer, a total level of integration among the channel's all working units (management, scheduling, archive, traffic, news, etc.) and, finally, the adoption of open protocols (web services, REST, SOAP, etc.) with an aim to integrate any third-party manufacturer's solution in the VSN ecosystem without a problem. The Spider project will produce in the next months a bunch of new versions of all the traditional modules (MAM-archive, traffic, news, etc.) of the Spanish manufacturer.

Javeriana University allies with VSN for the deployment of Centro Ático

2010-08-18

The Pontificia Javeriana University, in Bogotá (Colombia), will open soon its new Ático Center, a promoter of research on media projects and an educational and practicum center for the new TV broadcasting professionals in Colombia and the rest of the world. Centro Ático is implementing, thanks to the company SEEL, S.A., one of the latest media technology systems for learning development in the areas of image, sound and design. The Pontificia Javeriana University trusted VSN in order to ensure a perfect integration of its solutions with the entire system, which, aimed to promote the students' creativity concerning media production, must be ready to work in multiplatform environments, different HD video formats and various sources (professional cameras, cell phones, internet, etc.) More than 1,000 students will be using this infrastructure on a daily basis.

The Spanish manufacturer's media asset management solution, provided by its partner Compañía Comercial Curacao of Colombia, S.A., is the key of the project; a solution which was completely customized and adapted to meet Centro Ático's requirements. VSN's MAM will be the integration nexus of all production and post-production systems from different manufacturers (Autodesk Smoke, Sony Vegas, Final Cut Pro, Avid Media Composer and Pro-tools, etc.).The infrastructure is ready to support more than 450 clients in a collaborative work environment, multiplatform (Windows/Mac OS) and managed through a credentials system for students' log-on. The main working format is XDCAM HD 50Mbps. Built on a gigabit ethernet mixed infrastructure, the core of the system is a high-performance data storage unit of more than 60TB from DataDirect Networks, partnering VSN in this project, which guarantees the required bandwidth in an installation with such dimensions and complexity. The other subsystems will communicate with DDN for global access to contents.

The MAM supplied by VSN is the result of the R&D project called Spider, absolutely necessary to meet all workflow customization specific needs, hierarchical permission systems, multiformat environment and ability to integrate with the systems of all the manufacturers involved. This solution guarantees Centro Ático the scalability and possibility to add other solutions to the infrastructure in the future. The contract also includes the installation of a complete news production system vsnnewsfor the students' practicum in a real environment. This solution is the same several TV stations in the region are employing to produce their live shows.

Concerning technology selection, César Tulio Ossa, Director of Centro Ático, emphasized: "VSN has been the only provider able to face the complex requisites of the project, guaranteeing a complete integration of the different systems involved while maintaining the robustness and reliability of the technical deployment at a reasonable cost." VSN also supplies the project with a long list of references in educational centers. UNIACC in Chile, East Coast Media in the United Kingdom, the universities of Seville, Burgos and Camilo José Cela in Spain and the Porto Institute of Technology in Portugal, among others, are using VSN solutions for media content management and media production.

Monte Carlo TV trusts VSN the upgrade of their news production system to HD

2010-08-03

Canal 4 Monte Carlo, a television channel with one of the longest trajectories in the Uruguayan media, will be turning 50 next 2011. As one of the pioneers in the introduction of digital techniques in their broadcast playout, the channel unfolds an upgrading and modernization plan of their systems trusting VSN once again.

The channel plans to upgrade their Monte Carlo News Production Center to high definition by the end of August. They have been working with vsnnews systems there since 2008. Monte Carlo TV has trusted VSN with the comprehensive renewal of their workflow, which will be based on a high-definition format from now on. The project includes a new redundant, 2-channel broadcast playout server vsnairnews ensuring non-stop playout and high resistance to failure. Their current 4-channel ingest system vsnautorec will be upgraded to HD and a storage module vsnstorage, with capacity for over 300 hours of high definition video, will be included in the installation. Canal 4 Monte Carlo operates on a 100% tapeless news production system, from news gathering on site to news airing, thus bringing huge savings in production costs and equipment maintenance. Undoubtedly, this has contributed to the positioning of their news bulletin among the most-viewed news programs in Uruguay.

Concerning the choice of VSN as a technology supplier for their news production system, Jorge Spinella, Technical Manager of Monte Carlo TV, stated: "We work in highly-demanding environments where a single failure might imply a broadcast interruption. The service provided by the manufacturer of our equipment will prove a key factor of our choice. VSN has provided us with an excellent support service over the last 3 years so we have decided to put in their hands the HD upgrade of our news area, including a redundant broadcast playout system".

VSN will be soon announcing new important project awards in South America, where, through a close collaboration with its dealers, the Spanish company is consolidating its activity and recognition.

vsnIPTransfer was the best ally for exchanging 2010 WorldCup videos

2010-07-22

During the Football World Cup 2010, vsnIPTransfer experienced its highest peak of activity to date concerning the transfer of contents related to a sports event. From the very beginning of the competition daily transfers over the Internet were registered, mainly related to special moments lived during the games, interviews, summaries, press conferences, etc. This technology has been used for long-distance contributions towards the five continents, mainly from South Africa. TV networks such as Telmex or Televicentro, in South America, experienced one of the highest video transfer rates from the African continent towards their broadcast centers, avoiding the use of satellites for their contributions thus resulting in significant savings in costs.

"vsnIPTransfer proved an essential tool to our production team in South Africa. Since satellite availability was a limited and expensive resource, we used a somewhat slow Internet connection. Nevertheless, the tool allowed us to transfer around 20 minutes contents daily. Our journalists would capture and pre-edit the video material before transferring it to Bogotá. We would receive these contents at the channel as a video file and perform the final edit, making them ready for broadcast", says Fabio Escandón, Production Infrastructure Manger of Telmex Colombia. On the other hand, Jordi Utiel, VSN's CEO, explains: "We are really happy to know that our technology is helping those professionals that need to work with high-quality media contents on a daily basis".

VSN continues to work with the aim to improve the technology applied to this powerful tool. Next September, the Spanish company will be presenting their new vsnIPTransfer applications at the IBC, featuring an improved and redesigned user interface. The solution implements the new UMP protocol, developed in its entirety by VSN and waiting for a patent. This protocol will make transfers 20-60% faster than the current version as it is up to 8x faster than standard FTP. As a novelty, they will be presenting the new module vsnIPTransfer Live, which allows transmitting live media contents with broadcast quality over IP networks.

VSN attended the opening of the new Tech and Science park ORBITAL40

2010-07-14

Last Monday 12th July, VSN representatives attended the official presentation of ORBITAL 40, Terrassa's new Technology and Science Park. The park is a unique space committed to integrate high value-added activities (research, business activity, transfer, education, innovation, initiative) and vertebrate one of the most important intensive areas on knowledge and technology based on innovation and creativity of the E-9 European Axis.

The opening ceremony of ORBITAL 40 took place at the premises of the Audiovisual Parc of Cataluña, one of the focal points of this Technology and Science Park and the place where the VSN headquarters are located. Ms. Cristina Garmendia, Minister of Science and Innovation; Mr. José Montilla, President of the Generalitat, and Terrassa's Major, Mr. Pere Navarro, attended the inaugural event. Thanks to this project the city of Terrassa will surely become an internationally renowned media research and development spot and will surely attract the interest of companies in this sector. Garmendia declared to the media that the Ministry of Science and Technology has supported the city with an estimate of 6,7 million euros between the 2008-2010 period.

VSN moved their headquarters into the Audiovisual Parc of Cataluña in 2008 with the aim to take part in this large project to foster the audiovisual sector. With the start of the Park ORBITAL 40, the Spanish company will actively participate in the exchange and transfer of knowledge and technology for generating and making the most out of the synergies among universities, research centers and private companies.

VSN participates in the project to create Catalonia's Audiovisual Ring

2010-07-08

Last 5th July, VSN's director and CEO, Jordi Utiel, took part in the signing of an agreement amongst the Government of Catalonia, companies of the audiovisual sector and telecommunications operators with the aim to start a trial run to boost Catalonia's Audiovisual Ring. As a result of the agreement, the signing parties will cooperate on the initial stage of this project by contributing resources and knowledge to develop the infrastructure, connectivity, services and applications that add value to the audiovisual field.

The project promotes the development of a new service platform based on a broadband telecommunications platform aimed at the audiovisual sector. The different agents of the sector will thus be able to interconnect through the new infrastructure, allowing them to make use of different services and state-of-the-art IT technologies. For example, the large bandwidth will allow for a faster transmission of voice, data and images, sharing computing applications, business management and audio/video processing and use of collaborative work tools, among others. The trial run will take a complete year and will serve to determine and try the most interesting services, the needs of the new platform and develop all necessary infrastructures.

VSN will supply this project with their audiovisual content exchange solution vsnIPTransfer, which has already been implemented in more than 200 TV channels and companies of the sector to exchange media materials over IP networks. All these companies have already replaced the use of videotapes, couriers and satellite/radio links with this VSN software solution. The tool will also feature, for the first time, the brand new vsnIPTransfer Live technology, for the exploitation and exchange of live events with broadcast quality over low-capacity IP networks

“Interconnection of high-capacity networks will add value to all business activity in the sector plus foster economical innovation"explained Jordi Utiel. "VSN will carry on cooperating on initiative and R&D projects as they are proof of our interest in contributing to the progress of the audiovisual sector"

The signing event was chaired by Jordi Ausàs and Joan Manuel Tresserras, Governance & Public Administrations and Culture & Media counselors, respectively. The companies who signed the agreement were The Catalan Corporation of Audiovisual Media, the i2CAT foundation, Orange Catalunya, Tradia Telecom, Media Pro, XAL, Comunicàlia and ACN. The Director of Telecommunication Networks and Infrastructures, Mr. Josep R. Ferrer, and the Secretary of the Media, Mr. Carles Mundó, also participated in the agreement.

VSN leads an audiovisual research project to foster local culture

2010-06-28

The CulturaLive project, with participating entities such as the i2CAT research center, UPC (Universitat Politècnica de Catalunya) and the business association TDI (Televisions Digitals Independents), is utterly innovative, as it develops a cross-connection of live contents by integrating IP (Internet) and DVB-T (DTT) technologies.

Currently, local televisions show a great potential regarding broadcast of local live events, but they limit their exploitation due to the lack of a specific technology that facilitates both delivery to other televisions and management of copyright. Thanks to this project, all this audiovisual work will be within the reach of larger audiences. In order to support the bandwidth required for a live high quality television, a network of interconnected servers will be available. Furthermore, the project will allow increasing audiovisual content consumption through the increasingly popular Web televisions. This, in turn, will be an alternative for all those televisions which cannot broadcast due to lack of the corresponding DTT license.

VSN is currently selling vsnIPTransfer; a solution for media content distribution over IP. The Spanish company has a growing server and client node infrastructure that will allow its customers to offer live contents' exchange service resulting from the aforementioned project. "Through the CulturaLive project, VSN has added to vsnIPTransfer the distribution over IP of media live contents with broadcast quality under digital rights license", says Jordi Gilabert, VSN R&D Director. "This solution offers three new business models for the local TV sector: new contents market, savings in signal transport as compared to satellite and the international promotion of the local live events".

The research project, which will be coming to an end next July, has been promoted by the Catalan foundation i2Cat and managed by AGAUR (Agencia de Gestió d’Ajuts Universitaris i Recerca) with funds of the European program InfoRegio 2009. This initiative is a clear example of the interest in contributing to fostering local cultures and their communication as it will allow local producers to offer their contents to international distributors thus gaining a new market for their products and the international cultural promotion of the local customs, cities and peoples.

VSN showcased its latest products at BroadcastAsia 2010

2010-06-21

For the seventh consecutive year, the Spanish company met with the professionals of the audiovisual sector during the 15th edition of BroadcastAsia, which took place last June 15-18th in Singapore, gathering a larger number of visitors than in previous editions.

At the show, VSN showcased its set of open and modular solutions for a 100% tapeless workflow, among which we can put in the spotlight the newest vsnarchive version 4, which concentrates the digital archive and on-line contents management solutions in a single multiplatform application (Windows/Mac). This application was presented installed on a Mac platform fully integrated with Final Cut Pro. A considerable number of professionals showed an interest in this tool and asked for a demonstration. They also showed an interest in the client Newsroom version, vsnnews terminal, also integrated with MacOS editing software.

“This year, the show was more hectic than last year's edition. We are particularly satisfied as our new solutions for an integrated workflow with Final Cut Pro are being widely accepted in Asia" explained Fernando Carrasco, Operations Engineer and Director of VSN's affiliate in Dubai. Santiago Beraza, VSN International Sales Engineer, also present at the show, said "We took advantage of this event to keep contact with our clients and partners in the region. Quite a lot of people asked for demonstrations of our solutions, which are becoming very popular in this continent due to our recent commercial missions in the area."

VSN is preparing the forthcoming events in the broadcast sector. The Spanish company will attend as exhibitor, the Broadcast & Cable and IBC shows, to be held in Brazil and Amsterdam next August and September, respectively.

VSN attended SET Sul 2010

2010-06-14

Last 7-8th of June, VSN took part in SET Sul 2010, which was organized by the Brazilian Broadcast Engineering Society (SET) in Porto Alegre, Brazil. The event, besides bringing together 140 professionals from the audiovisual and telecommunications sectors, coming from areas such as engineering, production and programming, it also gathered around 30 TV networks from the states of Rio Grande do Sul, Santa Catarina and Paraná.

On its 2010 edition, the schedule of events featured a series of briefings, demonstrations and theory courses related to electronic media production and distribution in the areas of Television, Radio, Internet and Telecommunications. "These series of presentations have proved very productive to us", says Iván Leal, General Director of VSN in Brazil. "They let us to establish new interesting contacts for the company and we have put in perspective the opinion of great professionals on the situation of the broadcast sector in Latin America."

The Brazilian Broadcast Engineering Society (SET) organizes various activities- conferences, seminars, courses, study groups, publications and trade shows- with the aim to foster and interact with the broadcast sector, which is currently growing, diversifying and transforming in Latin America.

VSN unveils its new vsnarchive4

2010-06-09

Nowadays, both production companies and TV channels are de facto factories of contents, for whom it is essential to have a solution that allows them to efficiently organize their productions and make them ready for a multiplatform, linear or on-demand distribution, via conditional access. In order to guarantee the profitability of these companies, VSN launches its new archiving and document management software vsnarchive4 .

The two main innovations of this powerful solution are the integration of the on-line (sharer) and near-line (archive) content management in a single tool and the compatibility with MacOS and Windows (multiplatform). It offers an advanced DAM (Digital Asset Management) covering every single ingest and cataloguing process as well as online (high/low-res), nearline and offline storage management (HSM). vsnarchive4 makes all contents available to the users through a smart and transparent management of their location at all times. Both document specialists and search clients (local or remote) can use a viewer to select the different segments to be catalogued or partially restore them regardless of the media type (data tapes, hard disk drives, video tapes, etc.). vsnarchive4 now offers an unprecedented powerfulness and ease-of-use.

The tool can be used independently or totally integrated within the complete set of VSN solutions. Furthermore, it can be completely integrated with the different non-linear editing software in the market. VSN also announces a special migration offer to the new version for all vsnarchive users.

With this new product, the Spanish company takes a step forward in its strategy to offer the highest third-party integration while maintaining their philosophy of "one single provider", wherever is needed.

VSN announces the launch of its new Renewal Plan

2010-05-31

The company's renewal plan aims to increase their customers’ work capacity at an affordable price. It consists in the replacement of older VSN models for ingest, MCR automation, news production, character generation, archive and legal copy solutions. This equipment will be replaced by updated versions of vsnautorec, vsnmatic (version 3.1), vsnairnews, vsncg+, vsnarchive and vsnlegalrecTDT, respectively and will be delivered installed on servers with the latest hardware technology. In addition to this, the company will offer a one-year free maintenance contract. Prices and conditions will be made available via telephone with VSN or an authorized dealer.

Video Stream Networks launches this plan at the right time to invest in the audiovisual sector and adapt equipment and working methods to the new technologies, such as the new formats required for the "analog switch-off", the digital age, with the widescreen format 16:9 and high definition HD, developments in editing equipment, increased archive capacity, content sharing, etc.. Many companies are already benefiting from this initiative.

The content exchange solution vsnIPTransfer gets to Afghanistan

2010-05-24

Saba Media Organization, the non-profit cultural organization in support of free mass-media initiatives in Afghanistan has acquired VSN's content distribution and contribution tool. This is the first project of the Spanish company in that country.

The Afghan organization will be soon installing a vsnIPTransfer server with satellite connection in their Kabul headquarters with nodes in two additional locations in Kabul and Dubai (this one with cable connection) from which contents will be up and downloaded. So far, an FTP standard was being used for video delivery, which slowed down operations, specially when using an internet access over a shared satellite. At the moment, there is no better internet service in Afghanistan.

Last March, VSN computer developers went to Dubai to train the team technicians of Saba Media, which has plans to expand the vsnIPTransfer nodes network to their clients. As Mohammad Sohaib, Technical Manager of Saba Media in Dubai, said: "thanks to vsnIPTransfer, Saba Media Organization will substantially increase the amount of video hours exchanged among different nodes of the organization, both national and internationally."

VSN celebrates its First Sessions for Spanish Partners

2010-05-14

The goal of these meetings, gathering integrators from different Spanish cities, was to present the company's latest developments at the corporate, commercial and technical levels. During the sessions, they went over the latest VSN developments for Mac, the advanced graphics system vsncg+ and the latest versions of the scheduling, traffic and management solution vsncreaTV. They also showed the latest novelties in their content distribution and contribution tool vsnIPTransfer and the new UMP links optimization protocol, an important R&D project in which the company is currently involved.

A workshop was held on different case studies on important international installations; and the new Support and Renewal plans for the update and enhancement of VSN equipment at an affordable price were also presented. The company has recently launched its new vsnOneTV models, an affordable ingest, playout and graphics system on Dell platforms, which were also shown during these sessions.

The first Sessions for VSN Partners, which included a dinner show and overnight at the new La Mola Hotel and Conference Centre in Terrassa, were highly valued by the dealers. "This meeting with our integrators is a crucial part in our strategy to boost the channel. If our partners grow our business grows with them, that's pretty straightforward, and that's why we want to provide them with the best support", explained Jordi Utiel, VSN President.

VSN introduces the new vsnlegalrec DTT

2010-05-04

The analog switch-off can be framed within a wider process of technological restructuring affecting broadcasters, viewers and manufacturers of broadcast equipment alike. In this respect, VSN has recently updated its smart and low-cost compliance recording solution, which is now compatible with digital broadcasting.

The new vsnlegalrec DTT allows to record in Windows Media format the signal received in digital television stations while maintaining all the features of the previous version. To facilitate signal distribution to a greatest number of viewers, the system offers the two streaming modes, that is, with or without Windows Media Server. Its channel searcher allows to easily spot the channel you want to record without you needing to introduce the required parameters manually. Along with its sister application, vsnlegalplayer, the required materials are retrieved and exported to a separate file. The capture date and time can be embedded into the video for visual registry purposes.

So far, the company sold more than 60 units in Spain, where the final transition to digital occurred last March and where no analogue signal is available any longer. The company also launched a Trade-In Plan aimed at replacing the older versions of vsnlegalrec for new hardware equipment including the digital broadcasting recording software at a low price. Many broadcasters are already taking advantage of this plan.

VSN renews its corporate identity and launches its new Website 2.0

2010-04-29

Video Stream Networks, a leader company in digitization and automation solutions for broadcasters, presents its new corporate identity which becomes apparent in a new logo with an easier and modern typography and the launch of its new website.

The new corporate identity maintains its slogan “OneStop, Tapeless TV” conveying the idea of a whole set of broadcast digital automation solutions, all from a single manufacturer, for an end-to-end workflow. The identity change is part of a broad restructuring program concerning the company's new Marketing department and strategy, that has set in motion the plan called VSN 2.0 aimed at developing a more active and bi-directional communication with mass media, clients, partners and social network communities.

The basic element and common link of the program is the company's new website 2.0 with improved structure and quality of contents. The new website stresses the importance of clients and dealers and many of the site changes address them. Currently, we are still working to develop new sections and prepairing documentation in order to offer the following:

Information of and access to applications meant for different user groups such as final customers, dealers, journalists, social network users, etc.
Photo gallery and corporate videos
Downloadable technical documentation on VSN products and case studies including photos, video and personalized comments.
Access to the program and to the company's support website
Possibility to subscribe to contents published regularly, social networks and, very soon, to the corporate blog.

“We want our new Website to become a communication tool for our dealers. There, they will be able to find and download technical documentation of all our products and we will publish all the information they consider relevant for their business, which is our business too." explained Marc Centelles, Marketing manager of VSN.

More than 40 professionals attended VSN´s exclusive presentation at NAB 2010

2010-04-20

VSN attended the annual meeting of the NAB broadcast trade show, held last April 12-15. The meeting was a great success for the Spanish company. At NAB, VSN demonstrated their new generation of broadcast software for Apple and the new versions of vsncreaTV and vsnIPTransfer. They also called their Latin American dealers for a company presentation during which they went over the main novelties of VSN in the last year and reported on the plans and goals of the company. The announcement was an unprecedented success and more than 40 professionals of the sector attended the presentation at the VSN stand.

“Our new releases have greatly impressed our dealers and customers from Latin America, specially in Brazil, with whom we had conversations concerning really interesting projects for our company", said Jordi Utiel, General Manager and CEO of VSN, who also stressed the interest that VSN's new Mac platform is arousing among the public: "Some customers who currently work with VSN have already expressed a commitment to purchase our solutions for their new Apple workstations"

The Spanish company is very pleased as their new solutions for an integrated workflow with Final Cut Pro have been very well received among the Apple Centers and Integrators (VAR) in the USA, which allows anticipating new business opportunities in the first TV broadcast market in the world.

In the short run, the goal of the company is to offer a complete set of broadcast automation solutions on a multiplatform environment and attain their ambitious world sales objective for 2010.

VSN showcases vsnIPtransfer at MIPTV 2010

2010-04-19

Every year, MIPTV comes along as the most important meeting point for TV media production and distribution professionals. This year it was held last April 12-15. For the first time, VSN joined the 2010 edition with the purpose of widening its market in this sector. To that aim, the company introduced vsnIPTransfer, a powerful solution for the exchange of broadcast-quality contents.

“ It is potentially a great market for VSN and the truth is that it is being very well received at the show. vsnIPTransfer is an innovation that breaks away from the current traditional methodology when it comes to sharing video contents", explained Marc Centelles, Marketing manager of VSN. "We are currently investing in R&D in order to introduce technological improvements and new applications that allow us to increasingly adapt our tool to this sector."

vsnIPTransfer performs the HD/SD content exchange via IP. It allows to directly send the contents to a node or publishing them on an available server on the Internet. The contents can be accessed and previewed and, depending on the configuration, you can download to a local computer or even send it to a remote location where the software was installed. Its open and flexible technology brings about drastic cost reductions when compared to satellite systems, MW links, FTP or tape shipping.

Sectors like news agencies or content production and distribution agencies are already taking advantage of this groundbreaking advance.

Televicentro automates their news production system with VSN

2010-04-15

The TV broadcaster leader in Honduras, Televicentro, plans on launching their new high definition News Production Center by the end of May or beginning of June.

Pioneering the HD introduction in Honduras, Televicentro is preparing the transition. 'Our idea is to consolidate in one single step the move from analogue to digital and the transition towards HD in one single step', states Rafael Villeda, Executive VP of Televicentro. 'That's why we decided to move towards HD production first'.

For their HD News Production, Televicentro entrusted VSN with the full management of their workflow, which includes a 4-channel automation system (vsnmulticom), an automated ingest solution (vsnautorec), a 4-In/8-Out video server, 15 clients for their newsroom and a compliance recording system for their four main channels. All of it based on VSN's storage and network architecture, thus guaranteeing a full integration of their systems with other third-party solutions and technology such as Sony and Miranda. The new full HD News Center is part of the expansion that Televicentro plans on developing in other areas of the channel.

The technological change in Latin America demands solutions in every field. VSN is actively working on the area in order to cover these needs and, thanks to the close cooperation with their dealers, has already participated in several relevant projects such as Televicentro.

La Voz de Galicia trusts VSN the automation of their new regional channel

2010-03-24

Galicia will soon have a new young, urban, independent digital TV channel; a window always opened to participation. The new private regional channel Vtelevision will be the first launched by the La Voz de Galicia group, which is the owner of the DTT regional private license for this autonomous community.

After a long and demanding selection process, Vtelevision chose NRD, Video Stream Networks' integrator, as the best option to build up a tapeless, end to end fully automated channel, not requiring an excessive investment, and able to be efficiently operated by a reduced team of professionals.

The young broadcaster works with P2 equipment integrated with the VSN modules; from scheduled ingest (vsnautorec) to a fully redundant master control (vsnmulticom plus two video servers VMax), the project comprises a 16-client news production system vsnnews -6 of these in their branch offices-, a 2-channel playout, teleprompter and synchronized graphics, archive and MAM (vsnarchive), and the traffic and management solution vsncreaTV, integrated with the La Voz Group´s own advertising system, which required tailoring by VSN.

Vtelevision also chose the new and revolutionary virtual set vsnfreemove for three cameras and one external input. For this installation, VSN has guaranteed a full integration with third-party equipment such as a graphics system VizRT and a Miranda video router.

“This project is especially gratifying to VSN for two reasons. On one hand, we know too well the rigorous process carried out by Grupo La Voz in selecting the winning project; involving very powerful competitors. On the other hand, we had a strong motivation to install our first fully automated broadcast system in Galicia", Pedro Serrano, VSN Sales VP, explained.

VSN in South Africa on a business mission

2010-03-22

Video Stream Networks, S.L., continues the internationalization of their philosophy 'Broadcast automation and digitization by a single manufacturer'. This time, the company arouse the interest of the South African broadcasters and integrators.

VSN delegates in the area met different local broadcasters and broadcast system integrated companies. During the encounters, the company demonstrated their modular and open solutions and organised practical workshops for South African customers. The company begins to consider potential projects in different South African countries and are planning to organize an educational demo workshop on VSN solutions for several public broadcasters from the southern area of the country to take place by the end of the year.

It is remarkable the interest that the broadcast-quality content exchange tool via IP, vsnIPTransfer, has arisen among the South African contacts. "We are really happy with the outcome of this mission. At first, we thought that entering the South African market would be harder and slower for us but we are starting to get known. Both small integrators and big companies showed an interest in VSN and our solutions so we are currently working on several offers to hand to our commercial contacts in the country.' says Fernando Carrasco, Manager of VSN Dubai and responsible for the mission to South Africa.

For VSN, South Africa is a strategic access point to other countries in Southern Africa. The company wants to exploit their entry into the whole region by establishing mutual trust relationships with the integrators in the area. Despite of their limited resources, the South African broadcast professionals show a deep knowledge of the field and take technical decisions very seriously. The company will do a personalized follow up of all the meetings and business contacts and will continue to work to increase their presence in the African continent.

A VSN installation selected among the best 10 broadcast projects

2010-03-16

Digital Studio magazine, leader in the production and broadcast sectors in the Middle East, has selected the 10 best broadcast installations in the area in 2009. The Syrian National TV ranks third in that group with a 7 million dollar project featuring a VSN news production automation system.

The installation, comprising two studio sets, a newscast system, networked NLE, a graphics system, video servers and a data tape robotic library is totally controlled by VSN solutions. You can find further details on it on the following case study, published in the company's new website.

http://www.vsn-tv.com/es/cliente/case-study/28/Syrian-National-TV.html

The 10 best broadcast projects are the subject of a special article included in the February 2010 issue of Digital Studio. The magazine, part of the ITP publishing group, is becoming a reference for the Middle East broadcast sector offering the industry professionals a view of the state-of-the-art technology and the latest market trends.

VSN continues to develop their commercial strategy aimed at seeking and supporting new dealers in the Middle East and recently signed an interesting project agreement with an Afghan regional broadcaster.

VSN attended CABSAT 2010

2010-03-12

Video Stream Networks was present as an exhibitor in the 2010 edition of the CABSAT trade show that took place last March 2-4.

"The outcome this year was very beneficial to us. We barely stopped seeing broadcast professionals and we've met our clients in the region. The United Arab Emirates are fully committed with the use and development of new technologies and continues to be a hub for broadcast professionals in the Middle East. For VSN it is really important to make known our digitization and automation philosophy for broadcasters, all from a single manufacturer", said Fernando Carrasco, Operations Engineer and Manager of the VSN branch in Dubai.

The company organised several demonstrations of their products for potential clients and reached an agreement to develop a training program in Syria aimed at several Arab broadcasters by the end of 2010. They are also considering other possible projects in Iran and Egypt that came out of this trade show.

CABSAT MENA has become one of the most important industrial venues in the Middle East increasing the exhibition area and the number of exhibitors every year. This year the show featured 2.000 square meters and 34 companies more than last year's edition.

The Middle East is an strategic region for the broadcast sector due to the high number of broadcasters currently facing full digitization projects for the first time. VSN has been consolidating their local network of dealers and integrators in the region since 2007 and continues to give them sales and technical support in situ.

VSN's commercial mission to Peru

2010-03-09

"Our continuous deployment on site, the ability to perform consultative selling and the continuous support to all our dealers regarding the television projects in the country, from their inception to contract awarding, has been one of the unique elements of our commercial work in Latin America" explained Andrés Harriague, South America's region Channel Manager.

Last February, VSN Latinoamérica carried out a series of demonstrations to some clients hand in hand with TELVICOM, dealer of the company in that country. Video Stream Networks has been very well received in Peru. Since the first VSN system, sold to the Congress of the Republic in 2006, multiple expansions have taken place along with additional projects which have consolidated the brand and image of the Spanish company in the country. As an example: the two TELMEX-Televisión 24-hour cable TV broadcast channels featuring VSN TAPELESS technology in their production, purchase, playout and graphics environments.

Through TELVICOM , VSN is managing several private and public media projects, putting special emphasis on academic environments, which have already yielded excellent results in other countries. The company already has facilities in the following universities: UNIACC, Santiago de Chile, Católica de Guayaquil, San Francisco, Quito, San Pedro Sula in Honduras, etc.

VSN will continue to visit all those countries where the company maintains operations through their distribution channel. The goal will be to promote their new products, which will be presented at NAB 2010. The company will be highlighting their new multiplatform versions of News and Archive & Traffic which can now be installed and run on Apple and Windows platforms.

VSN to unveil its new Mac platform at NAB

2010-02-25

VSN (Video Stream Networks, S.L.)has been attending the NAB show in Las Vegas for seven years. In the 2010 edition, the European company will team with its dealers and customers to unveil the latest versions of vsnnews terminal, vsnnetsharer / macsharer and vsnarchive, now running on MacOS and/or Windows platforms even within a single network.

The capability to seamlessly integrate the popular VSN solutions with Apple’s FinalCutPro editing software is now reality. Features like drag&drop between different modules, specific plug-ins to assign editing projects to a playlist, and new attractive user interfaces, will provide VSN customers with a greatly enhanced level of flexibility to design their production architecture.

Most existing systems can also expand and benefit from a greater workflow efficiency, a lower cost of ownership and better communication among the existing ‘islands’.

VSN will also introduce new client versions for the traffic & scheduling solution, vsncreaTV, and the powerful vsnIPTransfer, the ultimate IP content exchange tool, both of them running on the Mac and Windows platforms. The short-term target of the company is to offer the complete set of broadcast automation solutions in a true multiplatform environment.

All these new products are set to largely increase the turnover of VSN’s partner channel aiming at a very ambitious 2010 sales target worldwide.

VSN strengthens its structure in Brazil

2010-02-12

Video Stream Networks, a leader company in broadcast digitization and automation, strengthens its structure in Brazil by incorporating Roberto Calmón in its branch office. VSN's new representative in Salvador de Bahía will be part of the team of Iván Leal, Director of VSN do Brazil.

Roberto Calmón is an Electronic Engineer from the Universidad Federal da Bahia. Since 1987, he has worked for Rede Bahia, the main communications group in Brazil. As technical director, he has been responsible for the management of the group's stations. From among his most outstanding projects we find the implementation of five TV stations and two FM radio stations affiliated to TV Bahia and his advise on the technical specifications for the "Investment Plan on Technology" of Rede Bahia's Radio and TV stations.

VSN is particularly interested in Brazil, a country that represents an important part of the broadcast market in Latin America and requiring a particular logistic and commercial strategy. For that reason, the Spanish company will be offering a wider coverage and is currently developing an ambitious service and support plan in this country.

Please, click here to contact with VSN Brazil

S&S Technologies and VSN provide product training in Sri Lanka

2010-02-08

After the recent agreement with the Independent Television Network (ITN), one of Sri Lanka’s pioneering TV stations, S&S Technologies and VSN provided its personal with training about its ingest, storage and playout systems. The Sri Lanka Rupavahini Corporation (SLRC), Sri Lanka’s national television, was also invited by both partners to attend a presentation on the company´s solutions.

ITN is now interested in the news production system, vsnnews; the graphics generator, vsncg; and the virtual set, vsnfreemove. The broadcast station has relied on VSN’s solutions to start its migration process towards a tapeless technology.

At present, TV stations of nearby countries like Nepal, Bangladesh and India itself, are also in the process of developing tapeless technology. VSN is aware of it, and it is working on the achievement of several projects in the area. S&S Technologies, dealer of the company in India, has already negotiated several offers in the country.

VSN succeeds at BES EXPO 2010

2010-02-04

Video Stream Networks, a pioneer company in the development of software for the digitization and automation of TV channels attended as an exhibitor the BES EXPO 2010 trade show held last January 29^th -31^st. This Exhibition and Conference on Terrestrial and Satellite Broadcasting was the sixteenth in the series of events organized by the Indian Broadcast Engineering Society, the country's most important association of broadcast professionals. The event was positively valued by the exhibitors, delegates and visitors who attended the show.

In this edition, VSN has reinforced its motto "OneStop Tapeless TV" by putting the emphasis on the benefits and cost reduction that dealers and final clients of this technology experience in times of crisis. This was accomplished by giving customized demonstrations of its more than 20 new versions of automation products for SD/HD TV channels, all developed by a single manufacturer.

Telmex Colombia automates its multichannel broadcast playout station with VSN

2009-12-31

The Mexican communication services provider trusted again VSN for digitalizing its channels, this time in Bogotá. In the complex process that a technological change like this represents, the robustness and the easiness of implementation/operation of the VSN solution were the main reasons for this choice.

It is worth mentioning that the VSN-Telmex business relationship started some years ago, when 2 of the company channels in Lima-Perú were automated. The strength and robustness that the performance of the servers and automation software has shown in 24x7 environments has been recognized by the engineers of the Mexican company.

The system that has been installed at the new Magdalena facilities includes three SD/HD servers for 1 ingest channel and 2 playout channels, which share a centralized 16TB fiber storage that allows the production and broadcast of six (6) channels (5 on-air channels + 1 spare channel).

All server channels are automated by the control software vsnmulticom, the powerful solution that allows to control all the elements which take part in the broadcast playout process (4 VTR, 5 Master Switchers, 5 character generators, 1 router).

The contents are directly ingested by the VMAX servers and stored in the centralized storage system. Five (5) editing stations FINAL CUT PRO allow the access to them. After their editing/post-production, the contents can be copied back again to each channel.

One of the advantages of the VSN workflow is that it allows to work in a collaborative environment, where all devices can be accessed from anywhere in the network according to administration privileges.

The integration with native code editing machines based on MAC platforms has been crucial in order not to interrupt the production process, which do not use any video tape.

Presentation of VSN in Syria and Lebanon

2009-12-15

VSN's new integrator in Lebanon, the Media Research & Systems Integration (MRSI) company, organised last December a roadshow in Damasco and Beirut aimed at introducing the Spanish company to several local broadcasters.

VSN Dubai´s representatives visited the Syrian TV and held a meeting with representatives from the Arab States Broadcasting Union (ASBU), the association of broadcast professionals in the Arab countries. This final meeting turned out in a likely collaboration agreement with the association involving training courses offered by VSN to local TV channels on broadcast automation processes. TV stations such as Al Manar TV in Lebanon and Al Kout TV in Kuwait has shown an interest in VSN's products and the Spanish company has made a bid for a potential project with the Lebanese channel Ahad TV.

VSN at Inter BEE 2009

2009-11-06

VSN (Video Stream Networks, S.L.) continues to dig on its ‘OneStop Tapeless TV’ slogan. Therefore the Spanish company will be present at Inter BEE 2009 (Tokyo, Nov 18th-20th) for the first time to showcase more than 20 new affordable SD/HD broadcast automation products by one single manufacturer.

The target for this new event is to expand VSN’s partner network, covering Japan, by means of a new marketing campaign that reinforces the idea of turnover improvement and cost reduction that the VSN technology provides to the dealers and end users in these hard times. It’s also remarkable this year to mention the FOC trial offer of VSN’s IP contribution tool, vsnIPTransfer, for all broadcasters and content providers.

At InterBEE, VSN will be presenting a new range of all-in-one ingest, playout and graphics videoservers under the VMax, VXtreme and vsnmatic family names. On-screen graphics have been absolutely redesigned for the brand new vsncg+, fully integrated with the popular vsnmatic playout.

About automation, vsnmulticom9 shows several interesting new features including improvements in the synchronization of servers with playlists, and an enhanced workflow design. The traffic and scheduling tool, vsncreaTV, is now multiplatform (Oracle, SQL, MySQL, etc) and features a new flexible and powerful program contract and emission rights management tool. Integration with 3rd parties’ automation (i.e. Harris) is simple and straight forward in the new version.

For Newsroom and Live Production, vsnnews will be shown with the new MOS capabilities to interface with other graphics systems and NRCS. Reliability and flexibility have been greatly improved with a new level of redundancy (playlist) and a smart resources manager for huge SAN configurations.

VSN is also presenting vsnarchive3 (DAM), its third generation multimedia digital archive solution. The partial retrieval process and a more complete messaging system about the peripherals’ status are part of a remarkable set of exclusive features.

ADTEL acquires NRD Multimedia

2009-10-09

The two companies, with a long history in the market, had a well-consolidated position in their respective activity sectors. With this new purchase, the new conglomerate expects to expand and complete their services portfolio by guaranteeing global solutions to their clients both from the audiovisual sector but also from other fields as well as providing the new solutions needed by the technological integration of the audiovisual and telecommunications areas.

Jordi Utiel, President of the VSN Group: "With this purchase, we firmly believe that ADTEL reinforces their range of solutions and services, a leader in the field of Telecommunications and high-frequency, and it's a great match for the TV automation, systems integration and audiovisual production solutions in tapeless environments offered by NRD."

The strategic agreement between the groups ADTEL-NRD and VSN (Video Stream Networks), the Catalan company of the automation and digitization software manufacturing group, is also maintained with the goal of boosting the distribution and implementation of the VSN products as well as the ADTEL-NRD systems and solutions both in the national and international markets.

Domingo Ruiz, President of ADTEL: "We want to deliver more complete solutions to the current NRD clients so our aim is to consolidate a conglomerate which is able to warrant the best services to our current clients as well as to future clients of ADTEL and NRD."

VSN shows more than 20 new products at BROADCAST 09

2009-10-05

VSN (Video Stream Networks, S.L.) continues to dig on its ‘OneStop Tapeless TV’ slogan. Therefore the Spanish company will be present at BROADCAST ‘09 (Madrid, Nov 3rd-6th) for the 7th time to present more than 20 new affordable SD/HD broadcast automation products by one single manufacturer.

The target for this year’s event is to expand VSN’s partner network in several countries, by means of a new marketing campaign that reinforces the idea of turnover improvement and cost reduction that the VSN technology provides to the dealers and end users in these hard times. Its also remarkable this year to mention the FOC trial offer of VSN’s IP contribution tool, vsnIPTransfer, for all broadcasters and content providers.

At IBC VSN is presenting a new range of all-in-one ingest, playout and graphics videoservers under the VMax, VXtreme and vsnmatic family names. On-screen graphics have been absolutely redesigned for the brand new vsnmagicCG, fully integrated with the popular vsnmatic playout.

About automation, vsnmulticom9 shows some interesting new features including improvements in the synchronization of servers with playlists, and enhanced workflow design. The traffic and scheduling tool, vsncreaTV, is multiplatform now (Oracle, SQL, MySQL, etc) and features a new flexible and powerful program contract and emission rights management tool. Integration with 3rd parties’ automation (i.e. Harris) is simple and straight forward in the new version.

For Newsroom and Live Production, vsnnews will be shown with the new MOS capabilities to interface with other graphics systems and NRCS. Reliability and flexibility have been greatly improved with a new level of redundancy (playlist) and a smart resources manager for huge SAN configurations.

VSN is also presenting vsnarchive3 (DAM), its third generation multimedia digital archive solution. It allows a more efficient use of the available storage through its exclusive H.264 encoding process. If data tapes are selected for deep archive, the partial retrival process and a more complete messaging system about the peripherals’ status are part of a remarkable set of exclusive features.

VSN opens a new branch in Brazil

2009-09-15

Video Stream Networks, a leader company in digitization and automation TV broadcast solutions continues its international expansion project with the opening of two new branches in the Brazilian cities of Sao Paulo and Salvador de Bahía. The Brazilian market represents a 70% of the overall broadcast market in Latin America. It is a huge country that demands tailored commercial and logistics strategies so the opening of this branch office constitutes a big challenge for the Spanish company.

Besides offering the market's most complete digital automation solution to the Brazilian TV channels, VSN Brazil will be putting into practice a really efficient 24x7 technical service and support program to reinforce the relationship of close cooperation with its customers. According to Iván Leal, general manager of the branch in that country: "In these times of technological transition, based on a radical change of the open TV operating mode, the relationship provider-customer has to be one of total collaboration and not just a business relation or the mere supply of a high-quality product. In this respect, we will be making a difference as we will be offering a top-quality service to our customers."

VSN thus continues to move forward its internationalization and expansion process. In the last four years, the company has opened four branches in different parts of the world and, today, over 900 TV channels in more than 80 countries trust their most critical operations in the most demanding environments to VSN's broadcast solutions.

VSN offers free trial of vsnIPTransfer at IBC

2009-09-08

VSN (Video Stream Networks, S.L.) will demonstrate the 4th generation of the successful vsnIPTransfer, multiformat broadcast-quality content exchange solution via IP, that has been widely adopted by news agencies, content providers, advertising companies, correspondants, etc. This flexible and open technology allows dramatic cost reductions compared with satellite, MW links, FTP or tape shipment.

Further to its well known SD/HD multiformat capabilities and its high transmission speed through DSL, 3G, SHDSL, etc, vsnIPTransfer4 offers:

Complete forecast and ENG task managment. Integration with Avid’s i.News
Partial download (In/Out cue points)
Web environment featuring remote download management
MAM and local workflow integration
Web, client-server, Flex… flexible and customizable GUI

The VSN staff will be provide details about this offer during the show at booth 7J10.

The company expects vsnIPTransfer to become the standard broadcast content exchange tool in many countries, as it has already happened in Spain.

New Benfica TV channel selects end-to-end HD vsn system

2009-09-08

Benfica (Lisbon, Pt) joins the group of 6 top European football teams that offer their own thematic TV channels through different platforms. Benfica and Portugal Telecom signed a new agreement recently that allows Meo (PT’s CATV platform) to broadcast the new channel starting November ’08 through its ‘Sports’ package.

The target is to offer three dedicated news programmes, delayed matches, younger teams’ footage, training sessions, etc, to Meo’s subscribers. Benfica has the intention to build a centralized digital media archive with all its valuable contents. The new channel is being built on location at Estadio da Luz in Lisbon.

The famous Portuguese club selected GMTS to run and setup the necessary infrastructure to make all this possible. Both partners decided to build a brand new tapeless system straight in high definition, based on XDCAM HD format. GTC (vsn’s partner in Portugal) will be in charge of deploying an end-to-end solution for ingest, newsroom, archive, master control and traffic-scheduling. GTC has a proven track record of previous vsn installations, including a partnership with SIC for the Portuguese Parliament Channel ingest and postproduction system.

GTC will install a powerful SAN central storage fed by a 6-channel ingest solution (vsnautorec) and serving 10 Thomson-GV Edius editing suites. The asset management (vsnnetsharer, HD version) is fully integrated with the vsnarchive solution that controls a 105-TByte Qualstar LTO4 library. The newsroom playout and remote licences, the graphics and integrated teleprompter will be supplied by vsn too. Finally GMTS will install a fully redundant master control room setup managed by the powerful vsnmulticom8 automation.

The production management, scheduling, ad contracts and so on will be managed by vsncreaTV. This closes the circle of a trouble-free integration between the different areas that will allow all partners to meet the very tight deadlines forecasted.

The Benfica TV Channel is set to become the most important broadcast project installed by GTC with vsn solutions in Portugal so far.

La Télé (Switzerland) goes 'OneStop' digital HD with VSN

2009-09-02

The Vaud-Fribourg TV project (recently named La Télé), comprising 5 classic regional channels (TVRL, ICI TV, CHANNEL NV, TV Max and TV VAL) and partly owned by the Regional Government, gained its digital regional broadcast licence in 2008. La Télé intends to broadcast general programmes with a fresh and young journalism style. The ‘multimedia’ journalists should give the channel a competitive advantage in its market.

With four branches and the main technical headquarters located in Laussanne, La Télé has appointed Visuals Switzerland to supply and integrate the complete new digital infrastructure. The standard video format to be used is HDV all along the production chain. The Newsroom solution (vsnnews) includes a total of 22 seats, some of them located in the local branches and contributing (text, video, audio content) to the central system. Playout, graphics and teleprompter (all from VSN too) are fully synchronized. The associated digital archive is vsnarchive3, the new H.264-based version.

The master control features 2 vsnmatic playout videoservers and vsncg graphics server, controlling the routers and peripheral devices for a totally automated operation.

Due to the very tight deadlines, the whole system is being installed in less than one month. The operators and journalists’ training will be done in a very short time frame for the same reason.

La Télé joins Canal9 and Mediatheque Valais in the group of VSN customers in Switzerland. In fact, Canal9 recently expanded its VSN installed base with 2 MCR playouts and a graphics server, after operating a huge VSN newsroom for over 3 years now.

Rede Massa automates its 4 channels with vsnmulticom

2009-09-02

TV in Latin American, and particularly in Brazil, is currently in the full process of migrating to HD. As a result of that, huge investments and complex installations have been undertaken to migrate, in some cases, from analog to digital and from tape-based to TAPELESS systems. Fully aware of this situation, the giant Spanish manufacturer of broadcast management software Video Stream Networks, VSN, as it is best known in the region, is currently undertaking a powerful investment process in Brazil that considered the opening of an affiliate, VSN do Brasil, "to attend in a direct and competitive way the internal demands of this market with a robust and affordable solution", Pedro Serrrano, VSN's Sales VP, announced.

As regards the very first installation in Brazil, Iván Leal, VSN do Brasil Sales Manager, explained to us that his proposal was subject to a careful technical analysis carried out by the channel's engineering area due to the complexities of the solution required by Rede Massa, one of the most important network heads of the SBT giant in the south region of Brazil.

“The installation is rather complex in both its operation and integration, it involves a range of equipment from different brands and models, which were absolutely necessary to integrate in a full tapeless workflow while resulting in the fewer possible impact on the station's own workflow and daily work routines. To that purpose, a robust and user-friendly system was needed, capable of switching from a manual to an automatic operation mode very quickly and as much redundant as possible throughout the whole process".

The channel already featured a platform of Harris' Nexio and Grass Valley's K2 servers for content digitisation, storage and playout of its 4 On Air channels, divided into SD and HD (two of them with redundancy). The installed automation system allows for the control of 6 ingest server channels, 6 playout channels, 2 VTR and router, 1 ingest remote control station, 3 rundown remote control stations, and 1 content transcoding server vsnmulticom transfer.

"The change of technology in Brazil is demanding solutions in every area. We're concurring in a series of projects of a different nature and we're planning to migrate some of our most demanded applications to the Portuguese language to get closer to our end-users", the executive emphashized.

ITN automates two channels with VSN

2009-09-01

The Independent Television Network (ITN) – Sri Lanka's pioneer television station with a focus on Children’s, Women’s and religious programs has been in operation since 1979. Currently, ITN covers most of Sri Lanka's territory; though they’re planning to install one more repeater to eventually become an island-wide broadcaster.

After a competitive -requirements and price-wise- open bidding, S&S Technologies won the tender. The project consisted of the supply, installation and training of video router, ingest, redundant playout and network editing storage systems for their Sinhala and Tamil channels.

VSN was in charge of supplying 2 ingest systems (vsnautorec), 6 TB network editing systems (based on vsnstorage and vsnnetsharer) and MCR PO and automation (VMax + vsnmulticom).

One of the reasons to choose VSN as the system's main provider was the scalability and openness of a system, which can easily grow in number of NLEs, number of ingest and PO channels, increase its storage capacity, etc. The system is ready to automate almost any CG in the broadcast industry as well as to integrate with VSN's Newsroom Technology (vsnairnews).

In only one week, VSN engineers set up the system at ITN’s site in Colombo and trained the ITN staff, thus overcoming the two major fears of the client: integration and control of third party devices (VTRs, videorouters, NLEs…) and training ITN’s staff in the new tapeless workflow.

VSN strengthens its ‘OneStop’ concept at NAB 09

2009-04-02

At NAB Las Vegas, VSN (Video Stream Networks, S.L.) will emphasize the ‘OneStop Tapeless TV’ leit-motif that the company has been promoting for over 3 years now. VSN offers a complete set of open non-proprietary automation solutions for a SD/HD TV channel by one single manufacturer.

The new version of vsncreaTV (scheduling and traffic) is now able to seamlessly integrate with all the classic vsn range (ingest, archive, mam and vsnmatic playout). vsncreaTV allows small & mid-size TV channels to streamline their workflows for a visible benefit. vsnairnews (live studio playout) is now offered in full redundant and synchronized configuration, as requested by the Syrian national broadcaster recently. VSN is also demostrating a MOS-compatible version of its newsroom solution, now interoperable with third parties’ NRCS.

NAB will also see the new vsnmulticom9, likely to be one of the most powerful and complete automation software solutions today. It features new interesting functionalities such as a) ‘Virtual Matrix’ programming function (to manage connection-disconnection processes with one single playlist), b) One DVE channel control (i.e. to launch PiP effects during advertising breaks), c) bidirectional synchronization with vsncreaTV scheduling plus integration with Harris and other 3rd parties traffic, and d) new plug-ins for a seamless integration with MAM and archive solutions by Ardendo, Avid, etc.

vsnautorec will be showcased with 2 new versions that allow either double simultaneous encoding (high res and proxy) or immediate streaming to the daily server after ingest process starts. This new feature enables edit (or browse)-while-ingest processes from NLEs such as Grassvalley Edius5 and Apple’s Final Cut Pro.

VSN is also unveiling the new vsnarchive3 (DAM), a new generation of digital media archive solution, featuring a more efficient use of storage space through a unique H.264 encoding profile. Finally the powerful re-designed vsncg+ (character generator and graphics server) pushes VSN one step beyond in the broadcast graphics servers’ domain. vsncg+ offers an unique combination of high quality graphics, fast and flexible authoring tools and an unrivalled combination of manual and automatic operation when combined with vsn playouts.

VSN unveils the 4th generation of vsnIPTransfer at NAB 09

2009-04-02

VSN (Video Stream Networks, S.L.) will demonstrate the 4th generation of the successful vsnIPTransfer, multiformato broadcast-quality content exchange solution via IP, that has been widely adopted by news agencies, content providers, advertising companies, correspondants, etc. This flexible and open technology allows dramatic cost reductions compared with satellite, MW links, FTP or tape shipment.

Further to its well known SD/HD multiformat capabilities and its high transmission speed through DSL, 3G, SHDSL, etc, vsnIPTransfer4 offers,

Complete forecast and ENG task managment. Integration with Avid ’s i.News
Partial download (In/Out)
Web environment featuring remote download management
MAM and local workflow integration (vsnnetsharer, etc)
Web, client-server, Flex… flexible and customizable GUI

vsnIPTransfer customer groups have recently started to sign agreements to exchange some content, as this technology makes it easy for them to integrate central servers with conditional access for all their members. Comunicàlia, ACN and TDI have already settled some agreements.

The key difference is that each node’s user can preview all the content (proxies), select the relevant fragment (total or partial), the desired file format (no matter the original format) and download. This singular technology adds the process programming tool plus a complete integration with local workflows to become something unique today.

TVG rolls out VSN’s traffic system

2009-03-30

In late 2008, Galician Radio-Television Company awarded VSN the integrated traffic & broadcasting system for TVG. VSN’s proposal comprises the scheduling system installation vsncreaTV, in redundant servers configuration, integrated with eBD by OasysSoft. Both companies are developing for TVG an ambitious customized management system for the Emission, Production, Economic Resources and General Secretary departments.

The awarded project’s scope:

Control and management for own and alien production (internal & external)
Royalties/emission rights management
Broadcast management, integrated with continuity

The system will be integrated with the corporate databases (Oracle) and with other pre-existent modules, such as:

Continuity (grids, playlist structures and as-run-logs)
Advertising
Analytic and financial accounting
Documentation
Press (EPG)
Internet
Teletext (scheduling and Now & Next)

vsncreaTV is VSN’s scheduling and traffic system. Developed for web environment, its implementation is simple and its interface is clear and intuitive, enabling a perfect integration with continuity, accounting and advertising management systems from third companies. Among others, vsncreaTV is used by Canal Blau, Ecuador TV, Benfica TV, 8TV and XTVL, the last two in conjunction with eBD.

eBD (www.ebdsoft.com) is a Web and User Experience Development Platform for the development and publication of Web applications, which allows creating a presentation layer, being single, graphic, structured and easy to use. It can interface with different custom-made applications, pre-existing in customer’s company, with al market databases, and being compatible with all browsers

Syrian TV streamlines news operation with VSN

2009-03-30

The Syrian national TV channel had previously selected VSN as the desired newsroom and automation solution, as some other private channels in this country were pretty satisfied after optimising their workflow with the Spanish company’s solutions. A good interoperability with Arabic fonts also helped to make the difference. Both studios are equipped with six Sony BVP E30 standard definition cameras although wired for eight, Sony vision mixers, Sony VTRs, Evertz mulitviewers, Miranda graphics equipment as well as solutions from Harris and Tektronix.

VSN products are commanding various areas, programmed lines ingest vsnautorec, asset management, network editing (60 workstations with FC infrastructure), redundant studio playouts, 60-seat NRCS system (vsnnews), teleprompter, complete digital archive (vsnarchive, HSM plus a 132TB LTO-4 robotic tape library) will be supplied by VSN. The Spanish company also guarantees a full integration with graphics and other third parties’ equipment.

The news centre is connected to Syrian TV’s main centre via microwave link and fibre optics. The master control room will be run by the powerful vsnmulticom automation solution, in a fully redundant configuration, driving two parallel VMax videoservers.

Sami El Shafai, executive director of Salam Media Cast claims the systems integrator always seeks to provide state-of-the-art solutions to comply with industry standards and clients’ requirements. “Our goal has always been to provide our clients with flexible and upgradeable solutions that are state-of-the-art but also cost effective. We couple this with our in-house competence in terms of providing the most appropriate design, workflow, engineering, training and after sales support,” he said.

ORTAS management selected VSN for a fast roll-out for their brand new facilities. As they point out: “having one single company in charge of most systems guarantees a painless commissioning process and minimises the training cycle for our staff”

VSN takes HD tapeless workflow one step beyond at IBC

2008-09-04

Today, most advanced broadcasters tend to closely integrate automation and content creation areas (master control and newsroom) with planning, traffic, and management environments. Such integration brings about a patent increase of efficiency plus the ability to follow up every process in real time.

Being aware of this fact, vsn will be presenting at IBC the new versions of their traffic and planning solution vsncreaTV 2.4, and automation tool vsnmulticom 8.5. These two applications embody new exclusive features in high-level environments no matter whether they are used together or separately.

vsncreaTV 2.4 is now multiplatform compatible (Windows, Mac, Linux, Web…) thus allowing simultaneous multiple client operation irrespective of the web browser being used. Likewise, vsn has added the Bi-sync technology that provides a total low-level synchronisation with automation solutions. Thus, vsncreaTV’s playlists and grids can be opened from vsnmulticom 8.5 directly in such a way that even changes concerning secondary events, auxiliary scenes, and overlays will be synchronized.

Other innovations in vsnmulticom newest version 8.5 include the advanced integration with contents manager vsnnetsharer (catalogue integration and automatic transfer of contents towards play out, all of that in a multi-language environment), and the improvement of operation with EVS servers. Additionally, the new optional module vsnmulticom impac provides a powerful playlist automatic modification tool that allows users adding or deleting gap-filling blocks in an intelligent manner based on the criteria established by the master control operator.

Visitors to our stand 9A30 (IBC’s Hall 9) will have the chance to see for the first time a new software generation specially designed for archiving and content management purposes: vsnarchive2. Besides being compatible with all standard media and robots, vsnarchive2 now includes a set of powerful capabilities such as external device interface, management of all tapes or disks non included in the robots, plus partial recovery from any format or media. Depending on their needs regarding remote access to the contents depository vsn clients may opt for installing the new search and content recovery web client, or the traditional software client.

vsnarchive2 is so flexible that it allows to even configuring a fully tapeless archive system, only based on non-linear IT store units as with version H 264.

VMax videoserver series from VSN

2008-09-04

vsn (Video Stream Networks, S.L.) has just launched a new range of videoservers designed to take advantage of the latest available IT hardware and the high-end XMIO2 video board series from Matrox. Several models will be on show at IBC 2008 under the VMax brand name.

Following the standard VDCP specification, the VMax servers are SD-HD multiformat compatible and offer most standard features such as play-while-rec, input-output modularity (up to 2 In x 4 Out), flexible storage capacity featuring fibre channel and/or SAS storage, closed caption, etc. The VMax series has been designed to become the best possible partner for vsnmulticom automation. As a matter of fact, vsn is offering a very cost-effective, yet complete and redundant master control configuration through a compact bundle comprising a VMax videoserver and an embedded vsnmulticom software solution.

VMax is joining the VXtreme family of very affordable videoservers with embedded automation that vsn has already been selling successfully in several regions.

This new family of products will help vsn customers to go one step beyond in terms of workflow flexibility for production and continuity. On the one hand it allows a simple straightforward integration with third parties’ tools, yet providing a extremely powerful all-in-one HD solution from one single manufacturer when required.

Mediapro's football channels choose vsnmulticom

2008-09-03

Grupo Mediapro has recently renewed its agreement with Real Madrid CF and Barcelona FC for producing and broadcasting the clubs’ own thematic channels. Mediapro is the firm holding rights exploitation agreements with various football clubs competing in the Spanish Premier League. Coinciding with the start of the 2008-2009 Spanish league season, the group decided to launch a brand new high definition sports channel intended to be delivered through various platforms. Negotiations with said platforms are still underway.

Unitecnic, a company belonging to Mediapro in charge of developing engineering projects in the field of professional audio and video, is now in charge of the installation and startup of the new technological platforms for these new three TV channels.

Renovation undertaken in Real Madrid TV has focused on the installation of a master control system based on vsnmulticom8, which is thoroughly integrated with the traffic, rights management, and planning vsn solution vsncreaTV. The latter controlling a Vector Box server, among other devices. Additionally, various tailor-made developments have been carried out by vsn with an aim at accomplishing a complete integration of the current production and archiving systems with the new master control system in a tapeless environment.

Technological renovation in Canal Barça has been profound. In this particular case, the set vsnmulticom-vsncreaTV constitute the brains of the new master control system, where Unitecnic has recently installed a wholly redundant system based on two XT playout servers with two EVS channels (plus two other additional ingest channels), a Pro-Bel Aurora matrix, and a Miranda branding system. On a second stage, both vsn modules will communicate with Ardendo’s archiving system through developing a specific interface.

For Unitecnic the summer of 2008 has been very hectic. They have also been granted the setting in motion of the new high definition channel Gol, which had to be installed and fully operational for the start of the league season. In this particular case, the automation solution vsnmulticom8, which has been installed in Imagina’s building in Esplugas, is also in control of a two XT server redundant system. Graphics are VizRT’s with whom vsn is highly integrated through control of secondary and auxiliary events. The ingest system (a two-channel XT) premises are located in zone 22@ and all transfers across both premises are managed by the vsnmulticom transfer module.

Currently, over 150 on-air TV channels, some of them for over 12 years, rely on vsnmulticom as their preferred master control system, and continue to rely on its new version 8.

vsnIPtransfer4 unveiled in Amsterdam

2008-08-29

The way broadcasters and content providers from different countries are rapidly adopting high-quality content transferring systems like vsnIPTransfer is astounding. This is mainly because they contribute to dramatically reducing operating costs, and they’re easy to use. Substitution of slow, unsafe procedures such as FTP and courier companies or those far-too expensive like satellite links is now at the reach of everyone from the industry.

Because of all that, the Spanish company vsn has made a great effort to develop and introduce at IBC the fourth generation of this tool, as well as an ecosystem of web environments associated to the IPTransfer technology. By keeping its well-known video quality and speed optimization features, vsnIPTransfer4 means a step forward in terms of workflow integration within the most habitual production environments, contents management, and contribution among remote systems.

From among its new functionalities we find an advanced hierarchy of use permissions, the possibility to order and carry out remote content transfers (both in the client version and via Web) and a new and advanced API allowing third-party companies integrate all this technology with their own applications. vsn is also presenting two new modules included in this version: an advanced administration service of nodes and servers, and a catalogue management client for editors that allows to modifying contents (and their corresponding metadata) from all local and remote nodes.

But more importantly,vsnIPTransfer4 embodies an exclusive production forecast management system that is able to operate by itself or, alternatively, can be integrated with various NRCS systems like Avid i.News. Once forecasts have been published, any remote node may ‘subscribe’ to virtual contents so said contents will be automatically submitted to every ‘subscriber’ as soon as contents get to the server node. When all downloads have finished, people selected will be notified that materials are available, even though these contents can be viewed and edited soon after the transfer has begun.

Visitors to the vsn stand will have the chance to see some fully customizable news and general contents web portals that utilize this technology.

Commonly, most clients of the IP transfer system can be found within TV groups, news agencies, independent TV channels, field correspondents, companies having wide AV content catalogues, etc. In summary, whichever entity in need of distributing/transferring broadcast-quality contents among different points at a low cost is a potential client of the new vsnIPTransfer4.

vsnmulticom on the four Unedisa's DTT channels

2008-08-29

VEO TV is a national free-to-air private broadcaster in Spain. Pioneering the DTT transition, VeoTV is part of the Unidad Editorial Group (Unedisa), owner of ‘El Mundo’, ‘Marca’ and ‘Expansión’ newspapers among others.

VeoTV decided to trust vsnmulticom as the main tool to manage and automate the Master Control of the new DTT channels. The vsn solution has been installed in a fully redundant architecture for the main channel (VeoTV) and a standard configuration for Tienda en Veo and 2 multiplatform English Teaching channels (Madrid and national) bradcasted also via Imagenio (Telefonica’s DSL TV platform).

Several other vsn modules will be managing the ingest process, the content transfer, and the schedulling process. TSA will be in charge of the system integration. The reliability of this proven solution (over 15 years now) and the vsnmulticom’s capability to control and integrate any kind of devices in a master control room have been the key issues considered by Unedisa to award this interesting project.

vsn at NAB 2008

2008-04-01

At NAB Las Vegas, vsn will demonstrate its complete set of solutions that conforms the most powerful, yet affordable, broadcast automation system available today. A real HDTV channel on show from one single manufacturer will prove the vsn commitment to further evolve their proven solutions, now operating in full HD, thus, increasing the ongoing business support of the dynamic vsn dealer network, especially in America .

From ingest to playout, NRCS (both ENPS MOS-compatible systems and the highly integrated standard vsnnews), MAM & archive (featuring H.264 support now), open format videoservers, flexible automation, scheduling and traffic, HD graphics server and monitoring solutions will be demonstrated at LVCC (booth N3714). The powerful vsnmulticom automation will be shown in 2 different versions, A/B configuration (for MOS-based news workflow) and multichannel playout, controlling an Omneon videoserver environment.

The vsn booth will be manned by a large crew of representatives from the different world branches, including Jorge Mompo (Miami , ex-Sony SEL) and Pablo Arce (New York), in charge of expanding the dealer and partner network of the company along with vsn 's installed base in North America .

vsn and Ommeon help launch a new UTV channel in India

2008-03-25

UTV Global Broadcasting Ltd (UGBL), the broadcast arm of UTV Software Communications Ltd, is in the process of launching a bouquet of channels. UGBL is responsible for not only TV channels but also creating a distributing platform for these channels. The latest addition is UTV Movies, a 24-hour Hindi movie channel. Launched on 24th February 2008, it is the only Hindi movie channel in its genre to give importance to viewer opinion, recognizing the Hindi movie viewer as the real star. The channel bases itself on the universal passion for Hindi movies, and promises to be entertaining, mazedaar and bring freshness to Hindi movie viewing on television. With one hit movie everyday, and exclusive access to behind the scenes action, the channel will change the way Hindi movies are watched on television.

UTV decided to trust vsnmulticom as the main tool to manage and automate the Master Control of the new channel. The vsn solution has been installed in a fully redundant architecture and is managing a total of 8 channels (for ingest and playout) of an Omneon Spectrum videoserver, along with a ProBel Sirius router (96x96), a second ProBel Freeway (32-port), an Eyeheight master switcher, one Ross DSK unit and 3 Sony VTRs, among other devices.

The robustness and stability of the previous 2 vsn systems featuring similar configuration at Zoom TV and Star News (both also in India) were key in the process of decision. The integration and commission was awarded to Ideal Systems Asia Pacific.

vsnIPTransfer3 at NAB 2008, with HD support

2008-03-14

This revolutionary technology is changing the way how TV Stations and content providers exchange their main assets and materials. vsn will present the newest version of vsnIPTransfer at NAB, which is rapidly getting a strong hold on diverse markets.

Basically, in Spain most of broadcasters and carriers have already accomplished diverse and exhaustive tests with excellent results. Different groups such as TDI, Vocento and Localia among others, have already begun to operate their contribution content exchange.

Via vsnIPTransfer, reaching amazing operational cost reductions. The main Latin American TV Networks are already testing this new technology. Specifically with their minds and targets set on the next Beijing 2008 Olympic Games, where the Spanish company will deploy a large local support operation and remote assistance to ensure transmissions' reliability of clients and operators.

The main improvement of the new version is the operative flexibility capable to integrate with any standard format (including now MXF, QT-MOV, etc.) previously to download. The latest addition for version 3 is the support for all MPG2 HL Codecs (HDV, XDCAM HD, etc.). Other HD formats will be supported shortly in the upcoming versions. A perfect integration is guaranteed under any existing workflow, while, at the same time, total compatibility with customers' existing servers.

With vsnIPTransfer, loading and downloading processes are largely reduced, reaching the point of transferring direct signals through an ADSL standard line, with an efficient treatment of available bandwith. All content search and selection is done through an interface that access the metadata directly embedded in the content and its “proxy” version (low resolution), before real time transfers.

The technology presented by vsn in 2008 incorporates the latest advances in encoding and decoding, video compression, signal treatment, and IP transfer; all of it managed by a very intuitive and simple GUI. The software can also manage the associated administration process to commercialize contents. Likewise, it includes an extremely powerful statistics tool. As of today, version 2 allows point to point transfers, or, as an alternative, the management through a central server system (normally done by Web), either proprietary, or hosted by vsn.

Main customers for the IP transfer system are network broadcasters, news agencies, independent TV stations, news bureaus, companies with a broad AV content catalog, etc.

Ecuador TV newsroom and archive go digital with vsn

2008-03-14

The introduction of digital systems based on IT architecture is popularizing throughout Latin America . Several broadcasters are digitizing and automating their content creation, archive and content distribution processes with the open and affordable solutions of the vsn group.

Especially interesting is the new contract signed between vsn and Ecuador-TV, the first governmental channel in this country, which will begin its emissions next June. “It was an important contract because the channel starts from scratch, and it will be almost completely tapeless. Ecuador-TV acquired XDCAM Sony camcorders, our vsnautorec ingest servers for programmed satellite feeds, a central storage server for news production, where all the content is shared among journalists, integrated with Vegas NLEs for these journalists, the vsnnews NRCS and live playout system, controlling a vsncg character generator and the vsnprompter teleprompter, plus a complete scheduling system vsncreaTV .

Last but not least, Ecuador-TV has also purchased the vsnarchive solution to be integrated with a Sony Petasite robot, featuring proxy operation to later retrieve the original content stored in the robot”, Jordi Utiel , president of vsn , explains.

The creation and assembly process of the human and technical team took one year but finally President Fernando Correa's commitment to launch ‘a state-owned educational channel' (Jan 07) is a reality now. Xavier Lasso, channel director, quoted that the channel programmes will soon include music, art, culture, science, amusement, information and open opinion.

With a tapeless workflow, Ecuador-TV joins an installed base of more than 600 broadcasters that previously trusted vsn for modernizing their systems.

vsn announces new contracts in Spain , Greece and Africa

2007-08-28

More TV channels are joining the vsn MCR and News Production solutions installed base. In Spain only Promovisa has recently built several brand new complete systems for Televisión Murciana, Interalmería TV and Thader Digital (Molina de Segura). All of them feature news production, live content and master control automation from vsn . Onda Cádiz has also expanded its actual vsn system with a state-of-the-art LTO4 tape robot associated and controlled by vsnarchive

The Spanish (private) national broadcaster La Sexta has recently launched its second channel on air, mainly intended for DTT coverage. Same as their first (analogue and DTT) national broadcasting, vsn multicon has been the selected automation solution to manage the MCR. vsn multicon provides a seamless and robust integration through the control of EVS and Grassvalley servers, Vizrt graphics, master control switcher, etc.

Televisió de Catalunya (TV3) decided to pioneer the HD transition in Spain by launching (several months ago) the first HD pilot channel (through DTT). TV3HD emission control has also been assigned to vsn multicon . This is the 9 th channel on air through different platforms automated by vsn for the Catalan public broadcast company.

In Valladolid , TV Castilla y León is finishing a complex digital archive migration process that will allow the channel to easily access, use and distribute all its legacy content. The latest vsnarchive version facilitates the process, manages the DAM and integrates with the DV Lince live production and newsroom in place since 2002.

Ariston, new vsn dealer in Greece , is moving very fast and getting some very interesting results. After their Athens Open House held in May, 3 Greek TV channels have chosen vsn to automate their ingest, network editing, master control and graphics (NTV Crete, Star Lamia and TRT).

Last but not least, more African broadcasters decided to trust vsn for their recent digitisation processes. vsn France reported new contracts to supply ingest, playout automation, network editing and logo-graphics for ORTM ( Mali ) and T élévision Nationale du Burkina Fasso (TNB) .

New vsn releases at IBC 2007

2007-08-27

vsn will showcase the powerful broadcast automation system vsn multicon, that boasts of robust performance and high-end features. With 80 channels on air and 10-year proven operation, vsnmulticom provides full control of all devices in the MCR and/or PCR. Compatible with VDCP servers such as Omneon, EVS, Thomson-GrassValley, Sony, Avid/Pinnacle, etc, vsnmulticom also manages tape robots, subtitling systems, graphics from many third parties. It offers multichannel automation and various levels of redundancy.

Also starring at IBC , vsncreatv is a scalable and accesible multidepartment broadcast traffic and management system that makes broadcast planning easier. vsncreatv manages content, costs and advertising, along with multichannel playlists and blocks. Broadcast logs and historic logs are easily accessible for billing and future planning. vsncreatv provides a multiplatform solution based on Web technology (HTML and Java), so no client software is needed.

vsn will continue to reinforce its “HD Commitmment” in Europe. By purchasing affordable SD servers and automation, vsn customers are granted a guaranteed HD upgrade price for a period of 18 months.

vsn keeps expanding its installed base in Europe and Middle East and also its complete range of broadcast automation and network solutions

vsnIPtransfer unveiled at IBC 2007

2007-08-23

The Spanish company vsn-JustEdit will unveil a new state-of-the-art content transfer technology over IP at IBC 07, for the first time in Europe .

In Amsterdam vsn will showcase the latest generation of the ActivaStream product family, starring a peer-to-peer software tool, vsnIPtransfer . This flexible solution allows users to transfer high quality broadcast content through DSL or 3G lines between 10 to 20 times faster than the standard available technology today.

All search processes are managed by a powerful software application installed on a PC or a laptop. Users can access to the content catalogue, browse, select representative keyframes and preview the lo-res proxies, prior to any hi-res content download. Shortly after the transfer starts, incoming files can already be previewed and/or edited.

vsnIPtransfer is bound to set a revolution in the broadcast content contribution and delivery markets.

vsn 's IBC booth will host several real demonstrations using a local Wi-Fi network. SDI-quality content upload/download @3Mbps and live camera signal transmission @4Mbps will be shown and tested, both processes perceptibly lossless.

ActivaStream, a new vsn product family, features the latest available developments in encoding-decoding technology, video compression, signal processing and IP transfer, such as peer-to-peer technology, all managed by a very friendly and intuitive GUI. A 15-day vsnIPtransfer trial is available for download, both in Spanish and English languages.

vsn keeps expanding its installed base in Europe and Middle East and also its complete range of broadcast automation and network solutions

vsn integrates Activa Multimedia’s AutomaticTV

2007-08-23

The technical and commercial agreement between both Spanish companies will bring some very clear synergies. vsn will greatly empower its graphics and interactive solution range through the integration of AutomaticTV . The vsn customers will also gain access to the automatic content creation tools included, thus reducing their actual production costs.

Activa Multimedia Digital will benefit from the activity of the professional vsn dealer network that's experiencing a big expansion process around the world. The actual vsn installed base in many countries is also a natural market for AutomaticTV . The agreement is bound to include some other solutions from AMD in the near future.

AutomaticTV (featuring Brainstorm's graphic engine) is a hardware and software platform to create high quality ‘automatic' SD-HD content (from internal or external sources), and to add SMS interactivity.

In the ‘Content' area, AutomaticTV features Meteoplay3, customized SD/HD meteo bulleteens for every region in the world (under licence), Meteosat footage, isobars, ocean weather, beaches, mountains…

This unit manages multiple-format data sources. The TVSpot module allows a TV channel to design full-screen templates for advertising. The templates are accessed and filled by the customers themselves through IP, so the production cost is minimum for both parties. TVSpot easily creates agendas, billboards, etc . The ‘coming next' function includes also a video window.

The vsn SMSTV solution will be improved with several simultaneous features such as image resizing (‘L' chat), scrolls and ads/news banners, along with nice customizable graphics for elections, contests, scores, temperature, etc.

vsn acquires Activa Software

2007-04-10

vsn (JustEdit), presided by Jordi Utiel , and Activa Software, led by Jordi Gilabert, have recently decided to join forces so as to offer their worldwide clients the most complete and innovative technologies for automation, tapeless television, and content distribution over IP.

Following the complete acquisition of Activa Software by vsn , the spotlight at the NAB2007 show in Las Vegas (April 16-19 th ) will be the introduction of Activa Software-designed solutions at vsn 's newly re-designed booth (Las Vegas Convention Center, Booth N717).

vsn 's international distribution network will be in charge of presenting and installing already successful solutions like vsn master (previously named Multicon ) and vsn traffic (previously CreaTV ). Activa's products have gained an excellent reputation among broadcasters during their over 10-year existence.

Over 75 channels, including some as notable as Spanish channels La Sexta, TV3, ONO, IB3, and Canal9, as well as others like Star TV ( India ) and Porto TV ( Portugal ) join now vsn's already extensive worldwide reference list.

Through this merger, the entire Activa Software staff joins vsn 's R&D team and Jordi Gilabert joins vsn 's board. They will mainly focus on equipment control and IP transport. vsn will now have development centers in Alicante and Barcelona , virtually doubling their R&D capacity.

Jordi Utiel , president of vsn -Justedit : ”In upcoming events, clients will be able to witness the amazing synergy that the integration of Activa Software into vsn brings about. vsn product line includes now 35 software modules that cover the entire television workflow spectrum”.

Jordi Gilabert, President of Activa Software: “The technology that Activa Software brings to this union will greatly benefit from the size and the extensive commercial network that vsn has developed over the years, and will thus reach a much larger number of markets and projects”.

Needless to say, all previous commitments and services offered by both companies will continue to be lead by the same teams.

vsn, the core of the new Spanish DTT and latinamerican institutions

2007-03-20

Several new Spanish DTT channels are joining vsn 's installed base. Recently Canal7 and 8 Madrid ( Madrid ), awarded to Promovisa, launched vsn news systems for live production; Grupo Aierta's channels in Almería, Málaga y Murcia also trusted vsn . For their network production and master control room environments.

‘We're happy about the market's response. During the first quarter 6 DTT channels selected vsn in Spain and we expect a similar rate for the rest of 2007' , says Jordi Utiel , vsn 's CEO&President.

NRD ( vsn distributor) has been awarded several new turnkey systems, such as TV Cambrils , that today enjoys a very efficient though low cost tapeless production solution, Andorra TV's expansion featuring the external news agency feeds module vsn wires and the automatic proxy creation solution vsn render farm .

Another milestone is the award of a complete turn-key solution (over 1m€) for Canal Blau in Vilanova i la Geltrú ( Barcelona ) to NRD. This deal comprises a suite of integrated vsn modules, e.g. the new vsn master (MCR software-only solution) plus the scheduling and traffic tool vsn traffic . 300-hours 2-channel playout and 4-channel programmed ingest plus the complete vsn news digital newsroom with 14 seats, synchronized graphics and teleprompter, all together managed by a powerful vsn archive DAM that also controls a LTO robot library for off-line.

In Ciudad Real ( Spain ) we can find an innovative TV layout and installation concept developed by Group Promecal and Emco ( vsn dealer), called Tribuna TV . After previous experience in other Spanish cities, and based on complete tapeless workflow from vsn , Tribuna TV will operate soon a 24-hour DTT channel with minimum human and technical resources, bt the highest signal quality and optimal working environment.

In Latin America we can also mention some important successes for vsn , Canal 95 (Peru Congress), Canal 96 (Chilean Senate channel) and a bunch of universities in several countries.

Videocorp, Chilean distributor, was awarded a complete turn-key system for Canal 96 integrating different products from vsn and Sony among others. 3 simultaneous DV25 ingest channels, 90-hour centralized storage connected to 5 NLEs, one 2-channel playout server and a character generator controlled by vsn matic 3 were installed.

About Canal 95 (Congreso de Lima Perú, awarded to Telvicom), Antonio Rodríguez, Canal 95 Broadcast Manager states, ‘We really needed to purchase a tapeless system. 24-hour transmission was impossible for us while operating a standard configuration. Now the vsn system, operated by 2 people, enables 24x7 operation. We are even communicated with the NLEs operated by the Press with direct FC communication to the videoservers, up to 4x speed and without any transcoding.

vsn has also been in charge of executing an innovative project at the Santiago airport in Chile, where the news bulletins signal is encoded in MPEG-2 @4 Mbps and distributed to the Chilevision datacenter, a couple of miles away. The news clips are stored there and streamed to the decoders connected to the plasma monitors at the airport. After very heavy testing the solution chose by Chilevision was based on vsn legalrec , the same as the system chosen for the channel's legal compliance.

Canal 10 de El Salvador also awarded vsn a complete digital newsroom, master control playout, graphics, etc, for over $210.000 recently. It is the first reference site in this country for the Spanish company.

The success stories and many others are qualifying vsn as the most demanded and popular end-to-end broadcast solution in Spain and Latin America nowadays.

Revolutionary vsn IP contribution system at NAB 2007

2007-03-16

During its 5 th attendance to the most important worldwide trade show, Spanish company vsn will introduce this year its new IP content transfer technology.

The vsn activa stream series of products are envisaged to prompt a revolution in the way audiovisual assets are transmitted over IP networks or internet. The main advantage of the new system is that the loading-downloading contents time will be drastically cut, enabling live signal transfer over DSL and other standard broadband lines, thanks to efficient bandwidth management. All searches and content selection are carried out through a web interface that accesses directly the content metadata and “proxy” version (low resolution) file, before full quality content transfers.

The new technology presented by vsn includes the latest available developments in encoding-decoding systems, video compression, signal processing and IP transfer, all managed by a very friendly and intuitive GUI.

vsn's software also takes into account the Digital Rights Management (DRM), content watermarking and accountability associated to the commercial exchange in this channel, and includes a powerful statistic tool. This technology, currently in version 2.0, enables peer-to-peer transfers, unlike previous generations which required a central server.

The main target for this IP transfer system are TV groups, news agencies, independent TV channels, correspondents, and companies with important A/V content catalogue.

vsn HD Commitment

2007-03-15

After the recent success during its Latin-American tour, vsn will propose all broadcasters a formal commitment to protect all their investments in vsn systems at NAB'07, in response to the increasing demand and interest in HD systems.

The “ vsn HD commitment ” will allow TV channels to purchase SD ingest systems, content production, playout and graphics at actual prices, very affordable, guaranteeing an upgrade price to their HD equivalents. The only requirement is that the upgrade takes place in less than 18 months since the initial installation.

The Spanish manufacturer offers this written warranty so any channel that automates its processes will know beforehand the guaranteed cost of transition to HD.

vsn is investing extra resources in the development of new HD-compatible broadcast automation systems, e.g. the new module for file ingest/preediting vsn scenesHD , reported to be the fastest partner for Sony's XDCAM-HD format.

Jordi Utiel , CEO of vsn stated that “We had a good response and detected a high sensibility towards HD during our recent Latin-American tour. Therefore we'll visit again the majority of Central America and South Cone countries after NAB, besides touring several European and Middle East countries before next summer”.