SGL Provides GMTV With Sophisticated Digital Archive

Software Generation Ltd (SGL), a leading provider of content archive and storage management software for media and entertainment, has announced a major contract with the UK's leading breakfast time broadcaster GMTV.
The installation has seen SGL deliver a fully integrated end-to-end digital HD/SD archive controlled by Avid Interplay and integrated with a Sony SAIT-2 PetaSite library, which provides up to 35,000 hours of storage. The installation is part of a full digital workflow for GMTV's newsroom and video production operations.
On March 15, the new system will go live for GMTV's entire production process. The archive is currently being used for GMTV's Children's programming and promotions departments, which contain the master and programme material.
The GMTV programme airs Monday to Firiday, 6:00am - 9:25am. Material for this, which is ingested onto an Avid Unity ISIS system, will either be deleted (if it is not GMTV copyright) or archived. For archiving, the high-res (IMX30) files are sent to the Sony PetaSite via SGL FlashNet - SGL's Open System content storage and archive management software.
On completion, the high-res file is deleted from the ISIS leaving only the low-res copy. This way, operators can see the MPEG2 low-res file online using Avid Assist and then when required recall the material from the archive for high-res transmission.
For GMTV's Children's programmes (which air over the weekend in the same time slot and additionally on digital services, for example ITV4 06:00am - 09:25am Monday to Sunday) the workflow is slightly different. An entire series of animations are ingested and archived with the high res version deleted immediately from the ISIS. The high res version can then be restored when the cartoon is required for edit, without occupying large amounts of ISIS. The high res version can then be restored when the cartoon is required for edit, without occupying large amounts of ISIS storage.
Peter Russell, Head of Technologies GMTV, commented: "After some exploration, we felt that SGL offered a clear understanding of a media-based workflow as data. Many competitors focused on business assets rather than media assets. We were also very impressed by the relationships between SGL, Avid and Sony. The tight integration between these three systems is very impressive."
Bernie Walsh, SGL's Worldwide Sales & Joint Managing Director added: "We are delighted to announce this sale to GMTV. SGL's Open System architecture facilitates close integration with all major broadcast vendors, providing broadcasters with highly efficient workflows and allowing them to maximise their assets and get the most from their archive."
GMTV attracts an average monthly audience of 22.3 million viewers.
Further information is available at: www.sgluk.com.
(KMcA/BMcC)