TAG V.S. Provides Japan Cablecast With MCM-9000 Monitoring, Adds Three-Part Series to IP Academy 2021

TAG Video Systems has provided Japan Cablecast with a 100% IP, 100% software system running on COTS hardware, to streamline and automate monitoring capabilities. In addition, the company has added a three-part series to its IP Academy 2021 webinar line-up.

Japan Cablecast
Working with DIGIcas, TAG’s Japanese partner and an international provider of the highest-quality hardware and software solutions available for the Broadcast and Media market, Japan Cablecast chose and implemented TAG’s MCM-9000 in its Network Operations Center (NOC) to monitor 160 signals. All the streams, including MPEG-TS and OTT, are monitored 24/7/365; errors and problems are logged automatically and recorded by the system. Error reporting, as well as full control of the MCM-9000 by third party devices are achieved via the MCM-9000’s elaborate API.

“Until now, we had to convert IP streams to SDI for monitoring on a Multiviewer, and that was a problem,” explains Nishizawa, Chief Manager. “The TAG system allows us to bypass the IP to SDI conversion process and monitor the original MPEG-TS and OTT signals for video/audio compliance, as well as all other stream parameters, making the monitoring much more comprehensive and accurate while saving us time and increasing the efficiency of the staff.”

Nishizawa, who is responsible for evaluating next generation systems and implementing best-of-breed solutions for Japan Cablecast.

“It is a brilliant system!,” adds Nishizawa. “Before TAG we had to check all errors manually with operators physically watching the signals and using various additional test equipment. Now almost all errors are detected automatically. And because TAG is 100% IP, we can check the Multiviewer mosaic output from anywhere if we need to, which is a serious consideration today, and a huge benefit. Costs played another factor in our decision to go with TAG. The initial cost was very attractive and operating costs are extremely reasonable because all it involves is replacing a server about every 5-7 years.”

According to Nishizawa, DIGIcas provided the Japan Cablecast team with training so they could manage the system settings independently, and use APIs to control and interact with third party solutions. He added, “DIGIcas always provided information and assistance quickly, their support and maintenance service is excellent, and since the TAG system is all software based, we can update, upgrade, and install new features on our own, any time they become available.”

Added Adi Itzhaki, TAG VP Sales, “We were delighted to work with our great partner, DIGIcas, on this exciting project. Japan Cablecast is a prime example of how TAG can save customers valuable time as well as money. The system streamlines the monitoring workflow process, addresses upgrades with ease and because it is all software, all IP, it offers JCC assurance that its investment is virtually future-proof.”

Three-Part Webinar Series
The world leader in 100% SW, 100% IP, 100% COTS/Cloud, Probing, Monitoring and Multiviewing solutions, for all four of the major broadcast applications (Live Production, Playout, Transport & Delivery, and OTT) is tackling OTT, from an overview to the technical details to setting it in motion. The series debuted on March 3rd and is available as a recording online, with two more sessions scheduled for April 6th and May 5th.

“OTT has exploded, and while it might seem obvious why it’s so popular right now, there’s quite a bit of history behind the scenes,” said Kevin Joyce, TAG’s Zer0 Friction Officer. “Our newest webinar series will give you a complete picture of OTT, including its technical evolution and the pieces needed to take television and movie production and “turn it into” OTT. You’ll also get a solid look at its business model and how to apply it.”

Following are descriptions of the series and session schedule. The live links will lead you to more information and registration.

The Road to OTT
Host – Paul Briscoe, Chief Architect
This series, hosted by TAG’s Chief Architect, Paul Briscoe, provides a complete picture of OTT, including its technical evolution and the pieces needed to take television and movie production and “turn it into” OTT. These sessions also offer a solid look at the OTT business model and exactly how to apply it.

March 3rd – 11AM
Shortcut: Understanding OTT
While we might wish we could just push a television stream into the internet and have it work
flawlessly, it’s not so simple… Host Paul Briscoe will delve into what’s wrong with the internet from a media point of view and exactly what you need to know about OTT. TAG’s shortcut to understanding OTT is designed to help attendees right now!

April 6th- 11AM
OTT, Technically Speaking

What pieces do you need to take today’s television and movie production and “turn it into” OTT?
Host Paul Briscoe will do a deep dive into the architecture of OTT, including the various elements needed, and how everything connects.

May 5th- 11AM
OTT in Action

Join TAG on 5 May to discover a whole lot more about the OTT business model, the real difference between VOD and live, and where we’re all headed. Host Paul Briscoe will cite practical real-life examples and market data that will help attendees to implement OTT immediately.