Island TV, a Caribbean television network headquartered in Miami, has expanded its broadcasting infrastructure with the installation of its third AirBox Neo-20 server from PlayBox Neo.
This addition comes as part of the network’s effort to upgrade its existing servers and support its expanding platform, which includes the recently launched Island TV Plus, an English-language OTT channel.
Commitment to Reliable Playout Solutions
Fred Béliard, Co-Owner of Island TV, emphasized the need for reliable and flexible technology to manage the network’s extensive content offerings. “We’re building the premiere Caribbean platform,” he said. With over 4,000 shows available on demand, Island TV requires robust equipment to sustain its growth. Béliard highlighted PlayBox Neo’s role since the network adopted the system for playout and channel branding five years ago. He noted the system’s stability and praised the support provided by Sadek Labib, U.S. IT Support Manager for PlayBox Neo. Prior to this setup, previous servers experienced frequent issues, which are no longer a concern.
Functionality of the New System
The newly installed AirBox Neo-20 server manages content ingest and playout for Island TV Plus. Unlike the Creole-language content of Island TV, Island TV Plus caters to a wider audience with English-language programming that covers Caribbean culture, including news, entertainment, politics, concerts, and talk shows. Both channels operate on an automated playout system, managing scheduling for shows, advertisements, and promotional content.
The setup includes three single-channel AirBox Neo servers equipped with Neo-20 software. Additionally, TitleBox Neo provides 4K UHD/HD/SD graphics overlay, while ListBox Neo serves as an offline schedule editor. This comprehensive system supports content ingest, master playout, and backup operations, offering both video file playback and live streaming capabilities with integrated graphic overlays.
Integration and Efficiency
Frantz Parisot, Chief Engineer at Island TV, expressed satisfaction with the ease of use and integration of PlayBox Neo software within their workflow. He explained that the flexibility of the system allows for quick adjustments, such as adding new files or switching to live broadcasts when necessary. The servers have been integrated with Island TV’s existing NAS and FTP servers, providing a seamless and robust setup.
New Studio and Expanded Reach
Island TV is set to operate from a new studio in Medley, Florida, by the end of the year. Recently, Island TV Plus secured distribution agreements with two major cable providers in the West Indies, Digicel and Flow Cable. These deals will extend the channel’s reach to audiences across 15 Caribbean islands.
Island TV broadcasts a mix of live and recorded content on regional stations in Florida and the Caribbean, accessible via cable and over-the-air. The network is also available globally through its website and digital applications, with the Island TV Plus app available on platforms such as Apple’s App Store, Google Play, Roku, Amazon, and Toober.
Ongoing Support from PlayBox Neo
Van Duke, Director of U.S. Operations at PlayBox Neo, reiterated the company’s commitment to supporting Island TV’s growing operations. As the network expands its audience and content generation, PlayBox Neo will continue providing the necessary technology for ingest, playout, and channel branding.
About PlayBox Neo
PlayBox Neo is a company specializing in media playout and channel branding solutions, with over 25 years of experience in the industry. The company provides a range of products designed to support broadcasting across multiple platforms, including traditional TV channels, OTT services, and cloud-based solutions. Its products, such as AirBox Neo-20, Capture Suite, and Cloud2TV, offer scalable, modular solutions that are used by broadcasters worldwide for live and automated media streaming, content ingest, and playout management.
News source: PlayBox Neo
