OASYS automated playout wins MediaCorp multi-channel playout deal

OASYS Automated Playout, the pioneer of automated playout solutions, announced today that it has won a multi-channel playout deal for MediaCorp’s Toggle platform. Toggle is MediaCorp’s over-the- top service, offering entertainment, information and news online, on smart phones, tablets and smart TVs for an uninterrupted and engaging viewing experience.

MediaCorp first engaged with OASYS shortly before the requirement for playout of four existing channels and one new channel was put out to tender. OASYS was one of several companies invited to participate and was awarded the contract for the playout of five channels in December 2012 on the strength of evaluation, proof of concept and budget.

Four of the channels are IP-in-IP-out systems with a fifth channel SDI in and IP out. Together with a local systems integrator OASYS designed a workflow that integrates to MediaCorp’s own bespoke traffic and scheduling system, allowing MediaCorp to feed a base schedule as well as real-time updates over IP which registers to change the live scheduling information via a graphical plugin. OASYS also created unique channel branding incorporating a Twitter feed update in collaboration with the MediaCorp design team.

The workflow was designed to allow MediaCorp to operate the channels remotely and for resilience backup servers. An OASYS software-based UDP Router provides redundancy capability.

James Ng, Sales Director Asia Pacific at OASYS, says: “We are pleased to be able to offer MediaCorp this resilient, IP-based solution which marks the first full mixed-format input and IP output implementation of the OASYS platform, moving away from the traditional model of baseband input and output.”

SEOW Yoke Kong, VP of Technology Services, Interactive Media, MediaCorp, adds: “Utilisation of the OASYS solution has not only given us enhanced functionality but also total trust in our service stability which allows us to deliver our Toggle services to viewers with complete confidence.”

The first channel was successfully launched in early June and subsequent channels have been launching on every two to four weeks with 8I, 987 TV and Toggle Eve already live. Toggle Kids and Toggle Movies are expected to launch in the next four to eight weeks.