VDS to introduce Promotor at NAB 2006

VDS, a leading developer of broadcast automation software, content design and plug-in products, will be introducing Promotor, a new system for the automatic generation of promos at NAB 2006 in Booth SL4573.
Promotor is a suite of applications configurable to the operating environment of the broadcaster (graphics, Automation, traffic, etc.) and provides extensive capabilities for the automatic generation and playback of common promo graphics and audio overs. VDS developed Promotor on its Cortex platform with the multi-channel facility in mind. Cortex is a robust, modular platform consisting of core applications and extension modules that support diverse operations such as VDS' AutoClips automated clip titling and branding suite, DiReCT asset management and distribution system and now, Promotor.
The promo types that Promotor provides automation for are bugs, promo clip bugs, audio promos, graphic snipes, as well as menus of coming ups and promos over credits.
With Promotor, graphics creation is reduced from several hundred combinations of graphic elements, show names and time slots to one template per graphic type with all dynamic content inserted by Promotor in a just-in-time fashion.
The dynamic content can be entered using the Promotor Authoring Station or can be set to extract content information from the automation playlist or SQL database used for metadata.
Promotor greatly reduces the number of graphics that need to be tested and loaded on the correct air systems while also eliminating the need to create a lot of secondary events on the automation system in order to program events for triggering. Promotor also eliminates the need to program the other secondary events such as keyer events and audio mixers to support the graphics events.
The tightly integrated Promotor interface to the facility station automation system allows for the triggering of complex graphics in a timely manner as graphics and audio promos can be cued in advance of their scheduled airing. In addition, timing, calendar and other rules for the display of these graphics can be set by using the Promotor authoring station.
“Promotor answers a lot of needs for broadcasters who regularly generate graphic and audio promos”, said Larry Mincer, President of VDS. “The system greatly reduces the amount of manual and redundant effort currently required in getting promos to air and at the same time increases the accuracy and frequency, as desired.”
(GB)