Intraware, eMAM and Playbox. Thai TV5 Implementation
Intraware the distributors for eMAM in APAC a leading Media Asset Management System recently took part in the installation of a fully integrated playout and media asset management system for Thai TV5 at the network’s studio headquarters in Bangkok in partnership with eMAM and PlayBox Neo. The project encompassed the replacement of a legacy third-party equipment with a solution designed to combine high operational efficiency, reliability and scalability.
The Playout component supplied was from Playbox NEO. “The system we proposed in Q1 that has now been completed is based on PlayBox Neo AirBox Neo-20 Channel-in-a-Box systems,” says David Srikalra, Managing Director of PS and Sons (Thailand) Co Ltd. “These successfully power a large number of television channels and playout services here in APAC and around the globe. We also recommended EMAM Inc as the vendor for content management. eMAM products integrate easily with AirBox Neo-20, enabling operators to archive programs and interstitials complete with fast-searchable descriptive metadata. They are deployed in the master control room used for the HD channel.”
“A key strength of AirBox Neo-20 is that it is based on a range of software modules which allow customers or their system integrators to select a configuration that exactly meets their current workflow,” adds Nut Deesamer, Director of PlayBox Neo’s Thailand branch. “David Srikalra and his colleagues together with the Thai TV5 operations team specified the features and facilities they needed. The resultant playout system comprises three AirBox Neo-20 Channel-In-a-Box playout servers including TitleBox Neo-20 channel branding plus our Capture Suite and latest-generation Multi Playout Manager. This combination allows the network to function with high efficiency and flexibility.
Content arriving at TV5HD, or created in the network’s studios, is ingested into the eMAM Enterprise database. The ingest process is supervised using two Capture Suites. Material required for transmission is then transferred to playout server storage within AirBox Neo-20 for on-air playlist preparation, graphics and title generation. Much of this process is handled using Multi Playout Manager. Communication within the PlayBox Neo and eMAM system is over 10G ethernet IP. The system is configured to function as main and backup with the additional protection of a cool spare. The solution gives Ch5 a manageable system and workflow that was within their budget.
TV5HD is now in its 64th year of operation which makes it one of the country’s longest established free-to-air television networks, transmitting news and variety programs in 1080i over Thailand’s digital terrestrial network and by direct-to-home satellite.”