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�iTX:�overview of IT-based automated playout platformMiranda’s iTX is the most sophisticated, multi-channel content delivery platform for linear and on-demand television, with support for mobile and internet delivery. A highly resilient enterprise-grade solution, iTX is built on industry-standard IT servers and advanced software technology. It’s ideally suited to the playout requirements of cable, satellite and IPTV operators, as well as national and regional broadcasters.

Reduced cost of ownershipiTX substantially reduces capital expenditure and operating costs for television facilities. It replaces proprietary broadcast playout and processing hardware with enterprise-level IT servers and highly integrated software applications. Cost savings are achieved through reduced purchase costs, faster revenue generation, improved system scalability, and more efficient workflows. The use of commodity IT hardware also results in a significant reduction in space and power requirements, as well as simplified maintenance.

Fully scalable with rapid deployment With iTX’s IT-based architecture, facilities can easily increase channel counts without traditional scaling constraints. The simplified system design also allows much faster deployment of new facilities, additional channels and services. Fully featured iTX channels can be operational in a matter of weeks, sometimes even days.

Integrated linear and on-demand workflowsiTX provides exceptional integration of linear and on-demand television workflows. Facilities can instantly share assets and playlists across linear and non-linear delivery. They can also instantly convert on-air linear content into on-demand assets, complete with rich branding graphics and Nielsen watermarks.

Streamlined, end-to-end workflowThe highly integrated, end-to-end workflow streamlines all the core playout processes, including ingest, content management, transmission control, interfacing to traffic, archiving, and monitoring. Based on over 15 years’ expertise in deploying high-end solutions for world class television facilities, the workflow is exceptionally versatile and fully robust.

Flexibility,Scalability

caPital, oPerating

coStS

www.miranda.com/iTX

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Future proof, space saving designWith a traditional playout solution, each channel can require multiple broadcast devices from multiple vendors. In contrast, iTX uses enterprise-grade IT servers to perform multi-format video playout, signal processing, video/audio mixing, multi-level graphics, metadata insertion, and Nielsen audience measurement. The result is a dramatic saving in space and power requirements. The software-based iTX platform also offers much greater future-proofing, with the ability to take advantage of ongoing CPU/GPU developments in IT hardware.

Uncompromised playout performanceiTX offers uncompromised playout performance, ideally suited to the requirements of primetime television channels. The system delivers superb picture quality due to the reduced number of broadcast devices in the chain, combined with native YUV signal processing. It also offers highly flexible audio management, and the multi-level graphics capabilities needed for effective channel branding and audience retention.

Exceptional resilience and fast recoveryThe iTX system offers exceptional resilience, and fast playout chain recovery. With its enterprise-standard IT platform, wide-ranging capabilities are available for backup and redundancy of the hardware, operating system and database software. In addition to full system redundancy, each Output Server acts as a content cache, dramatically reducing dependence on the LAN for play-to-air. An iTX Output Server will continue to run even if it is cut off from the rest of the network. In the unlikely event of a crash or power failure, an iTX channel will auto-start much more quickly and effectively than a traditional playout chain.

Enterprise-level software and servicesAs a critical business system, iTX offers full enterprise-class software functionality, with sophisticated upgrade management and version control. iTX also provides detailed system health monitoring, with optional continuous remote monitoring performed by Miranda. To fully support iTX installations worldwide, the company also offers a wide range of MirandaCare services for project management, training and 24/7 technical support.

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iTX: agile multi-channel, multi-format playoutiTX has been installed at many of the world’s most advanced, multi-channel playout facilities. It provides a low cost of ownership, along with exceptional scalability, resilience and speed of new channel deployment. An unmatched level of playout agility simplifies the delivery of content to multiple platforms, and allows media businesses to respond rapidly to changing requirements. iTX provides a high level of integration across all core playout functions, including ingest, content management, transmission control, and interfacing with traffic and archives. It also offers rich integration with other Miranda playout systems, including signal management and facility monitoring (see page 611).

A/V

rOUT

er

Satellite feeds

Tape

Satellite/live feed direct-to-air

Digital archive

router control

Serial rS-422

iTX Framework Servers

Network attached storage (NAS)

iTX Content Store

SD/HD-SDI with PCM Stereo or Dolby e / AC-3

ASI (ATSC/DVB/MTS)

Gigabit ethernet/IP

Serial rS-422

IP/Streaming video or WAN

Content acquisition iTX multi-channel, multi-format playout

Principal

Witness

Mirror

Digital content file

delivery

iTX ingest and asset management

Live

iTX Ingest Server

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A/V

rOUT

er

encoding and

multiplexing

Traffic and scheduling system

IPTV mobile

and web

Channel 1: terrestrial/cable/satellite delivery

Channel 1:backup

Channel 3: IPTV/mobile/internet delivery

Channel 2: terrestrial/cable/satellite delivery

N+1 backup channel

iTX Output Servers

PlayoutGlass Cockpit

Multi-viewer

Cable and DBSOTA

iTX

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iTX: Playout Glass Cockpit operator interfaceMiranda`s Playout Glass Cockpit is a highly productive and intuitive control room environment, which is created by the rich integration between iTX and the Kaleido multi-viewer and iControl Playout Manager facility monitoring systems. Next event and alarm information generated by iTX can be instantly displayed by these monitoring systems to provide a higher level of control. This enables a single operator to manage more channels with greater effectiveness, and contributes to a superior Quality of Experience for viewers.

embedded iTX health management tools

Alarms from iTX

Kaleido�multi-viewer�displays�warnings�from�the�iTX�automated�playout

iControl�Playout�Manager�multi-channel�facility�playout�monitor-ing�integrates�tightly�with�iTX

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iTX integration provides current clip name, time to

next clip, and next clip name

Expected: -27dBDialnorm: -26dBLoudness: -32dB

Expected: -27dBDialnorm: -26dBLoudness: -32dB

Loudness measurement and comparison

Loudness out of range

Loudness out of range

iTX�IT-based�automated�playout

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iTX: integrated file publishing for VODiTX provides exceptional integration of linear and on-demand television, with the same assets, workflow and scheduling processes shared across operations.

Linear playout schedules can quickly be converted to produce C3, C7, Premium and other versions to help meet the increased cost and time challenges related to corporate “TV Everywhere” initiatives.

As a result of its schedule-awareness, iTX offers significant performance improvement over traditional transcoding systems by avoiding unnecessary processing of the same content across versions.

Logos and rich branding can quickly be added to promote your brand, linear channel schedule, website or other products and services, allowing further monetization of on-demand content.

iTX�Rendering�Servers

iTX�automated�playout

iTX�Framework�Server

iTX�Content�Store

Network attached storage (NAS)

Channel 1

Channel 2

Channel 3

Channel 4

Channel 5

VOD cache and delivery

server

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Cable�/�Satellite�/�IPTV�VOD

Mobile�VOD

Internet�VOD

The iTX VOD solution offers all the tools required to create professional, on-demand content across multiple VOD platforms, with integrated support for Nielsen watermarking, Closed Captions, AFD and Vchip metadata. It also offers tight integration with traffic, advertisement delivery, and archive management systems.

iTX users can implement a highly streamlined and cost-efficient VOD system by sharing their existing iTX Framework Server, Content Store and Database system used for linear television. However, iTX VOD can also be used as a standalone, on-demand video compilation solution.

On-demand�delivery

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Distributed playout

Region A playout

HD-SDI

Region B playout

HD-SDI

Region C playout

HD-SDI

iTX: streamlined distributed / centralized playoutiTX’s outstanding cost efficiency, flexibility and mature live control capabilities make it ideal for use by station groups and regional television stations. Its IP-based architecture is also especially well suited to remote operation, allowing for a range of distributed playout models.

iTX offers broadcasters the ability to combine centralized acquisition with local playout, with control from either the central site or spoke. In this case, all content acquisition occurs at the central site, with copies of encoded content files transferred via high-bandwidth links to the local sites as required by the air schedules. In this scenario, the local site is fully capable of playout and transmission for extended periods without the support of the central site.

This distributed playout model delivers a number of benefits to station group owners and multi-channel facilities requiring regional distribution:

Benefits�for�station�groups › The centralization of media acquisition and preparation can generate

significant capital and operating cost savings

› The distribution of syndicated shows is more cost-efficient using the centralization model

› With control available either from the hub or spoke, it is not necessary to maintain continuous operator presence at the spoke� The ability to control playout from the hub outside of business hours results in greater cost savings

Benefits�for�specialty�channels › The ability to acquire and prepare content for all regions at a central facility

can result in substantial capital and operating cost savings

› Content is transferred to the regional headends over IP (WAN)� As the cost of IP bandwidth is much lower than the satellite bandwidth used for traditional HD-SDI video transmission, this is a much more cost-effective approach

› In the majority of cases, regional headends are unmanned, and the ability to control transmission from the central facility is critical

Central Playout Facility

WAN

A

A

BB

C

C

HD-SDI

File

Ingest Media preparation

Database (IT storage)

Asynchronous file streamingSynchronous

file streaming

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iTX: assured business continuityiTX’s IP-based architecture makes it uniquely suitable for cost-effective, remote backup operations to ensure business continuity in the event of a major disaster. It provides a unique combination of features, flexibility, scalability and redundancy at significantly lower capital and operating costs than a conventional transmission solution. It also offers specialized software plug-ins to address the unique operational requirements of business continuity.

As a software-based transmission platform, iTX dramatically reduces the number of hardware components needed for playout, resulting in a significant reduction in the rack space, power consumption and cooling required at the backup site.

An iTX backup system can operate unattended, and automatically translate content and playlists from the primary system to provide full mirroring. This allows rapid recovery in the event of a disaster, without a significant interruption in transmission or a major loss of revenue.

Content storage

Content storage

DistributionPlayout Playout

Primary�site Backup�site

Primary transmission

control

Backup transmission

control

Tape

Acquisition

Tape

Acquisition

Primary acquisition

control

Backup acquisition

control

iTX’s IT-based architecture is ideally suited to disaster recovery operations

SD/HD-SDI

IP network

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Reduced�CAPEX�and�OPEX

› reduced capital expenditure and lower cost of ownership through commodity IT hardware

› Significantly reduced rack space and power requirements due to highly integrated design, with traditional playout, signal processing, master control, branding, metadata insertion, and audience measurement all provided by a single IT server

› Industry-standard IT servers offer an easy-to-maintain and cost-effective IT-centric solution with in-depth diagnostics and status reporting

Reliability�and�resilience

› Commodity hardware simplifies automation control, and increases overall system reliability

› High level of functional integration of Output Server improves playout quality, and provides a faster recovery in the event of a power loss, or a need for rebooting

› IT-based architecture simplifies the development of redundant systems, and makes off-site disaster recovery facilities more cost-effective

Flexibility�and�scalability

› Highly scalable design simplifies system expansion; an extra channel can be played out by adding an Output Server

› True multi-channel architecture allows multiple channels to be managed by one operator via a single user interface

› Modular solution allows the purchase of just the functionality needed today, with the ability to add increased capacity and functionality as business needs change

› IP-based architecture provides tremendous workflow flexibility, and allows both local and centralized control

› rapid deployment of additional channels, including new modes of distribution such as mobile, IPTV and internet services

› Sophisticated data interfacing to third party traffic and archive systems creates an integrated, efficient workflow

Future-proof

› Software-based platform allows easy addition of new features and file-formats

› Use of standard IT servers allows greater future-proofing by allowing quicker access to improvements in CPU and GPU performance

KEY FEATURES AND BENEFITS

iTX: benefits of an IT-based architectureiTX is an enterprise-class solution built on standard IT server hardware and advanced software technology, and this brings wide-ranging benefits to broadcasters and pay TV operators.

iTX software runs on enterprise-grade IT servers

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Comparing IT-based and traditional playoutThe traditional transmission chain consists of a series of proprietary hardware devices from multiple vendors, each modifying the signal prior to transmission. Each of these broadcast devices is typically controlled by the automation via its native protocol, using serial or Ethernet connections. This multiple device control is responsible for the majority of problems with automation today, purely as a result of the number of devices, connections and protocols involved. In essence, the overall reliability is impacted by the high number of potential points of failure in a traditional system.

SDI RouteR

A/V plant router

A/V plant router

A/V plant router

or 2x1

protectswitch

Master control

switcher

Master control

switcher

Audio/video encoding

Audio/video encoding

Branding graphics

Branding graphics

Subtitle insertion

Subtitle insertion

Playout server

Playout port

Playout port

Playout port

Playout portIngest port

Playout automationMedia management

Channel 1

Channel 2

Conventional�transmission�chain

IT-based�architecture�

In contrast, an iTX IT-based platform involves far fewer elements, and this promotes a higher level of overall reliability. With this system, the playout server, signal processing, master control, branding, metadata insertion, and audience measurement devices are all replaced by enterprise-grade software and standard IT servers and storage, with local area network connectivity.

iTX requires a small number of IT servers, along with IT-based storage to hold recorded content. It requires a server for each channel, another to host the database and core services, and an IT disk array for content storage. These servers are connected by a gigabit Ethernet LAN and controlled by one or more client workstations. This platform delivers all the capabilities needed, in a scalable and inherently reliable system.

SDI RouteR

iTX Ingest Server

Media management

Channel 1iTX Output Server

Automation

Branding graphics

A/V encode

Subtitle insert

Playout server

Channel 2iTX Output Server

Automation

Branding graphics

A/V encode

Subtitle insert

Playout server

A/V plant router

A/V plant router or

2x1 protectswitch

Generic low cost IT storage

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iTX: key system elements Framework Server Framework Services and the iTX database reside on a three server triplet (Principal-Witness-Mirror) for redundancy. The Framework Services are shared across multiple ingest and output channels, and handle content registration, traffic interface and the management of transmission schedules, content metadata and storage. The Media Watcher provides content transfer and cache management services, as well as handling registration in the iTX Content Store of pre-encoded content files.

Output Servers The Output Server consists of a 1RU server running advanced image processing software that implements all the requirements of the playlist in real-time. It processes all video/audio content and ancillary data as required by scheduled events to produce an SDI or IP output stream. The output stream can be configured for delivery to multiple modes of distribution, including over the air broadcast, cable, satellite or IP streaming for IPTV, web or mobile devices.

Ingest Servers An iTX Ingest Server is a 1RU server running iTX software to provide real-time encoding of SD or HD-SDI ingest streams, with embedded audio for encoding to a compressed file for storage and playout. It replaces the encoding function of a conventional video server, along with the associated signal conversion devices.

Client Workstations An iTX Client Workstation is a standard desktop PC providing control, monitoring and configuration interfaces for the iTX system. The user interface architecture operates in a true networked environment, with no imposed limitations on user access to services. It allows multiple clients to access multiple backend services simultaneously.

Content Store Every iTX solution includes a central Content Store comprising network attached IT storage (NAS), for example Isilon or HP, or a storage-area network (SAN) or direct-attached storage (DAS). It can also be extended to include video server or HSM archive storage repositories.

Picture courtesy: Isilon

iTX�Ingest�Server

iTX�Output�Server

iTX�Client�Workstation

iTX�Content�Store

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The network iTX operates on a standard, gigabit Ethernet (1000 Base-T) local area network (LAN). The iTX network connects iTX servers, content storage, client workstations and external systems such as traffic and scheduling.

iTX is multi-domain capable, allowing geographically separated facilities to share content and tasks. System security ensures that access rights can be assigned to specific users and groups, and Virtual Media Silos can be created to ensure there is no crossover between different channels, content or customers.

SDI r

oute

r

SDI r

oute

r

ethernet/ IP network

Mirror

Principal

Witness

iTX Framework Servers

Shared Content Store

Output ServersIngest Servers

iTX simplified system architecture

Ingest clients System administration client(s) Transmission control clients3rd party traffic system

Digital content delivery

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› 1U rack-mount chassis

› 12GB main memory

› Two (2) quad/six core Intel processors

› Dual/Quad Gigabit NIC ports

› Dual power supplies

�System�storage

› Two (2) 72/146GB SAS dual port drives

› rAID 1 redundancy

�Content�cache�storage�(typical:�800-1100�GB)

› Four (4) 300 GB SAS dual port drives

› rAID 0 or rAID 5 redundancy

› 60-80 hours SD storage @ 30 Mbps

› 18-24 hours HD storage @ 100 Mbps

�Operating�System

› MS Windows Server 2008 r2 Standard

› 3D/HD/SD video output using AJA SDI card

The iTX Output Server is based on an enterprise-grade IT server platform. The current specified model is the HP ProLiant DL-360 Generation 6/7, with the following specifications:

AJA SDI card used in ingest and output servers

iTX: Output Server overview

Video resolutions supported by iTX

Output video format Output aspect ratio Supported media resolutions

1080p 23�98fps 16:9 1920 x 1080, 1440 x 1080

1080i 29�98fps 16:9 1920 x 1080, 1440 x 1080

1080i 25fps 16:9 1920 x 1080, 1440 x 1080

720p 59�94fps 16:9 1280 x 720

720p 50fps 16:9 1280 x 720

720p 59�94fps 16:9 1280 x 720

576i 25fps 4:3 / 16:9 720 x 576 (active picture only), 720 x 598, 720 x 608, 720 x 612 (active picture + VBI data)

480i 29�97fps 4:3 / 16:9 720 x 480 (active picture only), 720 x 508, 720 x 512, 720 x 514 (active picture + VBI data)

Note: It is important to check the latest specifications with Miranda prior to purchasing servers for iTX systems

SDI RouteR

Fully featured automation engine

Software�componentsHardware�components

Audio +

video mixer

HD/SDSDI output

Multi format audio, video and Metadata decode

Up/Down/ Cross/ArC

convert

Multi channel

DVes

Metadata insertion CC, AFD, Subtitles,

etc�

Multi layer keyer

Multi layer CG/ graphics

eAS

Audience measure insertion

(NIeLSeN)

Satellite/Live Feeds (HD/SD)

Internal content

store (rAID)

iTX Output Server: core video, audio and metadata processing functions

www.miranda.com/iTX

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utThe iTX Output Server supports a range of file formats natively, with no need for transcoding:

SDI RouteR

File�wrapper�formats

GXF (GVG)

Sony XDCAM/XDCAM HD

IMX

Quicktime/MOV

Pinnacle

Seachange

Omneon

Video essence formats

supported on playback

Audio essence formats

supported on playback

MPeG-2

DV 25/50/100

MPEG-4/H.264

PCM

MPEG layer II

Dolby e

Dolby D / AC-3

SDI RouteR

ethernet/ IP network

Principal

Late content streams from NAS

Witness

Mirror

Framework servers

iTX content store

SDI input router

Channel

Main

Backup

SDI output router

or 2x1

protectswitch

File formats

Local caching and NAS streamingIn the normal iTX transmission process, content required by the air schedule is copied to the Output Server cache, from where it is played to air. As content is played and no longer required by the schedule, the cached copy is automatically deleted, and more new content is copied to the cache. However, late-arriving content can be decoded and played by the iTX Output Server by streaming directly from the Content Store (NAS). Any live sources from satellite or studio are routed directly to the Output Server, and can be mixed and branded just like recorded content.

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Advanced aspect ratio controlAdvanced aspect ratio control provides multiple ARC modes within iTX, with insertion of AFD data into the output SDI/HD video stream. The ARC modes can also be used in combination with the up- and down-conversion of SD and HD media. AFD data insertion can be used either standalone or in combination with the internal ARC. ARC and AFD behaviour is fully configurable for each channel, and is based on media properties or scheduled aspect ratio values per item. iTX supports the following standards:

› SMPTe 2016-1: Format for AFD data

› SMPTe 2016-3: VANC data mapping of AFD data in SDI/HD-SDI

› SMPTe rP186: mapping of AFD data as VLI on Line 11 in SDI

Mixed formats on the same timelineiTX is format and bitrate agnostic, making it ideal for dynamic playout operations which accept multiple formats. Mixed frame rates can operate on the same timeline, including PAL/NTSC, 60, 30, 25 or 24 frames per second, and the server can freely mix DV, MPEG1, 2 & 4, AVI and WMV in the same playlist, performing up and down conversion as required for HD and SD content. The ability to mix HD and SD content within a single playlist is a big advantage for facilities wanting to include legacy SD clips on an HD channel.

iTX: unmatched playout performance

Exceptional playout qualityiTX Output Servers provide unrivalled picture quality as a result of the reduction in the number of broadcast devices in the playout chain, combined with native YUV signal processing.

Highly flexible audio handling The powerful audio engine within iTX provides a high degree of flexibility with multi-channel audio processing:

› Processing multiple Dolby streams

› re-mapping of audio inputs to outputs

› Support for up to 16 channels of audio, coming from either the video clip or from independent audio files

› Stereo downmixing from an AC-3 stream

› 5�1 6 channel discrete outputs

› AC-3 encoding from 6 discrete inputs

› Ability to define default audio mapping for both clips and live events

DV MPEG-2

iTX Output Servers offer unsurpassed playout performance, ideally suited to premier television channels.

www.miranda.com/iTX

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Integral audience measurementThe integration of Nielsen watermarking within iTX offers complete security in asset tracking and ratings compliance, without the need for additional dedicated hardware.

�

Metadata insertionThe Output Server can insert a wide range of Metadata, including Closed Captioning and Subtitles, as well as Vchip information, AFD data and Dolby Metadata (AC-3 and Dolby E), including the Dialnorm and Line/RF Mode.

Supports closed captioning (EIA608 / EIA708 with 608 to 708 upconversion, captions from SCC file), as well as OP47 subtitles, with subtitles from EBU .STL file.

Emergency Alert System supportFor the North American market, EAS emergency alert graphics and audio messages are fully integrated, using the Trilithic EASyCAST™ system.

Stereoscopic 3D playoutiTX supports the playout of Side-by-Side stereoscopic 3D content. It allows 2D and 3D content to be included in the same playlist, with 2D content automatically converted to Side-by-Side Stereoscopic 3D. The channel branding graphics can also be output as Side-by-Side Stereoscopic 3D, with variable Z-plane graphics depth control.

Advanced pre-rendered & dynamic graphicsThe iTX Output Server can output the most advanced promotional and channel branding graphics, using either a pre-rendered After Effects workflow or a dynamic graphics workflow. The tight integration of the graphics preparation tools with the playout automation simplifies the preparation of schedule awareness graphics, and also allows late schedule changes to be fully addressed (see page 430).

The iTX Output Server offers a wide mix of graphics options, ranging from an entry level logo generator to the most advanced graphics processing, using the iTXG option, which offers the same powerful rendering capabilities as the Vertigo XG graphics processor.

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iTX: advanced graphics automation workflows

Our After Effects plug-in brings together the familiarity and ease of use of After Effects with the requirement for a high level of graphics automation. The process starts with the preparation of base elements and graphics templates, with fields for data-driven text and images, such as a program name and time, to be filled according to the automation schedule. The

graphic template is then rendered by After Effects, using schedule data. This creates multiple versions of the After Effects project, which are played out automatically by the iTX Output Server. This approach simplifies the quality control process, as each graphic exists as a fully flattened file. It also eliminates the need for an internal graphics processor.

iTX offers the most sophisticated graphics capabilities and a range of branding workflows, designed to minimize the operating costs associated with the production of rich graphics. For maximum flexibility, two rendering models are supported: real-time rendering using a built-in graphics processor, and pre-rendered graphics production using After Effects. The tight integration of the graphics preparation tools with the playout automation simplifies the generation of schedule awareness graphics.

Pre-rendering graphics using After Effects

Pre-rendering using After Effects workflow

Graphics distribution via LAN

iTX Output Servers(no CG option needed)

Adobe After EffectsCreation of base elements

and templates

iTX Asset DesktopMedia browsing

iTX framework

Central storage

Graphics are pre-rendered with Adobe After effects using schedule data

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Dynamic rendering with iTXGThe iTXG option brings the dynamic rendering capabilities of the Vertigo XG graphics processor (see page 457) to the iTX Output Server. This enables the Output Server to deliver the most advanced channel branding and promo graphics, including multi-level, data-driven graphics with real-time rendering. These graphics can be rendered using playlist data, third party data sources, and XML feeds.

With the iTXG option, the iTX Output Server can be used for compelling multi-level character generation, dual channel DVE effects, and multiple layer clip and animation playout. These capabilities can be used to deliver the most sophisticated schedule boards, program junctions and in-show promos.

The iTX Studio authoring tool is tightly integrated with the iTX workflow, and allows the creation of complex, data-driven templates. The finished templates reside on the iTX content store and, at air time, are populated with promo-specific data and rendered in real-time.

This highly dynamic approach, based on integration between the graphics, automation and playout engines, ensures that changes to graphics are possible up to the last minute. It is also less demanding on storage since the finished graphics are not stored as flattened files on the iTX Output Server.

Dynamic rendering using After Effects and iTX Studio workflow

Graphics distribution via LAN

iTX Output Servers (with iTXG dynamic graphics processing)

Adobe After EffectsCreation of base elements

iTX Asset DesktopMedia browsing

iTX StudioTemplate authoring

iTX framework

Central storage

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iTX�Desktop: overview of user interfaceThe highly flexible iTX Desktop is made up of control and monitoring components that can be sized, positioned and interconnected to create customized layouts, tailored to the specific requirements of each operator. A number of standard layouts are provided with every iTX system, with the ability to add further customized layouts as required.

iTX Ingest Manager › Designed to support demanding environments like news and sports,

this highly flexible feed ingest system combines the management of scheduled and recurring satellite or live feeds with on-demand crash recording

› Provides dynamic assignment of ingest services resources, along with the ability to carry out simultaneous recordings to multiple ingest servers

› With a master recording schedule, multiple users can view resource allocation and have simultaneous access to record scheduling

› A list view of all scheduled recordings in the system is provided, as well as an active timeline view indicating the status of each recording

�iTX Content Management › Operators can view content directly on the iTX Desktop without the

need for a dedicated video server

› Provides ability to search for and view full-resolution, proxy and live content at any Desktop workstation via standard network connections

› All associated asset Metadata is shown for the selected asset

› Asset Metadata can be edited and saved to the iTX database

› Assets can be searched by Metadata

www.miranda.com/iTX

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iTX Edit Channel: off-line schedule creation

› The edit Channel allows operators to create a new playout schedule, or edit an existing schedule, without affecting the on-air channel

› It can also be used to check schedules that have been sent from traffic prior to them being loaded to the live channel

iTX Playout › iTX Playout leverages state-of-the art automation and intuitive drag-

and-drop functionality

› Simplifies transmission of one or multiple channels under the control of a single operator

› Playout schedules can be created and edited on the same user interface

› Plug-ins allow CGs, graphics, and vision/audio effects, as well as voiceovers and live events, to be applied and configured

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Using iTX Import ProtocolFile-Based data exchange using the iTX Import Protocol includes air (channel) schedules, as-run logs, content (clip) Metadata and purge (wipe) lists as text files. Air schedule and as-run logs are typically exchanged once per 24-hour period for each channel. Content Metadata and wipe lists can be delivered to iTX at any time, and as frequently as required.

Using SMPTE 2021 BXF Protocol File-based data exchange using the SMPTE 2021 BXF protocol includes air schedules, as-run logs, content Metadata and purge lists as XML-encoded text files. Air schedules for full or partial days, content Metadata and purge lists can be delivered to iTX at any time, and as frequently as required. As-run logs for each channel are returned by iTX once a day.

Using Web ServicesWeb Services-based data exchange using the SMPTE 2021 BXF protocol includes air schedules, as-run logs, content Metadata, and purge lists as XML-encoded network messages. Air schedules for full or partial days, schedule updates, content Metadata and purge lists can be delivered to iTX at any time, and as frequently as required. As-run logs can be returned in real-time as each event airs, or daily for each channel. Content Metadata can be returned to external systems in response to on-demand queries to iTX.

Custom Data ExchangeCustom data exchange interfaces can be provided to meet specialized requirements. These include support for “native” traffic systems’ export files and custom messaging interfaces via Web Services or other network protocols.

iTX: integration with trafficUsing industry standard protocols, iTX offers full integration with third party traffic systems to provide effective exchange of essential scheduling and program/content data. There are four key methods of data exchange:

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Video and file-based ingest �iTX provides components for a range of ingest workflows. These include scheduled and on-demand feed recording from satellite or live sources, manual encoding at the Desktop, unscheduled ad-hoc tape ingest, including batch recordings, support for digital file delivery and clip preparation for all modes of ingest. Basic acquisition components are included as standard, while advanced modes of ingest such as scheduled feed recording are available as add-on components.

Ad-hoc tape ingest and clip preparation › The iTX Desktop provides intuitive control of ad-hoc tape ingest and clip

preparation using a LAN connection

› Desktop tools simplify the identification, timing and annotation of video clips acquired by all methods of acquisition

› Desktop components include controls for the viewing and timing of recorded clips with frame-accurate in, out and segment markers, as well as the capture of clip Metadata, such as titles, descriptions and content types

› requested dubs are carried out as a background task, allowing additional dub requests and clip preparation work to continue in parallel

› When used with the proxy sub-system, clip preparation can be performed using low-resolution proxy copies of content, allowing multiple workstations to access and prepare content

Scheduled and on-demand recording › iTX Ingest Manager is designed to support the demanding operational

environments of news and sports

› A highly-flexible feed ingest system that combines the management of scheduled and recurring satellite or live feeds with on-demand recording of feeds

› Provides dynamic assignment of ingest services resources, along with the ability to carry out simultaneous recordings to multiple ingest servers

› With a master recording schedule, multiple users can view resource allocation and have simultaneous access to record scheduling

› A list view of all scheduled recordings is provided, as well as an active timeline view with color highlighting to indicate the status of each recording at a glance

› Unique dual-timeline display shows the status and time allocation of both record sources and ingest jobs

Digital content file delivery › iTX Delivery Manager provides support for file-based delivery, including spot,

program and news content delivery services such as Pathfire, DG FastChannel and PitchBlue

› By communicating with the delivery services’ edge servers, Delivery Manager extracts pre-encoded digital content files and associated Metadata from content packages, and registers delivered content in the iTX database

› Content selection from delivered packages can be filtered by site-specified rules, or by required content lists, provided by traffic or program management systems

Manual�ingest

Ingest�manager

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iTX: integrated content managementContent management capabilities are fully integrated within iTX, and include the ability to search the content database across multiple locations, add Metadata, and create/delete/rename and trim clips.

iTX Content Management › Allows operators to search for and preview content - both proxies and full

resolution

› Adjustment of the in or out points, clip name, video transition and audio level

› Clip information provided by a notes editor, along with information about the locations of the media

› Modifications can be applied directly to the parent media on the database

› ‘Save As’ feature allows creation of sub-clips which are pointers to the parent clip, and consequently do not take up additional disc space

› Supervisors can manage the content residing on the servers

iTX Asset Segmentation › rapid and easy clip segmentation

› Automatic file name generation

› Controlled using traditional mark-in/mark-out or specific Time Code values

› Segment boundaries are clearly visible

PinPoint Search › With the PinPoint search tool, assets can be selected according to their type

and viewed in the preview window

› Assets can be searched by Metadata

› A delete button provides permanent deletion of content from the database and/or the Content Store

› Single clip and batch deletion operations

› Space gauge shows the amount of free space remaining on the Content Store

iTX�Asset�Desktop

iTX�Asset�Segmentation

PinPoint�Search�Tool

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Content archivingiTX offers fully featured support for Front Porch Digital’s DIVArchive via a plug-in module within the iTX Media Watcher. This allows iTX to use Front Porch Digital’s system for archiving, restoring and deletion.

Archive functionsiTX assets can be archived using DIVArchive whenever the iTX Media Watcher registers new assets via the Inbox. These include the following asset types:

› Video: MOV, MXF, MPG, MPeG, WMV, AVI, TS, XTL, GXF, SAF

› Audio: WAV, MP3, WMA

› Graphic: JPG, JPeG, PNG, TIF, TIFF, SPG (processed �tzip)

› Caption: CAP

The archive pulls the files from the main iTX location. Media files are not deleted upon archive completion.

Restoring functionsWhen new content is scheduled by iTX, the Media Watcher checks for the existence of the media. It first checks locally and, if the media is not found, the archive is checked. Once media is found in the archive, the item is copied from the archive into iTX. On completion of the transfer, media is registered by iTX, and cached to the Output Server(s).

Delete functionContent from the archive can be deleted by the Media Watcher via an Archive Delete request. This deletes only the requested archive object and related files; the object is not modified on the iTX system.

Integration with Front Porch Digital’s DIVArchive

ethernet/ IP network

Principal

Witness

Mirror

Framework servers

iTX content store

System administration clients

Drop folders from in house production

To output servers

Archive

Traffic system

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iTX: streamlined transmission controliTX streamlines the control of one of more channels by a single operator with its state-of-the art automation and intuitive drag-and-drop functionality. The highly flexible control interface allows playout schedules to be created and edited, and offers versatile control of CGs, graphics, vision/audio mixing, voice-overs and live events.

› Channel Selector: used to choose the transmission channel

› Multi-track Timeline: shows the on-air and upcoming events, as well as secondary events such as logos, CGs and voice-overs

› List View : displays a detailed list of all items in a schedule� This is hierarchical and can be compressed to show only primary events

› Now-Next Timer: shows the current on-air event, with a count-up to its scheduled duration, and the next scheduled event with a countdown to its start

› Content Selector and event editor: used to select content for added events or change the characteristics of an existing event, such as transitions and durations

› Schedule Manager: used to load new schedules, and to save schedules created in an iTX edit channel

› event Control: used to trigger manual events, hold events or skip upcoming events

Flexible channel control

The highly flexible Channel Control user interface is the primary control layout, and consists of the following key components:

iTX�PlayoutPlayout controlSchedule manager

Playlist view event property editor

Now/Next count

Multi-track timeline view

Channel selection

Schedule asset selection

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Event time specification Every schedule item within iTX has a time mode which defines how the item will behave with respect to other items within the schedule. Time modes determine whether an item is treated as a primary (full screen) item or as a secondary (overlay) item. They range from Auto Events, which will play the next item immediately after the parent item finishes playing to air, to events triggered at an offset to the parent event. There are also manual triggers, which put an item on hold until “Take Next” is selected.

Content Selector and Event Editor The various content type plug-ins reside inside the Content Selector, which is dynamic and changes the options available depending on the type of content being edited in the schedule. Each type of item in the playlist has a corresponding Event Editor. When an item in the schedule is selected, its properties are loaded into the Event Editor, and options are presented for customizing how it will be used in the active schedule.

Content controlled (manually or automated) by user interface

Video�Clip: master control transitions and picture-in-picture (PIP) effects via a 2D DVE can be applied to video clips. Other settings include aspect ratio and audio properties.

Logos: a virtually unlimited number of logos can be keyed over any primary video – live or from files. Varying key levels, audio effects, and video transitions such as wipe, mix and slide can also be applied.

Stills: full-screen images can be used as stand-alone primary video content or as backgrounds for DVE moves and keyed graphics such as logos and CGs.

CGs: iTX includes an integrated character generator which includes graphics, text, images, templates, and numerous other effects and features.

Voice-overs: audio files can be used as secondary events with any primary video content.

Live� Events: these are performed by selecting a router source and passing it through as the primary content. iTX includes an option for recording a live event as it airs for later re-use.

Sequences: a pre-defined series of events. For example, a complex news opening sequence, can be created in iTX, stored as a single event sequence, and used on air whenever required.

Schedules: a pre-defined series of events, for example, a complex news opening sequence, can be created in iTX, stored as a single event sequence, and used on air whenever required.

Subtitles: iTX offers fully integrated support for both open and closed subtitles.

Slide� Show: complete sequences of music and still images can be created and played out as a single item of any length in the schedule.

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iTX: enterprise-grade diagnostics and monitoringAs a critical business system, iTX offers full enterprise-class software functionality, with sophisticated upgrade management and version control. It also provides detailed system health monitoring with system logging, diagnostics and SNMP service, and these capabilities are supported with optional continuous remote monitoring by Miranda.

Configurable alertsConfigurable alert buttons are provided to indicate potential problems within the system, such as an empty or low schedules, items which are not ready, faults on the Output Servers, or automation engine failures. The properties of these buttons can be modified, for example, to restrict errors to specific channels, or to change the audio files associated with each alert.

Logging serviceA central logging service registers all operations performed by the system and any corresponding human intervention. This central service can be monitored in real-time and log snapshots can be viewed and saved to files. The advanced search and filter functionality simplifies monitoring processes. Users can search for specific log items, and filter the display to show only certain message categories, or messages from a particular application, and then perform further searches on the logged data.

Engineering viewsEngineering Desktop layouts, with a graphic representation of the servers in a facility, can be used for obtaining diagnostics and status information. Channel Server indicators allow the status of an individual Output Server to be monitored. The health of the services running on the hardware is shown graphically, and a context-sensitive menu allows certain functions, such as restarting the server applications or capturing log files, to be carried out remotely.

iTX engineering

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Integration with iControl Playout ManagerThe iTX SNMP Service allows external systems, including Miranda’s iControl Playout Manager facility monitoring, to query and monitor the health of up to 100 iTX channels using SNMP. iControl Playout Manager integrates tightly with iTX, and the iControl GUI can present alarms from iTX, and provide automatic pop-ups of iTX health and media management tools.

Remote health monitoring Enhanced levels of proactive, remote site monitoring are provided by the health monitoring service. This automatically gathers data from iTX log files and provides a series of system reports to the Miranda support offices, allowing potential problems to be identified before they have an on-air effect. An overall health score for a site can be generated, with any deviation from that normal score indicating a potential problem.

Distribution controlThe system management console enables remote upgrading of system software, with a batch mode that allows multiple channels to be upgraded simultaneously. This makes it possible for an entire facility to be upgraded within minutes.

remote health monitoring

Miranda`s iControl Playout Manager facility monitoring integrates tightly with iTX

Distribution control

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iTX: exceptional resilience and recoveryThe iTX system offers exceptional resilience, and fast playout chain recovery. With its enterprise-standard IT platform, wide-ranging capabilities are available for backup and redundancy of the hardware, operating system and database software.

Automatic BackupDesigned to run as primary and backup pairs, all of the iTX services are fully redundant. In the event of a failure of the primary service, the system automatically reverts to the backup service. Deploying primary and backup services on different physical machines results in a highly resilient system, which can continue operating in the event of either a hardware or software failure.

Database The Database can be configured to operate in a high availability mode by using Microsoft SQL Server database mirroring. This uses two instances of Microsoft SQL Server on two separate servers to mirror the content in the database. The addition of a third “witness” instance of the database on a third server completes the Microsoft high availability model, and provides automated failover of the database in the event of a hardware or software failure.

Content Store iTX caches content from the central Content Store to the Output Servers to provide content redundancy. In the event of a failure in the Content Store, the Output Servers will continue to play back from their local content cache. The use of a high availability NAS is recommended for the central Content Store, as this allows iTX to continue the intake and caching of new content, even in the event of a failure of some components in the storage solution.

Output Servers Each Output Server contains a local media cache plus an automation engine that holds the playlist for that Output Server. This architecture allows the Output Server to run stand alone in the event of the iTX Framework becoming unavailable, until the local schedule and content cache have been exhausted.

1:1 RedundancyWhen using 1:1 Redundancy, each Output Server is paired with another identical Output Server running the same schedule. The Output Servers are configured in a master/slave relationship. Both Output Servers render content identically and, in the event of the failure of the master Output Server, iTX can automatically invoke a downstream router switch to the backup Output Server.

N+1 RedundancyBy using N+1 Redundancy, one or more Output Servers are available to back up multiple channels. When a primary Output Server fails, one of the backup Output Servers loads the channel’s schedule from the database, synchronizes the schedule to the current time and begins playout for the failed channel from the correct point in time, even if this is in the middle of a video clip.

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iTX Master Control preliminary information

Integrated playout with master control capabilities

iTX Master Control brings together two market leading products in one solution: the power and scalability of iTX playout, with the quality and ease of use of Imagestore master control.

This solution enables you to benefit from the scalability and flexibility of an integrated playout platform while retaining the hands-on operations required for proactive channel control. There is no longer the need to compromise between a restricted traditional system and a modern, scalable playout solution. iTX Master Control gives you the best of both.

Suitable for both local channels and national broadcasters and service providers, iTX Master Control has a range of options to meet the needs of live broadcasters.

iTX Master control is available with a choice of master control panels ranging in size from compact 3RU to large station switchers.

KEY FEATURES AND BENEFITS

�Manual�Control�via�Imagestore�Master�Control�Panel

› Supports the IMC-100, IMC-200 and IMC-300 master control panels

› Dedicated automation take, hold, cue and skip next

› Access to logos and graphics

› Configurable transition rates mapped to fast, medium and slow pre-sets

› Supports mix/fade/cut transition types as standard

› Automation enable/disable and panel lock

�Automated,�automation�assist�or�manual�operation

› Fully automated operation from iTX

› Automation assist with dedicated controls on the panel

› Full manual control with as-run logging

�Multiple�live�inputs

› Allows multiple live sources to be scheduled including live-to-live transitions

› Supports transitions between live events

› Preview output

› Clean feed output

�Imagestore�options

› Optional 2D DVE, single or dual channel

› Optional Dolby encode and decode and upmix support

› Optional EAS

�Graphics�options

› On-board Imagestore support for logo insertion and basic branding

› Optional Intuition XG for advanced branding under automation control

› Support for 3rd-party graphical devices via key / fill Input

�As�run�logging

› All on air actions are logged in the as-run logs

› User actions / button presses are also logged separately

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NV900

De Glitch

File Dec

MIX ANC

Playlist

Logo

V/O

Live sources

Clean F+K

PGM

Preset

Clean

Video

iTX Control

Oxtel Control

�

ORDERING INFORMATION

iTX-MC-SDBundle-1 1+1 iTX, with Imagestore modulariTX-MC-SDBundle-2 1+1 iTX, with Imagestore 750iTX-MC-HDBundle-3 1+1 iTX, with Imagestore 750

The above options are available as channel only bundles for customers who already have an iTX Framework

Panel�choicesiMC-100iMC-200iMC-300

Imagestore�optionsDolby DDolby EDVE

Related�productsDensité frameXVP

For advice on ordering an iTX solution or further information, please contact your Miranda office or local representative.