Video broadcast software & video output card

[mrrrl]

I am looking for some video broadcast management software to use at work. I want to be able to take the mpeg video on the HD out through a video card in composite videoformat then to our channel modulators then out to the TV system in various parts of the building.

Any good software to manage the video stream out and what video cards would you recommend?

TIA

[edDV]

"out through a video card"

Are you expecting this to happen in real time?
You are talking about composite NTSC from the computer to the modulator?

Unlimited budget eh? Talk to Grass Valley, Harris or Sony.

[mrrrl]

Are you expecting this to happen in real time?

No, a second or so to get the video from the HD to the video out is fine.

You are talking about composite NTSC from the computer to the modulator?

Yes, our modulator inputs are NTSC compsite video.

Unlimited budget eh? Talk to Grass Valley, Harris or Sony.

Are you funding this? Great! I'll send you my address...

Anyone else have some helpful input....

[edDV]

A helpful request will include a budget target and better description of the goal.

You need to do your homework or hire a consultant.
and you will need to provide a budget hint as you pay them $150/hr to search the universe.

last hints.
http://www.nabshow.com/exhibitors/exhibitors.asp?aid=8
http://www.nabshow.com/exhibitors/exhibitors.asp?aid=10

or go ask your local cable access channel provider what they use, probably http://www.nabshow.com/exhibitors/company.asp?id=10797

[Richard_G]

ed, I think you have misread the question and are getting way too complicated. The way I read the question is that he wants some video playing software that can have playlists or similar set up. The video clips that are already on the hard drive need to be output as composite video from the pc. Any old graphics card with a TV Out feature will do this. I use TV out to record my video clips to VHS but I could just as easily feed a modulator with it and broadcast it.

As for software, I assume he is after a video equivalent to one of the many DJ type audio player packages. If you just wanted to run a continuous sequence of clips, a playlist in Media Player would do it, but I suspect something with a bit more control is required. I don't know of anything myself, but I'm sure someone will.

[mrrrl]

Richard_G, thanks for the helpful input. On the software side your right, I would like more control then just a playlist, but I have not found any so far, but will keep looking. All software I have found is for broadcasting via the LAN or WEB. Your video card answer is what I suspected. Thanks again.

[AlecWest]

If you live in or near a large metropolitan area, I'd pay a visit to your local "cable-access" office. The one in my locale offers either free or cheap use of various kinds of video production hardware and software. The worst that can happen is that you'll get some good advice. At least locally, the cable-access people are gurus who love to talk shop.

[edDV]

I was assuming he meant more than a playlist. When you start scheduling playbacks to a timed schedule you are into a basic broadcast automation situation.

"channel modulators" (plural) implies muliple channel programming which ups the software complexity.

I've helped the local community cable channel search for that kind of software. To get something that works reliably (for business use) and that is usable by a typical employee, you need a purpose built product.

BYW, if time clock sync isn't a requirement (e.g. for filling dead air with slide shows or mpg sequences) Power Point works great.

For very low end requirements Powerpoint could be driven by an event scheduler or a Visual Basic program. Development costs can climb into the thousands quickly.

Here's a fairly sophisticated signage and internal broadcast package that sells for $2400.
http://www.scala.com/products/designer.html

or the basic player $1735
http://www.scala.com/products/player.html

and a cheaper package $776
http://www.navori.com/tycoon/LD_Navori_Tycoon_Controller_302_Us.pdf

[Richard_G]

"channel modulators" (plural) implies muliple channel programming which ups the software complexity.

I took that to mean multiple modulators to feed different areas. As he has only one computer with only one composite output, then it can only mean one channel at a time.

Whether the complexity (and cost) of some of the packages mentioned are over the top or not, I don't know, but the ability to input live feeds etc seems to be getting beyond the original question. As in everything, it is easy to get carried away and lose sight of the original goal when it is a subject you know well. I've found a couple of bits of software that are intended for use with audio but can also handle mpeg video. Either of these might be worth a look.

http://www.mixmeister.com/products_mmpro6.html

http://www.stationplaylist.com/studio.html