Thailand’s TV Direct upgrades entire playout using PlayBox Neo system
Thai broadcaster TV Direct has upgraded its ingest, channel branding and automated playout infrastructure to a full PlayBox Neo system in co-operation with playout service-provider PSI Broadcasting.
Arkarachai Topsin, Technical Head of Broadcasting at TV Direct, said, “PlayBox Neo Channel-in-a-Box systems are now being used for our complete output, comprising nine HD channels transmitted via satellite.
“Content ingest, title graphics, on-screen text, scheduling and playout are all performed within the PlayBox Neo user interface. It is perfectly suited to our mode of operation, especially the ability to control channel branding text and images live to air.
“We have also signed up to PlayBox Neo’s ASM (Annual Support & Software Maintenance) contract which includes software upgrades whenever these are issued, a useful option in the fast-evolving broadcast media industry.”
The latest-generation system includes PlayBox Neo’s Capture Suite and TitleBox Neo-20 running on AirBox Neo-20 servers. Capture Suite speeds up the entire ingest process, allowing staff to respond quickly to the large volumes of content associated with a multi-channel operation. Routine tasks can be handled quickly and easily within a single graphic interface.
An added operational bonus is the freedom Capture Suite offers to edit incoming content without having to wait for the file ingest process to complete. This is especially appreciated by newsroom staff for whom time is a vital factor in staying ahead of their competitor.
Nut Deesamer, Director of PlayBox Neo’s Thailand branch, added, “Broadcasters and playout facility-providers throughout the world recognise both the strength and operational versatility of our products and supporting services.
“Our systems are based on a range of optional modules which can be combined and configured to suit practically any style and scale of playout, from a single over-the-top (OTT) channel up to a full multi-channel broadcast network.”
