Digital video distribution and transmission

Video server technology is continually advancing in the areas of storage size, material distribution via networking and various degrees of reliability and redundancy architectures. However it is the application of integrating video-servers with multi-channel automation that provided the overall solution for operationally and cost effective multi-channel broadcasting. Multi-channel operation demands significant changes in approach from that previously adopted for single channel operation, not the least in the area of automation. Failure to recognise this at an early stage in system design will jeopardise the success of the entire implementation. This paper presents the experiences gained during the implementation of a 24 channel digital video distribution and transmission NVOD system in The Netherlands for NetHold, and a general entertainment and film service of 12 channels at BSkyB in the UK. Both systems used video servers extensively for interstitial and film playout operating under total automation playout control.