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How File-Based Broadcasting Technologies Can Aid Houses of Worship
by Gary Pelkey, System Arhitect, WEGENER
Retailers, corporations and broadcasters are increasingly embracing a “file-based” workflow as a means to more easily transport media files and localize services. Until this point, many used multiple computers and software programs at each location to handle the distribution of analog and digital video content. Today, the more efficient, file-based method uses a centralized solution to distribute digital content to addressable devices that can store local content and playout customized broadcasts. This is achieved through a combination of network control, content management and media server technology at a ‘hub’ location. The video is sent once from the centralized facility and distributed to all affiliates.
Within houses of worship, file-based workflows could be used to efficiently distribute media files to multiple remote sites. The same “time-zone shifting” programming tool used by broadcast television could be used to show sermons at a consistent ‘wall clock’ time. Popular sermons or other programming can be ‘captured’ when transmitted live and later played back, either under local control or under the central operator’s control. This allows programming to be ’show shifted’ on a one time (or continual) basis, for viewing at a more convenient time.
The ‘localization’ of programming and ability to distribute customized presentations from one location to many is not just of benefit to broadcasters and large corporations. Giving the viewer the impression of a highly localized presence is also of great benefit to any house of worship with multiple sites. The trend of “satellite” churches where congregants watch sermons remotely from large screens continues to grow. But now, this can be augmented with both localized video playback and local text and graphic insertion.
If, for example, a favorite pastor moved to another location, congregants can still attend, virtually, his/her sermons with regularity and feel very much a part of the event. The attendee can feel that the sermon is personalized and “local” to his/her area by the inclusion of small ‘special message’ videos, targeted to the local church, that are inserted at key places in the sermon.
Elements of digital signage can also aid significantly in localizing programming. Graphics detailing events at affiliated local churches or directions to those churches can be superimposed over video or presented alone. Broadcast time may be set aside to present a ‘slate’ or ‘bulletin board’ of information about local community events. A ‘crawl’ line of text may be presented over video giving a local phone number to call during fund raising events, clothing drives for natural disaster support, etc.
And using this technology enables the secure distribution of high value or propriety programming to local viewers on a ‘subscription’ basis. For example, if the house of worship or other religious organization has a specially produced series of episodes, these may be selectively downloaded into a group of units that have explicitly contracted to receive this programming. Then, during a live broadcast, one can remotely control which addressable receivers watch the special subscription-based programming and at the same, provide alternate programming for non-subscription viewers. For example, it could be used for regionally focused infomercials or presentations.
Educational programs can also be distributed using a file-based system. Prepackaged instructional videos can be downloaded to the edge file-based media receiver to be accessed on-demand by the local user for viewing when necessary.
Recent implementations of file-based “broadcasting” by the Army & Air Force Exchange Service (AAFES) and Satellite Store Link (SSL) are large-scale, real-world demonstration of file-based workflows. A description of the equipment involved and the way in which video is distributed follows:
The AAFES operates more than 3,100 facilities, including 160 large retail stores, and 2,063 fast food restaurants, in more than 30 countries, five U.S. territories, and 49 U.S. states. The AAFES uses WEGENER®’s COMPEL® network control system to deliver addressable digital HD video, SD video, and audio content to satellite receivers at over 100 retail outlets, including stores, filling stations, food courts, barbershops and concession stands located on military bases across the U.S. and abroad.
SSL provides complete design, installation, network management, advertising, content development and technical support principally for clients in the sectors of retail banking, pharmaceutical, convenience stores and more generally, sectors with a highly dispersed network of retail outlets.
WEGENER’s digital signage solution for SSL includes iPump Media Servers, IP-based peripheral decoders and COMPEL® network control for live or store-forward content. Unique programming content for individual retail departments, regions or stores can be distributed and updated by central network operators. To ensure reliable full time operations WEGENER leverages broadcast expertise and advanced network control capabilities to remotely control each receiver for ‘hands-free’ operations. Employees at display locations do not have to manage or interact with the receivers - functions and upgrades are scheduled and managed remotely from the COMPEL network control system at the central operations center. WEGENER iPump video decoders are optimized for superior video splicing between advertisements to provide a viewing experience you would expect from professional-grade television equipment.
The WEGENER iPump Media Server offers marketing managers multiple outputs for simultaneous opportunities to distribute video, audio and graphics to customers and employees.
The WEGENER control system broadcasts addressable digital files via satellite to WEGENER iPUMP® 6400 media servers, each of which can output two independent video channels. The media servers provide direct SD video output and can stream HD video content to WEGENER SMD-515 external IP decoders. Both live and file-based background music content is broadcast via WEGENER Unity® 201 satellite audio receivers.
WEGENER’s integrated network control is optimized for multi-site video signage, audio networks, live broadcasts and store-forward devices – enabling fast delivery and playout. The system can quickly replace, update and delete ad spots as ad contracts change. And it can be remotely scheduled to refresh and provide new programming so the shopper is not seeing the same programming throughout their entire shopping experience.
These digital signage solutions used in retail are examples of how a “file-based” broadcast can benefit religious broadcasters and houses of worship looking to communicate in a localized way with a large and geographically dispersed congregation. As it becomes more commonplace with HD television broadcasters, retail and business, it will also gain more attention and use by religious broadcasters and houses of worship interested in cost-efficient ways to spread the word to an expanding audience on large and small screens.
Author Bio:
Gary Pelkey is a System Architect for WEGENER, a telecommunications equipment provider in Duluth, GA. Prior to joining WEGENER, Gary worked for Loral, a manufacturer of military avionics equipment. Gary has worked at WEGENER for 24 years in various Design and Management capacities.
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