Tight integration between Tightrope Cablecast playout servers and Reflect cloud-based service extends video distribution beyond cable TV systems to the web
SAINT PAUL, Minnesota — Bethany Lutheran College (BLC)—a private, 4-year liberal arts college in Mankato, Minnesota—has installed an automated broadcast infrastructure from Tightrope Media Systems with cloud-based streaming to distribute programming for Community TV broadcaster KTV. The centralized workflow enables KTV, the public access and education/government (PEG) channels co-owned by the municipalities of Mankato and North Mankato, to dynamically schedule and deliver content to viewers on local cable TV systems and the web. BLC was contracted by the municipalities to assume control of the Community TV operation, formerly known as CCTV, earlier this year. For the March 2015 re-launch as KTV, BLC turned to Tightrope Media Systems for its expertise in helping PEG channels affordably deliver TV programming online—increasing viewership without incurring high expenses. This is achieved using Cablecast Reflect, Tightrope’s Internet video distribution service. “Since re-launching as KTV, the BLC team has given the channels a fresh, contemporary broadcast look and Web design while infusing new programming and creative energy,” said Greg Vandermause, BLC Production Studio Manager and KTV General Manager. “Using Reflect, Tightrope has helped us push the envelope on the way our channels are delivered, as well as how they look, to ensure they’ll be enticing and relevant to viewers well into the future.”
Reflect seamlessly interfaces with Cablecast Pro VOD and Live streaming servers to deliver high-quality, bandwidth-efficient H.264 streams to online viewers without taxing the college’s local network. Reflect optimizes bandwidth by automatically caching the content in the cloud after it’s initially viewed, enabling a virtually unlimited number of live and VOD streams online. Viewers can stream KTV content online live and on-demand at www.accessktv.org.
The Reflect solution also integrates with a Cablecast SX2HD dual-channel broadcast automation system to schedule and automatically deliver programs for traditional cable broadcasts, which will be upgraded to HD in the near future. Additionally, a Tightrope Carousel digital signage system to create and deliver a 24/7 ad-supported bulletin board featuring local announcements, with Carousel supporting reliable content playout in a continuous loop.
Vandermause notes that the Tightrope training team was instrumental in getting he and his staff trained and comfortable with the new equipment quickly.
“Since we were new to PEG management, I turned to the folks at Tightrope for help and spent some time at their nearby headquarters to get acquainted with the technology,” said Vandermause. “The short learning curve enabled us to jump in and immediately operate these channels in a professional manner.”
KTV’s public access channel is carried by Enventis Communications on separate HD and SD channels; and by Charter Communications in SD. Charter will begin carrying the channel in HD in 2017. Both providers carry the combination education/government channel in SD, featuring live city council and school board meetings, among other municipal events.
About Tightrope Media Systems
Founded in 1997, Tightrope Media Systems is the pioneer of web-centric digital signage and broadcast automation systems. It provides station automation, video servers, Internet video on demand, live streaming, the Carousel Digital Signage system, and ZEPLAY, a multi-channel instant replay machine for stadiums, arenas and Outside Broadcast vehicles. Tightrope's award winning systems are used throughout the world. You can reach Tightrope Media Systems at (866) 866-4118 or visit them on the web at http://www.trms.com.
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