Big news for video servers

Computers have failed to eliminate video tape from the production chain because of the cost of hard disc storage and the size of digital video files. Now, developments in disc capacity and video compression have made large, hard disc video stores a reality. Some areas of video server technology are still unclear and it is not yet certain that the advantages in production efficiency are real and large enough to pay back the investment in new equipment. Many existing production techniques developed because of the limitations of tape. They may not represent the best way forward. To fully realise the benefits of the new technology new working methods may have to be developed. In parallel with the developments in the broadcast chain, the video server technology may offer a kind of video on demand facility that can be integrated with ordinary newsroom system terminals. In the future, "online" access to both new and archive material may radically affect the way that many news items are put together. This paper reviews the limitations of magnetic tape compared with the developing disc based news production systems. The factors affecting editing and transmission are examined and the video server idea is explored. Possible system architectures are examined taking account of operational requirements and current technical limitations. The paper concludes by considering the possible impact of these systems on the newsroom and on production workflow.