Pixel Power Helps WCAX-TV Rethink Broadcast Graphics by Adding Automation for HD News and Branding

BURBANK, Calif., March 3 /PRNewswire/ -- Pixel Power, Inc., a leading provider of broadcast graphics systems, was chosen by WCAX-TV, Vermont, to provide a comprehensive broadcast graphics solution for the station's high definition (HD) news programs and channel branding. The solution provided by Pixel Power combines Clarity™ 5000 and Clarity 3000 graphics systems, LogoVision™ channel branding systems, and the first local station installation of the Pixel Promo automated promotions and branding application, giving WCAX capability and flexibility generally reserved for major network facilities in a package that fits the requirements of a local broadcaster.

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"We began our search looking simply for a clip player, but the systems we saw were either too complex or too limited for our needs," said WCAX director of operations Phil Scharf. "We realized that our transition to HD presented an opportunity to do some things better. Pixel Power was the one vendor who demonstrated that they fully understood what WCAX needed in terms of both technical capability and support. Instead of a clip player, we gained automatable channel branding and efficient news graphics for delivering our new HD graphics package."

Automated Promos with Pixel Promo

WCAX is the first local-level station in the United States to deploy Pixel Promo. Pixel Promo automates the production of graphics sequences by automatically analyzing the WCAX scheduling and file processing systems on the network. Using Pixel Promo, WCAX created a custom set of rules to guide production. Pixel Promo then uses metadata about schedules and the station's available graphics, video and audio assets to automatically construct graphics elements. Pixel Promo can reduce or eliminate the work required to create a wide range of graphics such as up-next graphics, menus, line-ups and promos. Graphics specified by Pixel Promo are built as needed by the station's Clarity 3000 for playout on both WCAX-TV's main HD channel and its secondary 24-hour weather channel.

Newsroom Integration

A four-channel Clarity 5000 graphics system integrates with the existing ENPS newsroom computer system using the MOS protocol. Clarity enables operators to quickly build news graphics using pre-made templates that help to ensure continuity and accuracy. At the same time, the Clarity 5000 provides clip playback for show opens, bumpers and over-the-shoulder compositions, delivers the show bug for branding, and supports a variety of tickers.

"It is very convenient to have a single graphics platform for news and branding," said Scharf. "Pixel Power has given us a workflow that feels completely familiar while adding features and functionality. This makes it easy for our graphics team to move between operations. Pixel Power support has been great, helping to make this important transition proceed smoothly."

For more information about Pixel Power products visit www.pixelpower.com.

About Pixel Power

Pixel Power is a leader in the development and production of SD and HD broadcast graphics systems, news production workflow tools and live interactive content with more than 2,000 installations worldwide.  With a local presence around the world the company's award-winning solutions suit broadcasters, post-production houses and outside broadcast (OB) trucks of all sizes for distinctive, professional, reliable and cost-effective on-air graphics. Established in Cambridge, UK, in 1987, the company also has a wholly owned subsidiary office in the USA, and a dedicated network of distributors and support offices around the world.

SOURCE Pixel Power