This Issues Tech Tips
Trilithic has announced the integration of the EASyCAST EAS system with RGB Networks’ BNP (Broadcast Network Processor). This partnership allows both companies to deliver digital EAS messaging overlays directly in the DTV multicast format. As broadcasters are considering the implementation of this solution, some questions have been raised.
The consensus among digital television broadcasters is that the market must move to a scalable ASI-based, digital EAS solution due to multiple program content with their ATSC transport streams. The BNP further enhances this solution by utilizing its ability to zone EAS messages using FIPS codes. Zoned messages are then distributed to multiple output transport streams. The BNP receives digital EAS messages from the EASyCAST and overlays text crawls on selected–or all–programs within the DTV ATSC signal. Used as either a complete statistical multiplexing system–with EAS or just as an EAS overlay system–the economics are overwhelmingly in favor of this two-box solution which will cover as many programs as required in multiple ATSC streams.
There has been a lot of enthusiasm on the part of broadcasters when the product is demonstrated. The overall structure of the product allows the BNP to do what it does best – statistical re-multiplexing in an open-loop format, while handling all EAS message crawl insertions, with real-time audio PID substitution on all program streams with the ATSC transport stream.
Despite economic and regulatory concerns, there is a latent demand among broadcasters for digital EAS messaging overlays in the DTV multicast format. As FEMA settles on the exact specifications and deployment for the next-generation EAS system (based on CAP, common alerting protocol), Trilithic’s DTV broadcast solution will become a valuable tool for all broadcasters.
RGB Networks is fully committed to supporting digital broadcast.
Leveraging an extensive background in MPEG product development, RGB has the engineering resources necessary to refine the BNP as a new tool for the broadcast DTV marketplace.
Does this EAS DTV broadcast solution work for baseband, just like Trilithic’s Visionary HD/SD-SDI downstream keyer?
The EASyCAST/BNP works with ASI or GigE only, and is not an SDI solution, like the Visionary downstream keyer. The EASyCAST communicates over your network directly to the BNP. This EAS solution can be considered a part of a greater solution; the BNP provides the broadcaster with a statistical multiplexer, a rate shaper, and a high-quality content groomer while supporting program scheduling. Trilithic is the only supplier of this digital EAS solution for the broadcast DTV market.
Two updates for Compliance Assistant have recently been released. Version 3.10 of the software adds support for the newer encoder/decoder message logs. Version 3.12 adds several improvements to the time keeping and its relationship to message log downloading; a utility to download all available message logs in the event of a dramatic time adjustment; and allows the Scheduler to be initialized by Windows® on boot-up. Both software updates are available by contacting your Trilithic representative via email, at EASsales@trilithic.com.
Trilithic has released two updates for the EASyCAST Encoder/Decoder firmware and software. Version 7.05 of the software includes a variety of enhancements to improve the ease of use; refine the software operability; and several new features not found on previous versions. Version 7.07 is a software update to correct a known issue with Version 7.05. Both firmware/software updates are available at www.trilithicEAS.com, in the Firmware and Software Downloads section.
