RT Software, the broadcast graphics specialists, recently upgraded the graphics playout technology at SABC, the South African national broadcaster.
The existing playout system from Pebble now controls RT Software’s Swift Engines to deliver SABC’s branding to air 24 hours a day. The new system provides much improved reliability for the critical live playout environment. There are important efficiency improvements for the business, now that the playout system is part of the same Swift family as the studio systems.
A key objective for the graphics refresh project was an effective playout automation integration and ensuring a seamless transition of playout graphics from the previous vendor’s products to RT Software’s Swift based workflow.
The customer was keen to take advantage of new ways of working and expected some changes, but with the Pebble playout operators needing to achieve the same results as they had before the changes.
As before, operators are able to update graphics events from the Pebble playlist and have them automatically update the Swift graphics engine. A new addition to the workflow is Swift Live, RT Software’s browser-based control system. This lets users manually trigger graphics for previewing which adds flexibility into the system for the operators. It also offers a flexible method for manually triggering graphics during a fast-paced situation such as a breaking news story or emergency alerts.
Sean Kirwan, RT Software’s Development Director said, “We have worked with Pebble on previous projects where we integrated our Swift graphics library within their integrated playout system, so we know the team well. This project was slightly different in that it required us to work with their traditional playout device control and external Swift Engine devices, but the end results for both operators and viewers are exactly the same.”
Pebble’s Miroslav Jeras CTO Pebble, said, “Sophisticated graphics branding continues to be a key requirement for premium broadcast services. The elegant solution that has been realised through the tight integration of Swift with Pebble Automation allows SABC to air the most advanced graphics without increasing operational overhead. We are delighted that the ongoing partnership between Pebble and RT Software continues to create genuine customer value.” .
Mike Fredriksen, RT Software’s Commercial Director, adds, “Working with Pebble and the SABC on this project proved once again that we can handle any type of playout project where customers require Advanced Graphics. An essential part of the project for us was having our authorised partner Protea Electronics as part of the team. It is very satisfying that we were all able to work together to supplement Pebble’s graphics capabilities and we look forward to working on other projects together in the future.
About RT Software
RT Software is a leading worldwide provider of real-time graphics solutions. Its product set spans CG, template-driven graphic overlays, election and newsroom graphics, specialist sports graphics and virtual studios. From its beginnings as an off-shoot of the BBC 3D Graphics Department in 2004, it now has installations from Iceland to New Zealand, and its growing customer base includes the BBC, Sky Sports, Fox Sports, BT Sport and many other Tier 1 broadcasters.
