ZNBC Deploys Playbox Technology Neo For New Playout Facility

Zambia National Broadcasting Corporation (ZNBC) has deployed PlayBox Technology Neo as the core of a new playout facility controlled from its headquarters in Lusaka.

Beijing-based StarTimes installed the system in partnership with PlayBox Technology Asia Pacific.

"ZNBC initially upgraded to Neo at its studios in Zambia's second largest city, Kitwe," said PlayBox Technology Asia Pacific general manager Desmon Goh. "Then it expanded its Lusaka headquarters. That transition from legacy analogue equipment was greatly appreciated both by the network's technical and operational staff. StarTimes was then commissioned to replace the analogue system at the network's central studios with PlayBox Technology Neo.

"The new installation includes 12 3U AirBox Neo servers combined with TitleBox Neo CG interactive graphics, a Multi Playout Manager monitoring, control and viewing system, six ListBox Neo Playlist Preparation stations and six TitleBox Neo Preparation stations for template creation. These are configured as six main and six backup playout channels, integrated with ZNBC's existing production studio infrastructure. The entire workflow is in 1080i high definition with output downconversion for the parallel 576i standard definition transmission feed.

"A key requirement was the ability to allow region-specific insertion of interstitials such as commercials into the regional stations as well as the integration with the existing media asset management system by Chengdu Sobey Digital Technology. The channel schedules are prepared using ListBox Neo preparation workstations linked to the relevant AirBox Neo servers via a 10GbE local area network. Each AirBox Neo can source content from the same LAN, from an incoming satellite feed or from locally generated SDI feeds. The project also included provision of a 96 terabyte server for storing programmes and interstitials.

"In addition to the servers and software modules, six full weeks of training were provided at StarTimes office in Beijing plus three days of refreshment training at ZNBC in Lusaka. The new system is now in successful operation."

AirBox Neo enables ZNBC to source and process video and audio content from production platforms or video servers. Playlists can be scheduled weeks in advance to allow fully automated playout. Gaps or time overlaps are automatically resolved to ensure continuous operation even when conflicting timed events are present. Special facilities ensure uninterrupted operation if content files or even entire schedules are missing or misplaced. Changes to the playlist can be made at any time, even during an on-air session.

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