Cignal TV expands playout capabilities with Imagine
Details
Louise Duffy
| 23 August 2019

Cignal TV has expanded its playout capacity using the fully integrated Versio modular playout solution from Imagine Communications.

The satellite broadcaster airs premium content on both TV and radio to more than two million subscribers across the Philippines and says the new playout system gives it increased scalability and speed to market with a future-proofed, software-based solution.

“Our growth in both television and radio meant that we needed to add playout channels as quickly as possible,” explained Cignal TV first vice-president network engineering and operations Benedict V Galang. “It was vital that the additional capacity slotted seamlessly into our existing operations to minimise disruption. Imagine Communications demonstrated it could provide a solution quickly, fitting precisely into our workflow and, through the redundancy, ensuring the reliability and security we required. With the new installation we can make a positive step towards the IP transition when the time comes.”

Imagine worked with systems integrator Composite Technology on the geo-dispersed Versio solution, which expands the system to 4+1 channels, providing redundancy on every channel. The channels have the capability of live broadcasting, switching via Cignal’s existing Platinum VX router. The ADC automation system is designed to offer flexible and efficient operations across workflows.

Content is stored on an Imagine Versio IOX SAN online storage system, connected to the Versio array over 10 gigabit fibre ethernet. The Versio software also provides the broadcast graphics, and a Nexio Motion workflow engine provides content management. Imagine and Composite Technology delivered the project as a turnkey supply.

Mathias Eckert, SVP & GM, EMEA & APAC, Imagine Communications, added: “A master control room is the mission-critical hub for broadcast operations - any downtime means lost revenues. It needs to be a highly reliable and efficient workplace that is automated as far as possible and easy to operate, monitor and maintain. Our software-defined solutions allow us to precisely tailor systems to provide a path to IP as and when Cignal TV wishes to make this transition.”