Leading automation and integrated channel device specialist, Pebble Beach Systems, has announced that German national public television broadcaster ZDF (Zweites Deutsches Fernsehen) has transferred the playout of ZDFneo, ZDFkultur and ZDFinfo to Marina automation control. The milestone, which was reached earlier this week, means that all of ZDF’s ingest and playout across its five channels is now being handled by Marina, Pebble Beach Systems’ flagship automation solution. In addition, ZDF launched a new Marina ingest system to enable file-based workflows alongside the digitization of assets from video tape.  Following the successful implementation of a temporary Marina ingest solution, this new system now serves all five channels, using the Marina web-services API to interface with ZDF’s own in-house traffic and media management systems. Managing Director, Peter Hajittofi, announced the news today, confirming:
Building on the rich handling of media metadata that was already in service at ZDF, the new Marina ingest system now manages automated file ingest processes, driven by multiple external systems and a number of complex custom rules configured to match ZDF’s business requirements. We are proud to have reached this major milestone with ZDF, one of the leading broadcasters in the world, enabling them to continue their migration towards a file-based workflow. Marina’s distributed architecture allows a total of 35 multi-functional operator positions to have rights-controlled access across multiple segregated systems, alongside the new Marina Web Client for safe and cost-effective remote access.  This important installation now controls a total of 146 server ports and showcases Marina’s capabilities as a robust and flexible platform to support the most demanding operational requirements. It is an ideal fit for state broadcasters such as ZDF.
Like the ZDF and 3Sat channels that are already in service at ZDF, the playout facilities for ZDFneo, ZDFkultur and ZDFinfo feature Nexio servers under VDCP and API control, nearline attached storage from EMC, switchers and keyers from Evertz, router control from BFE, graphics from Viz, and logo and subtitle inserters from Miranda and FAB. Marina controls all these in addition to Sony and Panasonic VTRs for ingest and playout, and other sundry devices via Pebble Beach Systems’ own generic driver. About Pebble Beach Systems Pebble Beach Systems is a world leader in automation, channel in a box and integrated channel technology, with scalable products designed for multichannel transmission, news, sports and interactive television as well as content management, workflow and direct archive control. Installed in more than 60 countries and with proven systems ranging from single up to over 100 channels in operation, Pebble Beach Systems offers open, flexible systems which encompass ingest and workflow automation, and file-based workflows. For further information, please contact: Tom Gittins – Sales Director Email:   tom.gittins@pebble.tv Web:    www.pebble.tv Pebble Beach Systems is a Vislink company About Vislink plc The Vislink Group is a global technology business specialising in the collection and delivery of high quality video and associated data from the field to the point of usage. Vislink provides solutions to the broadcast market for the collection and play out management of live news, sport and entertainment events and to the surveillance market including defence, law enforcement and public safety customers for the delivery of secure video and data communications. With offices in the UK, USA, Brazil, UAE, and Singapore, Vislink employs over 300 people worldwide. Our solutions include the design and manufacture of microwave radio, satellite transmission, cellular, wireless camera systems and broadcast management software; our development and manufacturing operations are in the UK and the USA. The Company is listed on the London Stock Exchange. For further information, visit www.vislink.com. ### ENDS ###