Validating Signal Integrity: KFMB-TV and Discovery Networks Latin America
The Observer automate the tedious, time-consuming, and often error-prone tasks associated with finding and correcting transmission errors such as black/static screen, missing audio, loss of closed captions, and macroblocking (via the optional QoE module). Video problems can often be caught and resolved long before they turn into viewer complaints, and the station’s high-value engineers are freed to perform more strategic tasks. The Observer monitors the quality of inbound and outbound feeds with automated alerts via e-mail and SNMP. Operators can better understand and easily diagnose signal discrepancies by viewing each problem in context – before, during and after every event.
Within a single Observer system, San Diego-based CBS affiliate KFMB-TV is able to record and monitor video from its HD broadcast on one channel and SD off-air content on the other channel. The Observer records the aired audio track as well as the director’s private line intercom track, enabling operators to determine later whether a transmission fault is due to a technical error or a missed cue from the director. When a fault occurs, the system automatically notifies operators via e-mail with an attached clip of the video displaying the fault. “It only took one demonstration of the Observer, and we were sold right away on the power, functionality, and simplicity of the system,” said Rich Lochmann, director of engineering at KFMB.
Discovery Networks Latin America uses the Observer to perform quality assurance and signal monitoring for 32 channels of content broadcast in English, Spanish, and Portuguese. “In addition to replacing our traditional analog tape-based system, the Observer system offers us powerful new capabilities helping to streamline our network operations and ensure signal quality,“ says Lisa Hyams, Senior Vice President of Operations with DNLA. “Now we have the ability to instantly retrieve and e-mail requested video clips as proof of advertising to our clients, as well as remotely monitor our broadcasts live over the Internet. Features such as multiple signal monitoring capability, bilingual audio program recording (in English/Spanish or English/Portuguese), and an e-mail alert system that indicates signal disruption are tremendous benefits for DNLA.
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