ARD – Hauptstadtstudio chose EVS MediaCeption to update its production environment, using the system unify their workflow while handling content production across delivery platforms.
ARD - Hauptstadtstudio Berlin serves as the central hub for reporting on German federal politics for the ARD, Germany's organisation of regional public-service broadcasters.
Now faced with the imminent end-of-life of its hardware-based TV production system, ARD - Hauptstadtstudio decided to modernise operations through a software-defined platform. They are interested in flexible deployment options in cloud, hybrid and on-prem environments, as well as different ways to support the new, growing demands of cross-media news production.
ARD – Hauptstadtstudio chose the EVS MediaCeption workflow to update its production environment, and will use the new system unify their workflow while handling content production and delivery across television, web and social platforms.
An Open System
MediaCeption helps teams manage multiple live feeds, imported files, logging and editing within one workflow. Users start with access to EVS’ open system of integrated systems, from ingest to post-production and delivery – plus the option to integrate with the post-production systems a team may already be using. Multi-site collaboration and teamwork between on-site and remote production teams are other MediaCeption features.
The workflow is based on the EVS VIA Media Asset Platform (VIA MAP), a convergent asset management platform that connects live content creation and production with distribution and monetisation.
From live ingest and editing to media management, playout and distribution, VIA MAP’s range of web-based applications gives journalists and production teams a unified environment for capturing, managing, creating and delivering stories across multiple platforms from any device. AI-based features are included as well to help editorial teams locate content efficiently
Speed and Efficiency
All together, this kind of connected, interoperable environment can lead to faster decision-making and more efficient use of resources. To speed up the workflow, journalists and editors can collaborate in real time and, regarding 3rd party compatibility, VIA MAP fits directly into ARD - Hauptstadtstudio’s existing system of partnerships, from NRCS and craft editing tools to automation. Adobe Premiere Pro editors in particular can take advantage of a deep, bi-directional integration with VIA MAP.
Media sharing between VIA MAP, Avid MediaComposer and DaVinci Resolve is also supported, and open APIs ease the integration of further systems as the studio’s newsroom evolves to meet user demands. The platform has a workflow designer for the design, adaptation and scaling of workflows, giving teams control over complex processes - from automated import and content preparation to multi-platform publishing, conversion, delivery and archiving.
The solution is complemented by robust EVS server infrastructure, with XS-VIA supplying reliable ingest and playout capabilities, while XStore adds high-performance nearline storage for efficient access to content throughout the production process.
New Environments
As ARD - Hauptstadtstudio is also interested in flexible deployment, the fact that VIA MAP is built as a fully virtualised, software-based platform running on containerised microservices is an advantage. This design means VIA MAP can be deployed on-premises, in the cloud or in hybrid environments. Its scalability is possible due to its production infrastructures, secured and orchestrated across highly available clusters.
Serge Van Herck, CEO of EVS said, “By moving from a legacy, hardware-centric environment to a modern and scalable platform, ARD Hauptstadtstudio benefits from faster content turnaround, streamlined operations, improved unified collaboration between teams, and AI-powered production tools. This project demonstrates how VIA MAP can combine the reliability expected in live production with the flexibility required by today’s cross-media newsrooms delivering stories through linear, digital and social media channels.” evs.com
