Snell announced that FOX Networks has purchased Morpheus Automation and Morpheus ICE (Integrated Content Engine) for disaster recovery systems in California and Texas.
“Morpheus is an unusually powerful, flexible, and scalable broadcast automation solution that, with Morpheus ICE, provides both the system density and fully resilient architecture that our disaster recovery project requires,” said Richard Friedel, executive vice president and general manager, FOX Networks Engineering and Operations.
The Morpheus systems being used by FOX for disaster recovery are controlling a number of ICE units to mirror on-air playout and to perform baseband ingest when required. Supporting a fully mirrored 24/7 playout recovery model, the systems operate in the background, providing the ability to switch to backup operations at a moment’s notice with no inventory loss. Rather than air evergreen programming or a day-of-air inventory in the event of channel failure, FOX will be able to switch the signal output instantly and seamlessly from its primary automation playout system to Morpheus.
“The demanding, multi-site workflows required by FOX are ideally suited to Morpheus and ICE,” said Jonathan Goldstein, president for the Americas at Snell. “The system is so flexible it can cope with the most complex operations, yet at the same time it is also an ideal solution for smaller broadcasters wanting to move cost-effectively to HD.”
Morpheus ICE brings together a video server, graphics, switchers, channel branding, captioning, and subtitling in a convenient 3RU package, all managed by Morpheus automation. ICE offers a low-cost solution for start-up channels as well as a cost-effective building block for distributed operations supporting activities such as regional program management and remote disaster recovery. The system works seamlessly with either SD or HD source material, managing all of the processes required to prepare pictures, sound, and ancillary data for the highest-quality HD playout.
More information about Snell and its innovative product portfolio is available at www.snellgroup.com.
Snell is a leading innovator in digital media technology and provides broadcasters and global media companies with a comprehensive range of solutions to create, better manage, and streamline the distribution of content for today’s multi-screen world. Snell provides the tools necessary to transition seamlessly and cost-effectively to HDTV, stereoscopic 3D, and 3Gbps operations. Headquartered in the U.K., Snell serves more than 2,000 broadcasters, post facilities, and global media companies in more than 100 countries through its worldwide team of sales and support personnel. More information is available at www.snellgroup.com.
