The Advantages of Adaptable Automation Technology in Broadcasting

Broadcasters continue to seek methods to accomplish more with less, with automation at the forefront of many of the industry's transformations.

FREMONT, CA: The big money makers in broadcasting will always be high profile, prime time shows with massive audiences. As a primary source of revenue, most broadcasters continue to rely on playout advertising, and some have even auctioned off available commercial spots during extended sports or breaking news programs.

Owing to the pandemic, everybody, along with broadcast crews, had to adapt to new ways of working. Some distant production was the norm for the vast majority.

It's also becoming more challenging to verify the truth of news reports since more people are getting their news via social media, speeding up the news cycle. When a piece of news is uploaded on a social media site, it is promptly reported and shared.

There has been an increase in the requirement to ensure that broadcasts are error-free due to the increased competition for broadcast space. It's not a simple process with numerous control room workers having to isolate or quarantine but still perform their duties remotely. Playout environments must be automated, secure, and accessible remotely by broadcasters and service providers. It becomes more crucial if the system includes many channels and even different playout locations.

A growing number of broadcasters are turning to the convenience and security that web-based control, monitoring, and management solutions provide by allowing workers to access automated playlists from any location.

For instance, Pebble's web-based, remote management and control application for its Pebble Automation product can help users customize their dashboards based on their specific jobs or range of functions. JavaScript and HTML5 are used in Pebble's web-based monitoring solution, compatible with PCs, tablets, and smartphones. If various automation systems are running different software and functioning at different frame rates, the technology can also be customized to work with each system individually.

What advantages does adaptable automation technology offer?

Commercials can now be pitched up to two or three minutes or even seconds before a show goes on air if it has breaking news or extended sports portions, which are prone to have as many commercials as possible.

A broadcast operation can respond quickly to shifting work schedules and production demands. A web browser is all that's needed to make schedule changes to the automation system instead of everyone having to go into the central control room.

Automation will continue to play an essential role in broadcast processes now that many lockdown constraints have been lifted. COVID-related behaviors are usually expected to stay in some form or another for the foreseeable future. This can include working remotely or in a hybrid setting. On-site engineers will always be needed, but automation also promotes remote monitoring. There are many ways the user can switch to a backup router or find another input to send a signal via if their primary router fails.