La Télé Boosts Reliability, Workflow Efficiency With Harmonic Playout Solution

Harmonic announced that La Télé, a broadcast news channel based in Switzerland, has deployed a comprehensive live and scheduled playout solution that leverages the power of Harmonic’s Spectrum X media server and Polaris Play automation to control scheduled playout operations and Aveco automation for live news coverage. Featuring powerful playout, news production, and channel-in-a-box (CiaB) capabilities, the solution increases workflow efficiency and reliability for the delivery of high-quality live and recorded HD video, enabling La Télé to deliver a rich on-air presentation to its viewers.

“Recently, we decided to upgrade our playout workflow. Having a powerful media server at the heart of our operations was a top priority,” says Francois Vittoz, technical director, La Télé. “Harmonic offers the most critical component for any playout system: rock-solid reliability, along with extensive deployment experience and a stellar reputation in powering leading news channels. The Spectrum X media server simplifies our workflow, saving us money and allowing us to deliver higher-quality branded programming to consumers.”

La Télé is using Harmonic’s Spectrum X media server and Polaris Play automation system integrated with a Chyro traffic system and IMC Technologies Incite MAM software to ensure uninterrupted execution of the playlist and optimal playout of local news and events, including playlists, on-air graphics, and subtitles. Combining file and live ingest with comprehensive integrated channel playout capabilities, Harmonic’s Spectrum X system lowers La Télé’s capital and operational costs. IMC Technologies provided supplier and integration services, ensuring a quick and seamless deployment.

During live events, video is recorded on the Spectrum X media server. The Aveco ASTRA automation system takes control of the Spectrum X media server and a Caspar CG system, allowing La Télé to brand its live programming with custom graphics. The Aveco automation system is also integrated with the Incite MAM and a newsroom computer system (NRCS) from Octopus to further ensure flawless playout of live news and events.

“La Télé wanted a faster workflow, and upgrading its media-asset–management solution was a great way to achieve that,” says Georges Nakhlé, managing director, IMC Technologies. “We designed and integrated a complete system for the channel that includes a simple traffic system and a robust media server.”

Says Ian Graham, VP, sales, EMEA and LATAM, Harmonic, “Our Spectrum X media server features high availability, making it ideal for a local news organization like La Télé, where it’s important to get on-air quickly. Being embedded in the Spectrum X server core software, Polaris Play enables seamless integration with the Chyro traffic system to ensure uninterrupted execution of the playlist. By supporting fixed and open-ended live events, Harmonic’s end-to-end playout solution provides maximum flexibility for fast-changing news environments.”