US Debut For PlayBox Technology Products

PlayBox Technology will introduce its CloudAir playout and streaming platform, as well as the PlayBox Neo Channel-in-a-Nox product suite, to the US market for the first time at NAB 2016, booth N6509. At the show, the company will be represented by USA Sales Manager Van Duke, and colleagues from PlayBox Technology's various global offices.

CloudAir Universal Playout and Streaming Platform
The CloudAir platform enables new television channels to be established quickly and without the usual preliminary investment in playout infrastructure.

Don Ash, PlayBox Technology President, explained: "CloudAir allows a new television channel to be set up in matter of seconds. It is designed for anyone who wants to broadcast TV content, be it on a real-time 24/7 basis, a catch-up facility, the red button element of a reality show or a short-running series such as a sports event. It can also be deployed as the basis of a highly secure disaster recovery system.

"CloudAir is about speed, unlimited scalability and easy affordability. It has the potential to empower new or existing program streams wherever and whenever they are needed, in any standard from SD to UHD. Available on a software-as-a-service basis, it offers established broadcasters or new-start entrepreneurs unsurpassed freedom in the style and scale of their operation and in the way they fund their business.

"CloudAir is able to provide true playout with graphics on any enterprise-class blade, rack or tower server. Once CloudAir is installed, no auxiliary hardware is required at all. CloudAir attracted a huge level of interest from multinational, national and regional broadcasters, not least as a basis for adding supplementary channels to an existing multiplex."

PlayBox Neo Channel-in-a-Box Product Suite
Also being demonstrated at NAB 2016 will be the latest upgrades to the PlayBox platform: AirBox Neo, TitleBox Neo, CaptureBox Neo and SafeBox Neo. These can be combined on a modular basis to match any size of operation, from a compact national or regional channel-in-a-box station to a large-scale multi-channel broadcast network transmitting to a global audience.

A core element of the PlayBox Neo suite is the AirBox Neo playout server. Designed for 24/7 unattended operation, it can also be operated manually, including the ability to handle live-to-air throughput. AirBox Neo supports UHD, HD and SD in a single server.

TitleBox Neo provides a range of interactive on-air graphics and titling capabilities which can be manipulated live. It includes improvements for dealing with UHD projects as well as supporting HD and SD operation.

CaptureBox Neo allows HD or SD content to be captured from up to four video sources simultaneously. These can be monitored on a single screen and controlled via a streamlined user interface with enhanced multichannel control and operability.

SafeBox Neo replicates remote content to local playout server folders for safe transmission. It implements a new graphic interface, plus new faster processing for moving primary or copied content to the playout and central storage servers. A new workflow routine protects content against unauthorised deletion.

"The PlayBox Neo series is a powerful evolutionary upgrade option available to our entire user base," continued Don Ash. "Our design team has incorporated many new features enhancements which we are confident will ensure the PlayBox platform continues to be the world's best-selling playout and channel branding product suite.

"UHD compatibility is now included, allowing channel managers to gear for the latest generation of transmission standards as soon as they choose. UHD, HD and SD feeds can be managed from a single high-efficiency graphic interface which presents all the information operators need for a specific task. The new GUI displays text in white and light grey on a black background which is much easier on the eyes compared with the glare of a traditional white background. That is an important consideration for anyone supervising multiple channels during a long shift.

"PlayBox Neo runs efficiently on the great majority of modern PC servers. Customers with valid Annual Software Maintenance & Technical Support can upgrade their existing PlayBox products to the latest Neo versions as a simple download. If requested, we can analyze existing systems and advise on relevant hardware upgrade options in the unlikely event that any are needed."

www.playboxtechnology.com

(JP)