COLOSSUS PLAYS KEY ROLE IN WIMBLEDON

COLOSSUS, the multi-channel automation solution from OmniBus Systems, is playing a key role in BBC Wimbledon Interactive, the corporation’s innovative new service.
BBC Wimbledon Interactive provides those watching the tournament on BBC One or Two via digital satellite (BSkyB) with a choice of five different matches, all of which are being supplied by BBC Sport feeds.
The BBC will use Colossus to control and automate the live playout of all five video streams while the tennis is being played. Colossus offers the key benefit of enabling a single BBC operator to drive multiple channels in addition to checking their status and, if required, modifying schedules off-line.
Colossus will also be used to manage the transmission of standby and promotional material from an Omneon server.
The Colossus system was designed 'from the bottom up' using the latest technology to provide a system that addressed the needs of multi-channel operations. It uses the backbone of proven OmniBus device drivers that control traditional equipment as well as innovations such as data streaming technology.
It provides a timeline display allowing the operator to instantaneously monitor the status of up to 1,000 channels and focus in on any single stream, confirm its data and drive it in the traditional manner should the schedule require it. Colossus is an integral part of Opus (OmniBus Process Unification System), a new high-level integration concept designed to bring greater efficiencies to the broadcast environment.
Colossus currently forms part of a temporary installation, but the BBC are planning to make it a key component of a dedicated interactive transmission facility within a new Multi-Stream transmission area to be constructed at a custom-built site in London.
(GB)