The Harmonic IMCR

Introduction To
The Harmonic IMCR
www.harmonicinc.com

The Evolution of the Master
Control Room: How Integration
is Bringing Greater Efficiency,
Flexibility and Simplicity to
Video Production and Playout
As broadcasters look to deliver channels faster, cheaper and with fewer resources,
media orchestration has become essential. Yet, the migration of the master control
room (MCR) to channel-in-a-box (CIAB) and integrated channel playout (ICP)-
based solutions is creating new workflow challenges for broadcasters and playout
facilities. Best-of-breed tools that used to dominate MCRs — such as dedicated
graphics and branding systems and switchers — have given way to integrated,
software-based systems that can be unfamiliar when handling live cut-ins, sporting
events or scheduling mishaps.
At the same time, these facility-changing technologies present new opportunities
for workflow optimization and function integration. The increasing functionality
being built into ICP solutions is bringing more production-like workflows into the
MCR, blurring the lines of where production control ends and live playout begins.
As a result, the MCR of yesterday is rapidly evolving into the integrated master
control room (iMCR) of tomorrow.
“Utilizing integrated production
and playout solutions, broadcasters
can deliver video channels with
advanced capabilities in a fraction of
the time with a fraction of the resources
than was previously possible.”
- Patrick Harshman, president and CEO, Harmonic
At Harmonic, we see ICP solutions as the key to
building a more powerful, efficient iMCR
At Harmonic, we see ICP solutions as the key to building a more powerful, efficient
iMCR, helping broadcasters tap into new revenue streams and dramatically reduce
operational and capital expenditures.
In this eBook, Harmonic takes a look at how the iMCR is transforming video
production and playout.
1

What is an iMCR?
PRODUCTION
CAPABILITIES
WORKFLOW
TRANSMISSION
AUTOMATION
FLEXIBLE
CONTROL
Components in an iMCR
Implementing an iMCR is easier than you might expect. Broadcasters can start out
with a CIAB system for scheduled playout and add an operator control surface for
live cut-ins, playlist exceptions, and adding or removing graphic layers. If something
goes awry, the iMCR can fall back to using the familiar MCR switcher panel.
Implementing an iMCR is easier than you might expect.
WORKFLOW
SWITCHING/
DVE
ICP
GRAPHICS/
BRANDING
VIDEO
PLAYOUT
WORKFLOW
One might wonder, why not just use a hardware panel to control the CIAB? The
challenge with hardware panels is that they lack the flexibility to match the
capabilities of CIAB- and ICP-based solutions. Each customer has unique
requirements, and a hardware panel locks you into working according to a vendor’s
system rather than the way you might prefer. In many cases, the hardware panel is
a throwback to an old way of working and lacks the vision needed to unlock the full
potential of the iMCR.
GRAPHICS
INTEGRATION
WORKFLOW
OPERATIONAL
FLEXIBILITY
Spectrum
MediaDeck
7000
Integrated
Media Server
Spectrum
ChannelPort
Integrated
Channel Playout
Spectrum
MediaPort
7000
Ingest
Polaris
Play
CIAB
Automation
Polaris
Live
Device
Control
An iMCR is the next step in the evolution of the master control room, but what
exactly defines it? While the benefits of CIAB or ICP are well-known (i.e., reduced
CAPEX, simplified infrastructure and lower operating expenses), these technologies
are primarily focused on lowering physical hardware costs. Building an iMCR involves
taking a more holistic look at how to increase workflow efficiency, improve operational
flexibility and unlock additional revenue opportunities. With an iMCR, broadcasters
can take advantage of the cost reductions offered by CIAB and ICP while maximizing
flexibility, even beyond what is customary in a best-of-breed MCR environment.
2

From Then to Now: A Brief Look at
Master Control Over the Years
The Early
Stages of MCR
Advancements
Where We
Stand Today
As broadcast technology has evolved, many tasks that
used to be manual and complex are now automated.
Early broadcast MCRs were typically managed by a
team of engineers who were responsible for loading
tape reels, cueing various video and graphic elements,
and working with a master control operator who
manually initiated the transitions using a printed list
and an MCR switcher with remote control triggers.
Throughout the years, hardware was gradually replaced
by software as a means of further simplifying broadcast
operations. Computer-based automation enabled most
of the tasks to be executed automatically, with the MCR
operator primarily monitoring the system, managing
exceptions and conflicts, and dealing with live elements.
If something went wrong with the automation or playlist,
the MCR switcher could be used to recover.
The latest round of innovation integrates production
and master control capabilities into CIAB or ICP systems,
allowing the same play-to-air solution to fulfill both
scheduled and live playout roles. These hybrid iMCR
systems simplify workflows and help accelerate the
launch of new revenue-generating channels.
3

The Three Major Benefits
of Adopting an iMCR
Prior to the iMCR, broadcasters and playout facilities were forced to make trade-offs
between the cost reductions and efficiency benefits offered by CIAB and ICP systems
and the live control capabilities of a traditional MCR. That is no longer the case.
Here are the top three advantages of an iMCR.
1
Uncompromised Flexibility and Simplicity: Many CIAB systems
require customers to give up some level of flexibility in exchange for the
simplicity of an integrated solution, but an iMCR actually increases
operator and workflow flexibility. For instance, best-of-breed graphics and
automation can be implemented at will. Playout channels can also be
added when required, enabling advanced capabilities such as dual DVE,
multi-layer graphics, live input switching and support for external graphics
key + fill insertion.
2
Increased Efficiency: The flexibility of an iMCR solution begins to blur
the traditional lines between the production control room and the MCR.
Many of the simple programs or cut-ins that are created today using fully
outfitted production control rooms could just as easily be produced using
an iMCR. An operator, for instance, can queue a complex sequence
featuring sponsored graphics, DVE moves and voice-over with a single
touch. And scheduled operations can be driven by traffic or a manually
created playlist. Live event control can even be handed off to the operator,
then revert back to the schedule in progress at either a designated time or
on the operator’s command.
3
Low TCO: With an iMCR, broadcasters can take advantage of the cost
reductions offered by CIAB and ICP systems and simultaneously bring new
channels to air faster. Lowering CAPEX and OPEX while simplifying the
ability to unlock new revenue streams offers exceptional investment
protection and low total cost of ownership.
4

THE Harmonic iMCR SOLUTION
Harmonic’s Spectrum media server system, Polaris Play CIAB automation system and Polaris Live touch control surface provide the essential tools for building
an iMCR. These software-based playout solutions work together to drive function integration of the video delivery chain, providing for increased efficiency, flexibility and simplicity.
Spectrum
A Harmonic iMCR environment is built around a Spectrum MediaDeck 7000 integrated
media server outfitted with one or two Spectrum ChannelPort integrated channel playout
modules. MediaPort 7000 modules can be added to support ingest of a broad range of formats.
MediaDeck packs up to four video channels, integrated storage, low power consumption
and high reliability into a compact 1-RU chassis. ChannelPort integrates multi-layer graphics
and branding capabilities with playout. Its complete set of advanced capabilities allows the
creation of sophisticated, uniquely branded on-air looks in a CIAB environment featuring
Polaris Play. Simulcast ports on ChannelPort also enable playout of an SD channel downconverted
from a primary HD channel.
For more information about Spectrum, click here.
Polaris Play is a complete, cost-effective CIAB automation system that unleashes the true
power of branded channel playout on a 1-RU platform. The software application suite is
optimized for Harmonic’s Spectrum MediaDeck 7000 media server and ChannelPort
integrated channel playout system, and features a suite of license-keyed applications for
automating the key elements of a broadcast workflow. Polaris Play includes the ability to
hand off control to Polaris Live for manual control, whether it is a scheduled or unscheduled
event. The result is a powerful, flexible CIAB solution purpose-built for broadcasters.
Polaris Play provides low total cost of ownership for users requiring scheduled, automated
playout capabilities. The system’s software toolbox for ingest, playlist control, media prep,
traffic integration, and scheduled and live playout combines with MediaDeck’s high-density
I/O to simplify multichannel playout workflows while reducing both CAPEX and OPEX.
5
For more information about Polaris Play, click here.

A Snapshot of THE HARMONIC IMCR
Top Three Capabilities of SPECTRUM MEDIADECK:
• Cost-effective, easy-to-deploy, fully integrated
media server
• Powerful CIAB capabilities via integrated Spectrum
ChannelPort
• High-density solution, up to four SD or HD channels
in 1 RU
Outcome: Flexibility by
enabling CIAB and ICP
functionality, Low TCO via high
density and low price per
channel, Reliability via hotswap
drives, 3+1 RAID and
redundant power supplies
The Polaris Live touch control surface elevates the capabilities of CIAB solutions by
bringing the power and efficiency of fingertip manual control to all functions of the
Spectrum ChannelPort system. Polaris Live delivers fully customizable touchscreen control
of video, graphics, DVE and routing into master control and studio environments via an
interface that can be as simple or sophisticated as an operator requires, providing effortless
control of the on-air playout chain. When used in conjunction with Polaris Play, control of the
channel can be returned to the schedule at a predetermined time, but manually by the
operator depending operational needs. The combined ChannelPort-Polaris Live system
maximizes flexibility and simplicity of operations through an intuitive user-defined GUI.
Each Polaris Live client can manage multiple ChannelPort channels. With these channels
under the control of a single user interface, Polaris Live dramatically changes how function
integration can be applied in manual control situations. A broad range of industrystandard
router control protocols is supported to provide input and output flexibility.
For more information about Polaris Live, click here.
6
Top Three Capabilities of Polaris Play:
• Control ingest, playout, graphics, branding and
storage from a single UI
• Comprehensive set of automation and workflow
software applications
• Manage up to four playout channels in 1 RU
Top Three Capabilities of Polaris Live:
• Fully customizable touchscreen control surface for
Spectrum ChannelPort solutions
• Control complex playout functions with the touch
of a button
• Launch dynamic control environments with ondemand
playout capabilities
Outcome: Flexibility through
its breadth of control
capabilities, Efficiency by
providing both scheduled and
live playout functionality,
Simplicity by bringing MCR
functionalities under the control
of a simple-to-user interface
Outcome: Efficiency by
enabling intuitive control of
ChannelPort and third-party
devices, Simplicity by enabling
the production of sophisticated
on-air looks at the touch of a
button, Scalability through the
ability to grow from a single to
dozens of operator positions

The X Factor Behind
Harmonic Polaris
MCR solutions have been around for decades. But, Straker Coniglio, Director of
Market Development, Content Creators and Programmers, at Harmonic Inc., says
that Harmonic’s new playout management suite brings the MCR to a whole new
level. Find out what differentiates Polaris from other solutions on the market.
Q
A
How much training is involved with getting the MCR staff up to speed with a
solution like Polaris?
Minimal training is involved. That’s because, by definition, an iMCR offers simplicity,
efficiency and flexibility. We designed Polaris Live knowing that users need an interface
that is familiar, easy to use and customizable, so the system is intuitive and doesn’t
require specialist operators with hours of training. Polaris Live also frees the operator
from the mouse and keyboard or inflexible hardware panels, allowing them to use
flexible customized interfaces that reduce complexity. For example, in the event that
something goes wrong with your on-air graphics, you can set up a single “kill graphics”
button. Or you can set it up to suppress all graphics except for the TV station logo.
Straker Coniglio, Director of
Market Development, Content
Creators and Programmers, at
Harmonic Inc.
Q
What challenges are broadcast organizations solving today by
deploying an iMCR?
Q
A
A number of manufacturers have introduced media orchestration solutions
recently. What makes Polaris unique?
While it is true that other companies offer media orchestration products, our Polaris
suite goes beyond the boundaries of traditional MCR solutions by providing
managed playout and live playout capabilities with minimal investment. The iMCR
comes along at the perfect time as the industry looks to optimize workflows, increase
efficiency, and lower operational and capital expenditures.
A
For some basic production applications, building a full-blown production control
room is expensive and, quite frankly, is overkill. A great example of this is for severe
weather cut-ins. In many cases, airing this information is a matter of squeezing back
the primary content to provide weather-related graphics and warnings. In other
cases, a station may need to simply cut to a camera in the newsroom with some
basic graphic overlays. Both of these scenarios can be handled in an iMCR
environment. By creating a severe weather preset in the iMCR, the operator, with the
touch of a button, can trigger the sequence of events that enables the weather
graphic squeezeback or cut-in. This capability can lead to dramatic savings in
equipment and personnel, but can also elevate a station’s brand so that it becomes
the market’s “go-to” place for severe weather information.
7

How One of the Most-Watched TV
Networks in the U.S. Optimized
Its Workflow With ICP and iMCR
Capabilities
The Challenge: Recently, a leading television network in the U.S. needed to
upgrade the entire playout infrastructure at its West Coast broadcast center. The
new solution would form the basis for a network-wide file-based playout strategy
designed to carry the company through its next stages of growth. A key driver for
replacing the aging equipment and migrating to a more flexible playout
infrastructure was the company’s impending launch of a new sports network. In
addition, the network wanted to increase its asset utilization by completely
rethinking the traditional MCR paradigm.
“As a company we’ve never been afraid to innovate, and our investment
in Harmonic’s file-based playout solution is part of a major shift in how
we produce and deliver content here at FOX. The ChannelPort playout
and surrounding video infrastructure from Harmonic provides the
reliability, functionality, and efficiency we require.”
- Joe Coffaro,
VP Engineering, FOX Networks
Engineering & Operations
The ideal solution needed to be highly flexible and reliable while providing seamless
playout for multiple channels. Furthermore, it would focus on integrating critical
master control functions within playout to reduce the company’s capital and
operating expenses. The solution also needed to be deployed rapidly in order the
meet the launch schedule for the company’s new sports network.
The Solution and Workflow: By installing an ICP solution from Harmonic, the TV
network successfully made the shift to efficient file-based playout with iMCR
capabilities. The Harmonic solution sped up the cost-effective deployment of new SD
and HD television channels by integrating branding and master control switching
with clip playback on the industry’s most trusted media server platform. Through
the solution’s powerful CIAB capabilities, the network is now able to key multilayer
graphics and dynamic text over playback or live video to produce rich on-air looks.
Story continued
8

the reduced power consumption of the ICP
systems has resulted in a net saving of 50 kW,
making their new system 240 percent more
efficient than the previous one.
Since deploying the Harmonic solutions, the broadcaster has adopted a
completely new approach to deploying channels — one that allows it to realize a
much higher level of flexibility. Rather than use a traditional hard-wired master
control room for each channel, the network has deployed virtual master control
rooms that can be repurposed depending on the day’s schedule. By removing
many of the hardware boxes that would normally be in the master control room
chain, such as video switchers, audio mixers and graphics boxes, the Harmonic
solution enables a virtualized MCR workflow in which each room is quickly reassignable.
As a result, the company can now allocate resources on the fly to
achieve the greatest possible efficiency.
The result: The Harmonic solution has delivered powerful capabilities that were
previously too time-consuming and expensive to implement. By collapsing multiple
functions which previously required dedicated hardware into a single software-based
solution, the network has reduced rack space by 74 percent and gained significant
head-count efficiencies. Additionally, the reduced power consumption of its ICP
systems has resulted in a net saving of 50 kW, making their new system 240 percent
more efficient than the previous one. The TV network is now considering similar
deployments in its other broadcast centers to fundamentally change how content is
produced and delivered throughout the entire organization.
9

iMCR: A Flexible Roadmap
for the Future
The broadcast industry is in a constant state of evolution. To be competitive, you
need a flexible iMCR solution that can adapt to next-generation technologies while
ensuring the utmost simplicity and efficiency when it comes to delivering
compelling broadcast content.
While technologies such as CIAB or ICP are widely known for lowering costs, they
also represent an opportunity to make the MCR a more productive environment.
Introducing integration shouldn’t mean compromising functionality. Rather,
integration is intended to enable better control and flexibility, allowing broadcasters
to respond to future demands in a way that is economical and efficient.
Harmonic’s Spectrum media server and Polaris playout management suite provide
the solution, helping broadcasters unlock new revenue opportunities and
streamline workflows.
If you’re thinking about a CIAB for your broadcast operations but are concerned
about the lack of flexibility, it’s time to join the iMCR revolution.
To learn more about what Harmonic Spectrum and Polaris solutions can
do for your organization, please visit www.harmonicinc.com.
10

© 2015 Harmonic Inc. All rights reserved. Harmonic, the Harmonic logo, Polaris and Spectrum are trademarks, registered trademarks or service marks
of Harmonic Inc. in the United States and other countries. Other company, product and service names mentioned herein may be trademarks or
service marks of their respective owners. All product and application features and specifications are subject to change at Harmonic’s sole discretion at
any time and without notice.
2.19.15