1. VLM can control BugCrawler and Informa at the project level.  This means you can schedule a project just like you schedule a program.  This eliminates the need to switch to a CG and scroll slides since you can specifically schedule every project so it gets the air time it needs.
2. VLM can automatically publish your schedule to a web site and to an Informa project.  This eliminates the need to re-enter data and saves your staff time so they can do other things.
3. VLM can alert you to missing files with the Missing Media Report.  When a schedule is created you can verify that all files are available by clicking the Media button.  The operator can print the report if needed to locate any files that are needed to complete the schedule.  If you have a Digital Archive Unit, VLM will automatically search and retrieve the missing files.
4. VLM can control satellite dishes and receivers for both tuning and dish rotation to manage recording or play-to-air switches.  No need to have the operator wait around just to make a tuning or positioning change for the next program.
5. VLM can manage a schedule for streaming media over the Internet.  This can be a different schedule of programs than what you play to air to appeal to different viewers.

In this month’s newsletter we identified 10 Things that many customers may not know about VLM but should.  Here are the first five:

1. VLM software includes an Error Pager feature.  This software monitors the system for errors.  When one occurs it will call, page or email an operator, technician or engineer.  Emails include the Log File that shows the error.  Multiple personnel can be alerted in progression in case the first person notified is unable to access the system, it will contact the next person in the queue.
2. VLM includes a Mass Scheduler (aka Drag ‘n Drop) that enables an operator to schedule multiple events in very quick order.  Access the Video Catalog.  Select a title with the mouse and begin to drag it.  The Mass Scheduler window will open.  You can re-size the window and begin to drag files individually or in groups using the Control or Shift keys.  Titles can be re-ordered once inside the window.  You can also set up bugs or logos and if programs are to begin at the top and bottom of the hour or on a specific slice of time.  This same feature can be used for “block scheduling” a single program at multiple times or multiple days to block out future time slots.
3. VLM includes a “lock” within the router program that enables the operator to lock a certain output.  This is helpful during live events that may go over their allotted time.  To use this effectively, create a schedule that runs at the same time as your live event.  When you make the switch to your live event “lock” the router.  The schedule will run behind the scenes but not to air.  When the live event is over, release the router lock and the events go to air as a “join in progress”.
4. VLM can save old event lists for 365 days without any special archiving.  If you need to save schedules beyond 1 year, just save the files to another location.
5. VLM can create a database back-up each night and save it to a USB drive or alternate location.  The most recent seven (7) days of back-up are saved.

I’ll include 6 - 10 later.  If there are features you would like to see added please send me an email.

We will close Wednesday afternoon, November 26th so our employees can begin their Thanksgiving holiday with their families.  We will re-open Monday, December 1st.  Customers under warranty or those that maintain an “after hours” Service and Support Agreement can reach Customer Support by calling 800-601-6991 ext 316 and your call will be forwarded to an “on-call” technician.  If you do not receive a call within 10 minutes please call 214-395-6351 or 214-783-1930.

Thank you for your continued support.  We would like to wish you, your family and co-workers a happy holiday.

Warmest regards,

Chuck Jones

FireBird-HD is also available in a multi-channel version that is fully scalable.  You can start out with a single channel and add channels and storage over time with the addition of new modules.  Each channel will function separately but share storage to maximize resources. 

Graphics for the multi-channel version can operate independently or the same graphics can be broadcast on all channels simultaneously depending on requirements.  Graphics can also be updated remotely if the station is un-manned for any length of time or managed remotely.  This feature provides an easy way to broadcast emergency messages or weather updates at any time during the day or night.

FireBird-HD Graphics capability includes:

• Overlay of logos and crawls
• Dynamic display of date, time and user defined sources
• U.S. and Canadian TV Ratings
• Graphic element compositing and animation with timeline-based animation features
• 3D Objects: Resizable cube, pyramid and sphere
• Support for table-based information
• Automated ”Your are watching” and “What’s Up Next”
• Automated National Weather Service updates
• Programmable Safe Zone
• Web Browser Updatable for news and emergency alerts
• Video Squeeze to a Window
• Video Squeeze Up for Crawls and Closed Captioning
• Dynamic data insertion and triggering interface
• Manual triggering for live events 

We just finished work on phase one of a new encoder product that we will gradually work into the line.  This product, in it’s initial release will encode analog content into DV, WMV, Uncompressed AVI and MJPEG.  We expect to add MPEG2 and HD capability to this unit in the very near future so please be aware this is in the works.  If you have any questions please contact us.  Fact sheets will be posted on the web site shortly.

We are very excited to introduce our NEW! FireBird-HD system. FireBird-HD is a cost-effective, multi-format, single channel, digital playback server designed to provide a simple and easy-to-use playback operation with “on-board” graphics for cable channels, TV stations, information channels, satellite, hospitality, student channels, airport channels, in-house channels and digital signage applications.

FireBird-HD is 720p and 1080i capable and plays MPEG2, DV and Widows Media files in both SD and HD. In addition to playback, the FireBird Server also includes the Synergy Broadcast Informa™ graphics player to assemble and display eye-popping graphics, logos, crawls and scrolls. The Informa package includes our rotating 3D cube, pyramid and sphere that can be used to enhance logos and other on-screen graphics.

Digital Effects capability includes video squeeze and pull back to shrink video and display scrolls, crawls, tickers, announcements, lower third graphics and closed captioning so it does not interfere with your picture. Insert live audio/video, NTSC or ATSC digital broadcasts into graphical CG projects. FireBird also supports DVB-ASI SD and HD.

There’s a handy new feature in VLM 2.89 and 2.90. This new feature allows you to jump to the event title or break ID in the Video Catalog. (No more searching using cut/paste of the title number to find it in the Video Catalog!)

You can access this feature in one of two ways.

1. Right click on an event in the event listing and select “Locate in Video Catalog”.
   There is also a hot key Ctrl+Shift+L once you have an event selected in the listing.
2. Open an event existing event, or when adding a new event, press the “Locate” button
   in the event wizard.

1. This feature will start the Video Catalog if it is not running.
2. This feature works for play, record, combo, and break events.
3. This feature is also available in TrafficManager.
4. This feature switches the title or break views to “Display all”.
5. You can now toggle “Display all” in the title and break views in the Video Catalog.
6. You can use either title/break id numbers or house numbers to locate.
7. This works for Video Courier events as well as local events.

We’ve been concentrating on taking Informa and FireBird to the next level recently and will soon launch HD versions.  Some of the exciting features include:

• DVB/ASI video overlay source
• Seamless switch from recorded media to live A/V, analog television or ATSC digital broadcasts
• Animated full screen multi-layer 3D graphics engine
• Audio insertion of live FM radio broadcasts
• Modular network-based administration
• HD resolutions of 720p and 1080i
• HDMI and HD-SDI output formats

There will be much more news as these products get closer to production.  We’ve provided some early demonstrations and received great reviews on picture quality, digital effects and ease of operation.

More later…