ITV SignPost selects AmberFin iCR for HD workflow

The UK’s leading supplier of British Sign Language (BSL) on-screen services, SignPost, has specified AmberFin iCR at the core of its new HD file-based production and delivery workflow. SignPost is part of ITV, and the latest project represents one component of the broadcaster’s five-year transformation plan.

Deployed at SignPost’s Gateshead HQ, the iCR system is being used in a number of different operating modes. Initially serving a media file playback and capture function to replicate existing VTR to VTR workflows, the system now supports file split and stitch, format transcode and SD/HD standards conversion operations.

SignPost – which delivers content for distribution platforms including TV, video, DVD, the Internet and mobile apps – was originally attracted to AmberFin iCR due to its compatibility with the BSL provider’s chosen digital production partnership file format, AVC-I Op1a MXF. In addition, the fact that it offers additional functionality including a fully licensed Harding FPA algorithm was felt to count in its favour.

Andy Tennant, controller of technology, production and facilities at ITV, comments: “iCR’s module-based purchase model and AmberFin’s willingness to adapt and develop the platform to meet some specific metadata handling requirements made the company a natural partner for us. Having a platform as versatile as AmberFin iCR comes in very handy: it works well with most file types and codecs. When ad-hoc work requires de-interlacing, re-scaling or transcoding, iCR is quick and easy to set up new profiles and always gives great quality output.”