Abit Helps CBC Regulate Commercial Transmission

Playout automation specialist, Abit, has announced that it has delivered a number of enhancements to its automation system used by CBC (Cologne Broadcasting Centre) in Germany upgrading the monitoring of commercial transmissions on a channel-by-channel basis.
"As a commercial broadcaster in Germany, Austria and Switzerland, it is essential that CBC does not exceed the number of advertisements permitted for playout within a specified time period, according to the regulations of the country it is broadcasting to," explained Richard Thomas, Software Development Director, Abit.
"Enhancements to the automation software now enable CBC to easily adapt the system rules and customise the number of commercials permitted and when they will be played out on a country-by-country basis as government regulations change in a dynamic broadcasting environment.
"For each hour, the total amount of programme content and commercial air time is calculated," continued Thomas.
"Statistics for the entire events list can be seen up to 72 hours ahead of time as well as being shown live for the current and next hour.
"The display turns red or can be programmed to raise warnings if specified limits for commercials are exceeded."
The latest major system software upgrade also provides the facility for operators to switch aspect ratio of commercials to ensure all material is transmitted in 16.9 format within a commercial break.
The new functionality shows the operator the attributes of all material in the playout schedule and allows letterbox or 4:3 to be changed to the more widely used 16.9 format to ensure the correct and most visually appealing aspect ratio is seen by viewers.
Abit itself is a privately owned, leading provider of tailor-made automation hardware and software solutions for broadcasters of all sizes. Clients include major broadcasters such as: MTV, NRK, WDR, RTL and CBC.
"To enable CBC to provide a framework to its clients allowing them to maximise their revenue streams, the system allows insertion of commercials right up to the final moments before transmission," confirmed Thomas.
"The software upgrade now gives CBC clients and operational staff peace of mind that they are keeping within regulatory control as well as ensuring content in seen by viewers in the most visually appealing format."
(KMcA/BMcC)