Grass Valley’s iTX Integrated Playout Platform Gets New Broadcast Engine

Grass Valley (Booth SL206), a Belden Brand, will introduce iTX Integrated Playout Platform version 2.6 with its new broadcast engine, which delivers simulcast for greater scalability, is adapted for live content with complete real-time processing algorithms, and enhances automation of ingest for streamlined workflows while lowering the cost of running television channels.

“iTX remains the industry-leading solution for broadcast customers that require a high-performance playout system,” says Mike Cronk, SVP, strategic marketing, Grass Valley. “Our commitment to iTX is stronger than ever with the introduction of our new broadcast engine that enables powerful features today and ensures our customers are future-ready with both IP playout and 4K capabilities.”

This latest version of iTX is tuned for live content, managing highly dynamic schedules and late-arriving media by supporting multiple video-format playbacks without the need to transcode. Able to record and turn around live shows in the playout engine without additional ingest servers, iTX enables broadcasters to increase live content on channels without additional operational costs.

Version 2.6 offers a suite of new tools to help media flow. iTX Delivery Manager supports a wider number of asset-delivery partners, including SGL, Masstech, Front Porch, Pathfire, and Pitch Blue. iTX automates ingest of media and metadata and allows automated asset renaming and segmentation based on individual-station business rules, saving time and improving accuracy, which means operators are focused on tasks that increase revenue instead of repetitive tasks.

Version 2.6 also streamlines playout of simulcast channels with independent graphics insertion using Grass Valley’s Vertigo XG inside iTX — seamlessly controlled from a single interface. This reduces hardware requirements while allowing channels to have truly independently branded SD/HD channels.

“iTX safeguards revenue for thousands of channels every day from small stations to the largest facilities running in excess of 250 channels, further illustrating that iTX can expand with broadcasters’ needs,” says Cronk. “At NAB, we’ll demonstrate how iTX can help broadcasters embrace IP and 4K.”