Class-BUG HD graphics enhances NBC Sunday Night Football

By Andrew Lippe

NBC Sports is using a graphics server and software system from Broadcast Unifying Gears (BUG.tv) to create graphics for the network’s Sunday Night Football telecast.

It gave NBC the opportunity
to build specific, not generic, graphic workflows, said Francois Savard CEO of
Broadcast Unifying Gears.

Savard said the Class-BUG HD looks like no other graphics out there and NBC was drawn to BUG s high definition graphics server during the 2006 Winter Olympic Games. We were the main playout of motion graphics for NBC during the Olympics, said Savard. NBC, pleased with the results, chose the software.

Class-BUG HD is a motion
graphics playout server that integrates with an external keyer and a master
control switcher. It is adaptable with other programs avoiding conversion
issues and irritating double-checking procedures. The Class-Bug HD includes an Xserve G5
computer, a HD-SDI output for video and AES/EBU for audio signals. The system
integrates with automation systems such as BUG. tv s Brain Platform. Class-Bug
HD supports control protocols such as VDCP, VTR, MOS, and also Web-based protocols.

A key feature of the software
is that Class-BUG HD runs on a MAC OS X.
Building the graphics on a MAC platform saves you not only time but
money, Savard said. The MAC OS X optimizes for handling real time video
signals and is a perfect fit for the BUG server. It incorporates a system of
utilities designed for an easy and smooth operation of the BUG system. A motion
server of this caliber not only saves thousands but enables users a definitive
opportunity.

Our system is a device specifically designed for their needs, said Savard.