BXF Implementation Use Case Maine Public Broadcasting...
Transcript of BXF Implementation Use Case Maine Public Broadcasting...
BXF Implementation Use Case Maine Public Broadcasting Network
Jason Salyards - Harris Broadcast Product Manager Automation Products
Overview • Repetitive, duplicated data entry across
workflows promoted errors and inefficiencies
• Implemented BXF interface between Myers ProTrack and Harris ADC Automation
• Visibility across systems and automated processes yielded fewer errors, efficiency, and time savings
Challenge
Solution
Results
MPBN Profile • Maine Public Broadcasting
Network (MPBN) – Formed in 1992; Operated by
Colby, Bates and Bowdoin Colleges
– Locations in Bangor, Lewiston, and Portland
– Five TV stations, seven radio stations, and three studios
Operations Environment (Before) Harris Broadcast ADC Automation
•Channel Playout •Media Preparation •Schedule Record •As-Run Generation
Myers ProTrack
•Schedule Creation •Media Management •As-Run Reconciliation
Daily Schedule (Flat File)
Daily As Run Logs
Business Challenges • Flat-files, manually translated and loaded
into automation
• Manual oversight to account for playlist modifications
• Limited, requiring re-entry of data at multiple points of process
• Manual confirmation of content availability to traffic team
Program Scheduling Metadata Exchange Content
Notifications
As Run Logs
BXF Overview BXF (Broadcast eXchange Format)
XML-based SMPTE standard
• BXF defines the language that systems use to communicate, but it does not specify what workflows must be supported.
• BXF benefits depend on the systems which implement the standard.
Harris Broadcast ADC Automation
•Channel Playout •Media Preparation •Schedule Record •As-Run Generation
Myers ProTrack
•Schedule Creation •Media Management •As-Run Reconciliation
Solution
Harris Broadcast Live Update
BXF Interface
Two-way Exchange
Automation System
Traffic System
BXF Interface
• Daily schedules, with exact timings, are automatically loaded into automation playlists
• Lockout time prevent changes within specified time to playout
Schedules (daily and ad-hoc)
Schedules
BXF Interface
• Operation changes are automatically fed back to traffic system
Manual Changes
Automation System
Traffic System
Manual Playlist Changes
BXF Interface
• Exact timings captured (SOM/EOM) during media prep are automatically sent to traffic system
• Traffic system is notified when media prep has completed and content is available
Metadata
Automation System
Traffic System
Metadata Exchange
Dub & Purge Lists BXF Interface
• Content awareness allows purge process to be traffic driven and automated
• Dub lists auto-populate metadata fields for content prep, eliminating manual entry
Automation System
Traffic System
Dub & Purge Lists
BXF Interface
• Traffic system is notified of manual changes to automation schedules streamlining recon process
As-Run Data
Automation System
Traffic System
Incremental As-Run
Overall Solution Benefits Before After
Program Scheduling • Daily, manual intervention • Automated daily schedule
loads
Metadata Exchange • re-entry at multiple points
• Dub lists auto-populate metadata
• Exact timings captured
Content Notifications
• Manual confirmation of content availability
• Notifications of completed prep • Purge is traffic driven and
automated
As Run Logs • Manual corrections to account for playlist edits
• Incremental. Automated reconciliation of operator playlist edits
Implementation Challenges • Early Adopter; closed functional gaps • Differences in BXF data representation
between systems • Testing an integrated solution between
different companies / geographies • Flow of error data from the deployment
site
Lessons Learned 1. Details critical; each BXF implementation will
have some unique requirements 2. BXF standard adoption does not mean plug-
and-play 3. Solution highlights intradepartmental
organizational dynamics
Organizational Impact Risk of Operations
perceiving a loss of control Traffic teams view of new
visibility and control
Before After
MPBN’s view “A single master control operator is often bombarded with tasks, and the Live-Update BXF-based system streamlines the traffic and ADC automation workflow so they can focus on other essential duties. This ends up in a better on-air product, as well as time- and money-savings for us. — Gil Maxwell Maine Public Broadcasting Network
Conclusion • Several benefits from a BXF installation
• Invest time in workflow details
• Not all BXF solutions are equal
Thank you