Pebble Beach Systems has integrated RT Software’s proven tOG_DLL.dll graphics rendering library into their Dolphin channel-in-a-box solution. This enhances the graphics capability of Dolphin, enabling it to deliver high quality 2d and 3d real time graphics without the need for a traditional external graphics sub system. Dolphin, with the enhanced RT Software graphics as one of its many options, will be sold by Pebble Beach Systems and its partners world-wide.

The benefits of this include:
- One stop shop for the broadcaster
- Lower cost per channel compared to external graphics systems
- Smaller hardware footprint, less rack space required, less power required
- Tight integration with Dolphin and its automation.

There are currently 2 options available for graphics capability:
- Sophisticated 2d, entry level 3d Graphics (tOG-Lite)
- Powerful 3d Graphics (tOG-3d Pro)
… with a new 2d editor scheduled for availability later in the year.

This will cover the entire spectrum of graphics required by the modern broadcaster and the “Powerful 3d Graphics” will rival the graphics available from any of the traditional real time graphics vendors in the industry. The graphics creation process is extremely simple. Graphic templates are prepared off line using PC based tOG-Edit workstations. The resulting projects are then loaded onto the Dolphin system as required. Inputs for graphics can come from a variety of sources including from within the Dolphin system itself, from an operator or from external systems.

Key reasons for selecting RT Software included the ability to deliver a solution resulting in high quality graphics, along with the local support to assist with the integration.

Peter Hajittofi, Managing Director at Pebble Beach Systems commented

“We are very pleased to be working with RT Software and excited about the opportunities this co-operation brings. By using RT Software graphics we will be able to take the functionality of our Dolphin channel in a box product up to the level of best of breed graphics solutions, but at a fraction of the price, and with a much smaller footprint and lower power consumption. The RT Software graphics option augments our own simpler 2D graphics module which is ideal for lower revenue channels.”

Mike Fredriksen – Commercial Director, RT Software, added

“Pebble Beach Systems is a proven player in the traditional automation market and, with an eye to the future, we are delighted to be part of their strategy for delivering high quality, cost effective 2d and 3d graphics in the emerging channel-in-a-box market.”

Mike Fredriksen (left – RT Software’s Commercial Director) and Peter Hajittofi (right – Pebble Beach Systems MD) shake hands on signing the contract.

 
About Pebble Beach Systems

Pebble Beach Systems is a world leader in automation, content management and channel in a box technology, with scalable products designed for multichannel transmission, news, sports and interactive television as well as content management, workflow and direct archive control. Installed in more than 45 countries and with proven systems ranging from single up to over 100 channels in operation, Pebble Beach Systems offers open, flexible systems which encompass ingest automation, workflow automation, archive automation and complex file-based workflows. The company trades in the US as Pebble Broadcast Systems, and is based in Denver.

RTSW press release Pebble Beach Systems and RT Software Partner for Embedded Real Time Graphics – Apr 2012

This involved the integration of RT Software’s proven tOG_DLL.dll graphics rendering library into the Snell ICE channel-in-a-box solution. This provides the ability for ICE to deliver high quality 2d and 3d real time graphics without the need for a traditional external graphics sub system. The resulting solution will be sold by Snell and its partners world-wide.

The benefits of this include:
- One stop shop for the broadcaster
- Lower cost per graphic compared to external graphics system
- Smaller hardware footprint, less rack space required, less power required
- Tight integration with ICE including Morpheus automation.

There are currently 2 options available for graphics capability:
- Sophisticated 2d, entry level 3d Graphics (tOG-Lite)
- Powerful 3d Graphics (tOG-3D Pro)
… with a new 2d editor scheduled for availability later in the year.

This will cover the entire spectrum of graphics required by the modern broadcaster and the “Powerful 3d Graphics” will rival the graphics available from any of the traditional real time graphics vendors in the industry.

The graphics creation process is extremely simple. Graphic templates are prepared off line using PC based tOG-Edit workstations. The resulting projects are then loaded onto the ICE system as required. Inputs for graphics can come from a variety of sources including from within the ICE system itself, from an operator or from external systems. Crucial factors in deciding the supplier for this project included performance and ease of integration.

Karl Mehring – Senior Product Manager MRM, Snell, commented

“RT Software was unique in having a library built from the ground up for integration, and their rendering is very efficient – crucial with the sharing of resources required with a channel-in-a-box solution”.

Summarising the importance of the agreement, Mike Fredriksen – Commercial Director, RT Software, says

“We are delighted that Snell has chosen RT Software as its partner for embedded graphics. We see software based playout solutions as a sector of the market that will deliver significant growth in the coming years, and Snell is a company that looks set to become one of the major players.”

Fredriksen (centre – RT Software’s Commercial Director) and Peter Fredericks (right – Financial Director Snell) shake hands on signing the contract, watched on by Snell’s Karl Mehring.

 
About Snell

Snell is a leading innovator in digital media technology, providing broadcasters and global media companies with a comprehensive range of solutions to create, manage, and streamline the distribution of content for today’s multi-screen world. Specializing in TV Everywhere, Broadcast Infrastructure, and Live Production applications, Snell provides the necessary tools to transition seamlessly and cost-effectively to HDTV, stereoscopic 3D, and 3Gbps operations, while enabling broadcasters to monetize and deliver their media assets across multiple distribution platforms. 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.

RTSW press release Snell and RT Software Partner for Embedded Real Time Graphics – Apr 2012

The iPad connects wirelessly to the main tOG Sports graphics system that combines delivery of live broadcast quality HD SDI output with HD clip control and content from remote video servers such as EVS. This is important as it gives presenters a tool they are immediately familiar with both in the iPad itself and the tOG-Sports style of interface. It also frees them from the shackles of traditionally mounted touchscreens, making it easier to face camera and even share the telestrator with guests and co-presenters.

Sky Golf moved into a new purpose built set in the recently built BSkyB Studios facility in London, with its first TX on 6th January 2012. This meant an opportunity for a complete rethink of the studio content for the channel and the adoption of new technology. Already a user of tOG Sports, the production team were using a desktop mounted touchscreen for swing and play analysis, selecting clips on EVS video servers, jogging them backwards and forwards as required and using the interactive touchscreen to add graphics such as swing angles or distances from the pin.

The challenge for the new studio was outlined by Jason Wessely, Exec Producer Sky Sports Golf.

“We wanted to move the telestration element of the show away from a desktop mounted touchscreen and literally put it in the presenters’ hand, opening up the ability for presenters to combine live analysis on VT with actual examples of golfing techniques in the studio. tOG Sports’ new support for the iPad delivers this, and it’s on screen integration with EVS clips makes it easy and fits into our workflow.”.

Sky Golf Live Show

Sky Golf’s new studio features the iPad based tOG Sports telestrator, a giant video projection back wall and a golf simulator for taking actual shots based on technology from Pinpoint. Best of all, everything is seamlessly integrated on air – the studio based analyst can select a VT clip of a swing from the iPad, play it on the giant screen. Jog back and forth and draw on it to discuss aspects of the swing and then switch to a virtual view of a fairway or approach to demonstrate with an actual swing. RT Software’s support for the iPad meant this could be achieved quickly and at almost zero cost, preserving the existing investment in tOG Sports and its proven telestration capability for golf.

tOG-Sports is an industry de-facto sports analysis graphics system for broadcasters. It provides the ability for a graphics operator to prepare clips which can be played out live or saved for use later, and on the same system allows studio presenters to use a touchscreen to select clips for analysis and use a touchscreen to add graphics to help explain tactics and nuances of the play.

It offers a close integration with video servers such as EVS and Grass Valley, and features high end technology such as software chromakeyers and video based camera tracking allowing 3d graphics to be tied to the pitch and player and ball trails created. It is in use at Sky in numerous locations and geographies, ESPN, IMG Premier League Productions, BBC, Al Kass, Al Jazeera and many other broadcasters and graphics services companies worldwide.

RTSW press release iPad Support - Jan 2012

If you are still trying to perfect your skills on tOG Sports, the half-day session will help you get the most out of our software.

Email connie.tham@rtsw.co.uk now to book your place!

Date: 6th June 2012 (Wed)
Time: 2.30pm – 5pm
Venue: RT Software Ltd
10 Brooks Court, Cringle Street
Battersea, London SW8 5BX

Please feel free to pass this message around to any of your colleagues or anyone you think might be interested in this.

Always at the forefront of technological developments in the broadcasting, film and pro-audio industries, BroadcastAsia promises to deliver a comprehensive experience for industry experts and professionals. Meet us at Asia’s leading exhibition and knowledge platform for the broadcasting industry.

Date: 19th to 22nd June 2012
Venue: Suntec Singapore
Stand: 4E2-11

IBC houses everything and everyone about the state of the electronic media industry under one roof. From the very latest 3D rigs and integrated cameras to streaming video services and cloud based production – IBC has it covered. An event for all professionals engaged in the creation, management and delivery of entertainment and media content worldwide that you don’t want to miss!

Join us to get a peek into RT Software’s latest broadcast graphics technology software and a full demonstration of its capabilities.

Date: 6th to 11th Sept 2012
Venue: RAI Amsterdam

Visit an event that gathers the entire professional community of the image and sound technology industry and the audiovisual production industry. Covering the entire process from creation to broadcast and dealing with all media today’s opportunities as well as tomorrow’s, SATIS is a representative event for converging markets.

Date: 13th to 15th November 2012
Venue: Halle Freyssinet – Paris