Thomson Launches MediaFUSE

Thomson has launched the Thomson Grass Valley MediaFUSE Content Re-Purposing and Multi-Distribution System.
MediaFUSE is an end-to-end suite of automated tools featuring a new software architecture that is capable of simultaneously producing web, mobile and IPTV broadcast materials in real time for both "live" and "on-demand" applications.
Allowing broadcasters and media companies to increase the amount of content available for internet and mobile distribution, as much as five times that of traditional manual processes, the MediaFUSE system can turn around segments for time-critical programming such as news within minutes of receiving existing material.
The innovative MediaFUSE system was demonstrated in the Thomson NAB stand, where it was seamlessly integrated with technology from partner WorldNow.
WorldNow's use of MediaFUSE signals an industry first; facilitating the fast and reliable delivery of highly targeted marketing and alternative distribution programmes for localised media across multiple platforms. WorldNow also demonstrated its workflow solutions in the Thomson stand as well.
WorldNow technology facilitates the management and delivery of content and various types of advertising targeted at the consumer while the company's local and national sales network offers programmes to effectively market these new business opportunities.
WorldNow also has the ability to syndicate and share content among its client base as well as externally via large search engines, portals and other video content aggregation methods.
Content creators absorb significant costs developing programmes for over-the-air broadcast only. MediaFUSE provides the ability to quickly output content in various formats for use by a wide range of viewing devices, such as computers, mobile phones, iPods and set-top boxes.
The system includes the hardware and software necessary to provide complete solutions for in-house facility re-purposing tasks, including a pre-production interface for newsroom computer systems as well as encoding and streaming tools to support all types of content management platforms.
The system is designed to streamline the labor - and time-intensive processes of editing, encoding and streaming over-the-air, while simultaneously developing and transmitting long-form content for the Internet and mobile devices.
By leveraging Ignite's workflow and system knowledge, MediaFUSE automatically provides precise story segmenting, categorisation, syndication data, extended play and URL linking and metadata synchronisation during the live production process.
It enables users to re-format existing or live content to a number of digital platforms in a matter of minutes; complete with metadata, URL links and advertising categorisation.
In addition, the MediaFUSE system can provide live streaming of over-the-air shows, complete with alternate commercial breaks while fully realising the potential and profitability of re-purposing and syndicating localised content.
MediaFUSE will be available as an option for the Thomson Grass Valley Ignite SD and HD integrated production systems.
With more than 75 systems installed, Ignite is becoming increasingly popular with broadcasters across North America and the world as it improves productivity and enables a single operator to run an entire newscast or live multi-camera production.
The Thomson Grass Valley MediaFUSE system is available in a base configuration that includes the ability to stream live and produce on-demand content.
Options are available to expand the encoding and transcoding capacity, add redundancy, interface to third party advertising traffic management systems and service providers, and add pre-production content tagging seats.
MediaFUSE will be available in Q4 2008, with pricing starting at $119,900 (€83,900) based on system configuration.
WorldNow, a New York-based technology and sales company, provides a comprehensive technology platform and strategic services that enable media companies to expand to the digital realm with innovative Web publishing tools, advanced video delivery technology and industry-driven advertising leadership.
Further information is available at: www.worldnow.com.
Thomson provides technology, services and systems to help its Media, Entertainment & Communications clients - content creators, content distributes and users of its technology - realise their business goals and optimise their performance in a rapidly changing technology environment.
Further information is available at: www.thomson.net.
(KMcA)