LPC expands tape library systems with Pharos Mediator

The London Playout Centre (LPC) have recently expanded their tape library media management system to further their goal of producing operational efficiency for clients.
The new system interfaces with the various automation systems ensuring that tapes for transmission are strictly managed.
"This investment in the workflow management will benefit our clients with a smoother and to-end operation," said Maurizio Cimelli, LPC's newly appointed Managing Director.
LPC handles the transmission and associated facilities for many clients, managing the playout of more than 60 streams. As part of their service, LPC provides clients with their own tape library, and the new Pharos system enables the exact location of each media asset to be instantly available.
The rapid growth of LPC has meant that the libraries have grown in size, and the need for a more powerful library management system has become core to the operation. Pharos has delivered a system that can handle the current workload and more importantly will scale as the LPC business continues to grow.
The Pharos Mediator can track all tape movements in and out of the building together with any internal processing. Pharos Mediator will integrate to third-party automation systems, a key reason for the choice of Pharos Mediator. The Pharos Mediator Library is just one of a number of SQL database modules that can be tailored for any library operation.
"Web-enabled process control and asset management is the way ahead for companies looking after media assets, Pharos leads the way because of its seamless machine control integration, together with real experience in integrating with clients existing work flow," said Roger Heath of Pharos Communications.
Part of the RTL Group, LPC (formerly Pearson Television) is the largest independent transmission facility in Europe, broadcasting over 60 channels from their site in Stephen Street, central London.
Employing over 400 people, LPC provide not only a bespoke playout service to blue-chip broadcast clients but also extensive post-production facilities; including editing, audio, graphics, quality control and format transfer. Lines and Commercials facilities are also a part of the LPC service as well as state of the art digital television studios for live or recorded productions.
Pharos Communications are software architects for process control and media management systems in broadcast and telecommunications. The company provides desktop media management and process control systems using standard IT components and integrating them with Pharos modules.
LPC, www.lpc.tv
Pharos Communications, www.pharos-comms.com
(GMcG)