Malta’s MED.TV now operates broadcast workflows entirely on Veset’s cloud playout system Nimbus as part of its move to distribute linear and VOD content across multiple platforms.
Mediterranean TV station MED.TV now operates its broadcast workflows entirely in the cloud as part of its move to distribute its linear and on-demand content across multiple platforms.
Based in Malta, MED.TVs programming focusses on bringing the cultural heritage, natural beauty, vibrant traditions and Mediterranean way of life to a global audience. It delivers a range of live coverage, travelogues, culinary shows, business, lifestyle and cultural content that is available through its linear channel as well as on-demand. Content is distributed across satellite TV, web, mobile and TV Apps.
All-Cloud Playout Management
MED.TV is deploying cloud-based playout system Nimbus, an enterprise-grade, cloud playout management platform designed for professional linear channel operations by cloud playout specialist Veset. Nimbus has allowed the station to optimise distribution for traditional and modern viewing, resulting in a broad reach across IP-based and legacy infrastructure.
MED.TV uses Nimbus to efficiently manage its channels with on-air graphics and multi-user capabilities. Various scheduled visual elements are triggered to enhance the viewer experience, and meanwhile MED.TV’s team of operators are free to carry out channel management tasks simultaneously, for greater efficiency.
Further efficiency is gained through Nimbus’ ability to automate ingest of assets directly into the channel pipeline, alongside metadata. This process is automated through a custom XML sidecar import mechanism and makes sure that all content is enriched and structured to meet editorial requirements. On the output side, Nimbus customises XMLTV-based EPG exports for MED.TV to deliver accurate, localised electronic program guides across various distribution platforms and partners.
Manolo Mantovani, COO, MED.TV, said, “Veset Nimbus met all our requirements, which included flexibility and redundancy, efficient day-to-day management, dynamic graphics capabilities, and multiple-user access. We were also very happy with Veset’s rapid onboarding process, which took only one month from project initiation to full channel launch.”
Adapting to Viewer Demands
As well as delivering and monetising OTT and broadcast channels, the station can manage multiple channels with multiple live feeds in real time, and apply SCTE35 capabilities. As a true cloud SaaS, MED.TV can scale more easily, maintain high levels of redundancy and preserve the quality of video streams over IP. A web UI is available to manage playout from anywhere, and a RESTful API is included to support integration with other workflow tools.
Nimbus is compatible with AWS S3, Azure Blob and Google Storage public clouds, and any private object-based cloud storage compatible with the AWS S3 API. Another useful asset management tool is the multiviewer, which previews all live ingest input and playout output feeds over low-latency WebRTC.
“The way that viewers consume content has changed significantly over recent years and broadcasters must ensure they can satisfy viewer demands however they choose to consume content, whether that is by a linear channel or on-demand, and on whatever device they choose,” Veset’s CTO Martins Magone commented. “By choosing Nimbus and moving its broadcast workflows to the cloud, MED.TV will be better positioned to do that.” www.veset.tv
