VDS Delivers High-Def Ticker System to SNY

VDS, a
developer of broadcast automation software, content design and plug-in products
has delivered a new high-definition, lower-third ticker system to SNY, the
television home of the New York Mets and Jets.

Launched
with the start of the MLB season, the ticker system provided by VDS is leading
the way in displaying live in-game scores, box scores, stats, league and team
news, network promos, sponsors and other breaking news information on SNY’s
24/7, year-round television schedule. Scores and statistical data for the
ticker system are being provided by PA SportsTicker (www.pa-sportsticker.com).
All data is being processed by the VDS Gametrak Client/Server system and stored
in the Sportbase central database developed by VDS to support clients
throughout the sports broadcast industry.

The ticker system features multiple one and
two operational modes, including a standard HD, lower-third format, as well as
a special “live event” mode, during which the size of the ticker is reduced to
provide maximum screen real estate for live, HD game coverage of the New York
Mets, as well as other SNY programs. Additional features included advanced
support for the display of sponsor logos and advanced playlist editing features
designed to speed the creation of ticker content.

A key
requirement for SNY was the ability to create playlists of data to be displayed
in the ticker, possibly several hours in advance of air-time and to trigger
these playlists under automation control. Using the VDS Authoring tool,
complete ticker playlists can be scheduled from SNY’s facilities in

New York City, for
immediate or future playout under the control of SNY’s automation system.
Scores and stats information are updated live as the playlists are displayed
on-air. The system also allows SNY’s operations personnel with the ability to
preview each playlist entry in real-time as the playlist is being constructed.

“Graphics performance wise, and being that
everything was in native 1080i HD format, this was the most demanding Ticker
system we have delivered to date. SNY pushes the envelope when it comes to on
air graphics presentations and we are glad they chose VDS as their Ticker
system provider. With our native HD ticker platform, SNY will be able to
provide their viewers with the most up-to-date scores and news from all major
sports leagues, in the highest possible graphics quality”, said Larry Mincer,
President of VDS.

“Our goal
at SNY is to lead the way in providing our viewers with the most comprehensive
sports ticker information, in multiple operational formats, throughout our
programming,” said Curt Gowdy, Jr., Vice President and Executive Producer of SNY.
“This contemporary native HD graphic application in partnership
with VDS has set the standard in the industry.