IBC 2018: Octopus launches latest update of newsroom computer system

Octopus Newsroom has chosen the 2018 International Broadcasting Convention as the launch platform for version 8.2 of the Octopus newsroom computer system. This latest version includes a wide range of improvements designed to make the world’s most operator-friendly NRCS even easier to use.

“Working in a newsroom can be very exhilarating with stories coming in from all directions and the need to stay constantly alert for ‘the big one’,” comments Octopus Newsroom’s Marketing Manager Adam Kennedy-Ripon. “Our aim right from the start has been to ensure that the entire news production process is efficient and stress-free as humanly possible. Octopus achieves that with eye-friendly and brain-friendly GUIs which provide the tools needed for each specific task. Additional tools can be accessed quickly when required, enabling operators to switch between roles and even to operate third-party devices. In short, we have made the best even better.”

Version 8.2 adds a large number of GUI refinements and usability improvements including the ability to use Octopus assignments for enhanced long-term and short-term planning. Operators can now quickly create a new theme for a defined number of stories, describe how the theme should be handled, and define who will be assigned. Also added is a new feature which simplifies interviewee management. Story handling is enhanced to allow assignment-based grouping. When an assignment contains several versions of a story, all can now be grouped for easy overview.

New rundown capabilities speed up operations that are performed multiple times each day. A lot of story content that could only be edited in the story editor is now editable directly from the rundown. Operators also gain the ability to create new elements, or convert or delete existing ones, directly from the rundown. Character-generated text lines can now be displayed as first and last words. Octopus V8.2 also delivers close and fast integration with Viz Mosart and Opus newsroom automation without requiring any additional plugins.

Suitable for all types and levels of operation, from a single channel with just a few bulletins per day to full-scale 24/7 news networks, Octopus newsroom software runs natively on Linux, Microsoft Windows, and Apple OS X. Mobile apps are available for Google Android and Apple iOS tablets as well as smartphones. Octopus can be integrated into any MOS-compliant environment or workflow.