Herb, This is old news but more detail........
Oct. 99........from ANCR's site....
ancor.com
A major studio production company in the United Arab Emirates is already using an Ancor-driven SAN installed by THOMSON Broadcast Systems to increase throughput up to 35 percent. A five-switch fabric provides storage access for 44 servers. Because the Nextore system is used throughout the production process, the customer's entire enterprise is benefiting from the productivity boost provided by Ancor's switches..........
From Thomson's site........Nov....
thomsonbroadcast.de
Paris, November 4th 1999 - ETISALAT, the National telecom operator in the United Arab Emirates, has selected THOMSON broadcast systems for the conception and installation of a programme playout centre for its new cable television system.
This first-class facility will allow the retransmission of several programmes (with the possibility of modifications, logo insertion, sub-titling, translation,...), local channels and additional Pay-Per-View programmes.
THOMSON broadcast systems takes advantage of its powerful Nextore studio server to offer an innovating solution and design one of the largest fully automated playout centres entirely based on a network of servers.
This network contains Nextore servers regrouped into operational sub-systems, called "clusters", all dedicated to a specific function: one cluster is for media recording, one for post-production, two for ad insertion, and one cluster is dedicated to the broadcasting of local programmes.
Each cluster is composed of Nextore servers interconnected through a Fibre Channel network, configured as a Storage Area Network (SAN) thanks to Mercury's Sanergy software and allowing content sharing between all servers in the cluster and a Metastor storage unit.
Nextore's concept makes it the solution of choice for a SAN architecture based on data sharing between various applications. This unique advantage of Nextore, which stems from its AVI/OpenDML file format and its entire compatibility with NTFS (NT File System), makes it possible to avoid complex file handlings (transfers, copies) and related waste of time.
Data exchange between clusters and the Compaq central media storage is performed over a high bitrate Giga Ethernet network.
THOMSON broadcast systems will also deliver traditional broadcast equipment to complement the playout system: PROCART cart machines, 9920 presentation mixers, and a host of additional equipment to be installed.
The playout centre will be managed through a LOUTH automation system able to handle content exchange between clusters and the central storage as well as all master control equipment.
With this new project, THOMSON broadcast systems offers broadcasters and telecom operators alike an innovative solution for video content, based on computer technologies and takes advantage of its strong experience in broadcast systems to deal with programme distribution over cable networks.
About Etisalat :
Emirates Telecommunications Corporation Etisalat is the leading telecommunication corporation in the Middle East and the national provider of international and national telecommunication services to its customers in the United Arab Emirates.
For over 20 years, it has provided telecommunications services, networks and equipment to business and residential customers in the U.A.E. The products and services span the technological spectrum from basic, first time connections to sophisticated global services. Etisalat provide solutions on its high quality international network, and is uniquely positioned to serve the communications needs of its customers.
With the convergence of technologies, it is becoming strategically important for the advanced international organizations to explore new business opportunities. As such Etisalat has embarked on the implementation of a digital broadband cable network based on HFC technology. This new state of the art network will provide digital services, such as Cable TV programmes with interactive Multimedia services and other advanced services in the near future.
About THOMSON broadcast systems :
THOMSON broadcast systems, a subsidiary of THOMSON multimedia, develops, produces and markets broadcast equipment for the complete digital image chain from production and post-production to transmission and broadcasting.
THOMSON broadcast systems also provides turnkey solutions for complete systems (production and post-production studios, OB and SNG vans, TV channel playout, digital head-ends for satellite, cable and terrestrial broadcasting applications).
Maybe with Iband we can get rid of that Ethernet clustering stuff?
About Nexstore.........
NEXTORE AND edit*
PROVIDE INTEGRATED POST-PRODUCTION SOLUTION
THOMSON broadcast systems and AUTODESK's digital image division, DISCREET, announced the launch of a new integrated solution offering - for the first time - direct access between post-production and broadcasting systems.
THOMSON broadcast systems and DISCREET have signed a sales partnership agreement in order to provide broadcast TV customers with a competitive, integrated solution which is available today from the THOMSON broadcast systems sales organization.
This new package combines THOMSON Nextore and DISCREET edit* technologies, to offer real-time integrated video capture, post-production, editing & effects, storage, networking and broadcast possibilities.
This is the first video system to use the same format and language for media capture, post-production and broadcast. Intermediate digitisation, transcoding and file conversion are eliminated. Operation is faster, simpler and more reliable. The result is significantly improved productivity and performance.
The new solution targets broadcast TV customers, who are looking to operate fast or live while avoiding risks from file manipulation. Integration increases reliability, accelerates operation and optimises productivity of edit* workstations. The new solution also addresses the post-production and broadcast needs of the telecommunications and other service industries, offering simplified media management and an accessible, modular PC/NT-based digital production system.
The THOMSON-DISCREET solution consists of an integrated and modular storage network composed of THOMSON Nextore video servers and DISCREET edit* non-linear editing stations, sharing media through common external storage and a Fibre Channel network. Both the Nextore servers and the edit* stations are designed for studio applications, are based on PC/NT standards, use standard components and software, and include integrated Fibre Channel network interfaces.
The Nextore/edit* combination offers :
- full non-linear post-production, with editing and effects capabilities.
- fully integrated AVI/Open DML file management.
- central media and material acquisition.
- play-out centre and on-line server capacities - remote site interfacing through WAN networks.
The system is modular and can be designed with combinations of multiple Nextore servers, edit* stations, and paint* & effect* software to meet the needs of all broadcast TV customers. The modularity of the solution also provides a very flexible upgrade path to customers. |
