S&T integrates VDS automation technology with TSBroadcaster 2 at IBC

Amsterdam – 10-15 September 2009, stand 1.A21: Strategy & Technology, the leading specialists in interactive TV playout systems and MHEG-5 middleware, is unveiling a module for integrating automation components from Video Design Software (VDS) with its highly-regarded TSBroadcaster 2 object carousel system at this year’s IBC in Amsterdam.

TSBroadcaster 2 is the rock solid data and object carousel playout server that seamlessly delivers MHEG-5, MHP, ETV/EBIF and Tru2Way interactive applications, and additionally supports the cost-effective migration of analogue cable services to digital via DTA (Digital Transport Adapter) devices.

VDS is a New York based software innovator with a proven track record of implementing complex, robust data-driven news graphics systems for high-profile clients, from simple automated financial bugs and tickers to fully-fledged multichannel systems for automated promo generation.

When VDS components are deployed with broadcast automation systems, TSBroadcaster 2 now enables broadcasters to playout interactive applications without embarking on a time-consuming manual scheduling process.

“Interactive applications can add a lot of value to linear content, providing extra content to viewers, the ability to vote, or to request information from advertisers that interest them,” explains Ian Harris, General Manager of Interactive Systems and Applications at S&T.

“However, accurately scheduling these applications alongside linear content has always been complex and labour intensive. Now with the new TSBroadcaster 2 automation interface, a broadcaster can configure the link between linear content and the interactive application once, and the system will automatically playout the application when triggered by the automation system.”

Larry Mincer, President of VDS, is equally enthusiastic about the development. “VDS has a long history of linking on-screen broadcast graphics with complex automation systems, so ensuring that broadcasters have top quality graphics on screen at the right time,” he says. “We’re very pleased to be able to work with S&T to enable broadcasters to achieve the same dependable results with interactive applications.”

Available as an affordable upgrade to TSBroadcaster 2, the automation module is being demonstrated on the S&T stand at IBC (1.A21), along with a number of other new systems and upgrades from the company’s growing range of industry-standard interactive broadcast products.

For further information about VDS visit www.videodesignsoftware.com