Miranda Technologies, a global provider of integrated solutions for production, playout, and delivery systems for television broadcasters and multi-system operators, has launched its iTX Render Service (iRS) for AdobeAfter EffectsCS6 software. The introduction of the iTX Render Service marks an advancement in its ability to automate and manage rendering for the full range of finished graphics and text effects available on After Effects CS6 and use them in a real-time playout environment.
iTX Render Service can take graphics projects created entirely in After Effects CS6 and deliver them, fully finished and ready for playout, to Miranda’s iTX automated playout platform or Vertigo Suite graphics automation and asset management tools. This represents a huge advantage over systems that rely on a real-time character generator to playback graphics templates and can’t take advantage of the full creative spectrum available in After Effects CS6.
Miranda’s senior vice president, Workflow and Playout, Jason Rogers, said, “This is a major departure from traditional graphics creation that utterly lifts the lid on what is possible in a playout environment. The iRS approach plugs the full power of After Effects CS6, including all effects, animations and plug-ins, directly into the playout workflow. All creative work can now be done completely in the familiar After Effects CS6 environment and be taken directly to playout with no need to learn additional authoring tools, or compromise because of CG limitations. The end result is that broadcasters can truly differentiate themselves with channel branding, program enhancements and promotional materials that are as exciting to create as they are to view.”
Fully rendered After Effects CS6 media can be previewed and verified before airing via Miranda’s web-based, browser-agnostic SmartClient content preparation tool. Once approved, clips will air exactly as rendered, precisely where they are scheduled to appear. This vastly reduces the potential for the introduction of errors commonly associated with traditional real-time rendering practices.
The introduction of iRS also means that graphics artists can, without reservation, access a deep well of global After Effects knowledge and support to develop their channel branding ideas to new levels of creativity.
Rogers added, “With iRS, the huge global base of After Effects CS6 artists now has free reign to design and create without worrying about the limitations of individual branding devices. In fact, some multiple channel branding devices may no longer be required because the iRS system uses the same graphics workflow for all channels, from premium to lower tier. In short, compelling graphic artistry and effortless automation are now available for broadcasters and playout operators large and small.”
“After Effects has been a primary tool for Broadcast Motion graphics professionals for years. However, getting graphics from After Effects to on-air systems can introduce some loss and inefficiencies,” said Steve Forde, senior product manager for Adobe After Effects. “Miranda’s new product, iRS, gives After Effects CS6 customers more fidelity, flexibility and a smoother workflow with its capabilities in real-time playout environments.”
Miranda’s iRS capabilities can be retrofitted to any existing iTX-handled channel or added as an option to new deployments of iTX or Vertigo Suite graphics tools.
The company has also launched iTX Playout Appliance, a dedicated hardware foundation for Miranda’s advanced iTX automated playout platform.
The Miranda iTX Playout Appliance is a robust, 1RU hardware device that now provides existing and prospective iTX customers the convenience of a single call solution for software, hardware, and support — with a choice of the new iTX appliance or an HP self-provisioned server — simplifying ordering, installation, and deployment of an iTX automated playout system.
“The introduction of iTX Playout Appliance demonstrates our firm commitment to deliver value through continuous improvement of our product portfolio,” said Jason Rogers, Miranda’s senior vice president, Workflow and Playout. “Its benefit as a solid and reliable foundation for iTX software is matched by its convenience as a device available with iTX pre-installed, or as an easily configured on-site pairing with an existing iTX software framework.”
The iTX Playout Appliance is available in single- or dual-channel configurations. It supports standard iTX channel packages and optional plug-ins, real-time graphics, embedded DolbyD and E processing and ANC data such as captions, watermarking, and SCTE 104 messaging.
Other benefits include fault-tolerant RAID 10 disk storage, a fast loading, performance enhancing solid-state system drive and dual, user-replaceable power supplies.
Rogers adds, “The iTX Playout Appliance carries a badge that customers know and trust. It is ready, reliable and fully supported by decades of customer-focused engineering and design.”