Encompass/Grass Valley collaboration eases running of complex live channels
Encompass Digital Media and Grass Valley has launched Altitude Playout Plus, a software-defined channel origination platform aimed at broadcasters running live, late-changing and complex programming.
The service combines Encompass’ managed services, Media Cloud and Altitude Flow, with Grass Valley’s AMPP and Playout X, creating an integrated workflow that runs from media supply chain operations through to channel origination and transmission.
Encompass has built the platform for channels where schedules and content shift close to and during transmission, such as live sports, news and entertainment. Alongside playout, the architecture supports live contribution, event management, recording and fast-turnaround workflows.
Channel 4 has selected Altitude Playout Plus to support its channel portfolio under a multi-year managed playout agreement, with services scheduled to launch in 2027. The broadcaster is the second major UK public broadcaster to select the platform, following a launch in August 2026.
AMPP supplies the software-defined production and playout foundation, with Playout X handling channel origination, while Encompass integrates those capabilities with Altitude Flow, its media supply chain and control platform. Its web-based Playout Director pulls together the operational data needed to manage live programming and late changes.
The result is a distributed architecture that can be deployed across cloud and on-premises infrastructure and operated from multiple Encompass locations. Services for the UK public broadcasters will be delivered from Encompass facilities in London and Riga, providing geographic diversity while giving operational teams flexibility over where resources are deployed.
Keir Shepherd, Chief Solutions Officer, Encompass Digital Media, said, “Altitude Playout Plus has been designed around the realities of running complex live channels, where schedules can change quickly and operators need immediate access to the services and information required to respond.”
He added that Channel 4’s decision gives the organisation a foundation for extending the service to further demanding channel environments.
Encompass can also call on additional AMPP applications where specialist capabilities are required, introducing resources according to the needs of a channel or event instead of maintaining them permanently for workflows used only periodically.
For Grass Valley, the deployment shows how its Dynamic Media Facility approach supports established broadcast services across hybrid, geographically distributed infrastructure, with AMPP applications operating alongside existing systems and Encompass technology.
“Major broadcasters are looking for greater flexibility without compromising the resilience and operational control required for live TV,” said Steve Hassan, Senior Director Playout at Grass Valley.
Design work between the two organisations was completed ahead of the Channel 4 transition. Find out more at booth 9.A01 during IBC2026, which is taking place from September 11-14 at the RAI Amsterdam Convention Centre.
