TV Graphics’ “All-In-One” Dual-Channel System/Playlist Is Changing Live-Graphics Workflows
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With many broadcasters growing their portfolio of live sports productions, they are looking for new ways to efficiently streamline elements of their productions without sacrificing professional on-screen presentation. Houston-based TV Graphics is doing its part in developing solutions to help broadcasters get the most out of limited resources on live productions.
TV Graphics’ software-based graphics solution allows users to build custom playlists prior to the start of an event.
The company’s new “Graphics All-In-One” dual-channel system with playlist functionality reduces the workload on graphics operators during a live game production, allowing them to perform some of their work ahead of time to build out shows before the opening kickoff.
In addition, the system can fill the role of a second graphics generator in a truck. The box interfaces with the switcher both through traditional HD/SDI and also the new NDI IP technology – allowing extra routable sources. The solution supports clock and score, lower thirds, title cards, animations, bumps, interstitials, and more.
“We created the all-in-one solution as an alternative for broadcasters who need full graphics support, but may not want to pay for multiple graphics operators,” says Joseph Jopplin, VP of Operations for TV Graphics. “We find this solution is increasingly popular for online broadcasts, as well as with packagers and networks looking to get the most out of their budget.”
The laptop-based software solution allows a graphics operator to build a playlist and essentially build and sequence a show open well in advance. For example, CONCACAF used it during its host-feed production of matches during this past summer’s Copa America Centenario. Each match opened the same way: a opening full-screen matchup graphic followed by full-screen starting lineups and an establishing lower-third graphic outlining the venue and the weather. This sequence could be built in advance and activated by the single press of a button in the truck.
One of the early adopters of these TV Graphics solutions is Pac-12 Networks, which has used both the dual-channel system and the playlist feature specifically on men’s and women’s soccer productions.
“When we choose to scale back resources on a particular show, we are still able to execute a professional GFX package in addition to the traditional score bug,” says Will O’Toole, coordinating producer, live events, Pac-12 Networks. “We have even distributed the units to our 12 universities so they have a cost-effective, more dynamic machine that will help give their school-produced events a more professional polish.”
TV Graphics’ new platforms have also been deployed for selected events streamed live on Fox Sports GO, FoxSports PrepZone, Big East Digital Network, and MLB.com. This fall, the system has already worked more than 125 Fox PrepZone broadcasts with the Big East Digital Network set to air more than 250 events this academic year.
