GV STRATUS and Aspera webinar

We recently run a webinar with our partners at Aspera describing in detail our integration between GV STRATUS and the fasp protocol.

You can watch the webinar recording here....

For more details about our Aspera integration with GV STRATUS, you can check previous posts in this blog:

GV STRATUS integration with Aspera FASP protocol

IBC 2014 DAY 2: fast remote transfers with GV STRATUS 4.0

For any question concerning this subject contact regis.andre@grassvalley.com or beatriz.alonso-martinez@grassvalley.com

Holiday spirit!

Happy holidays from the GV STRATUS team 

Here's to a prosperous 2015 full of exciting challenges!

For any question concerning this subject contact regis.andre@grassvalley.com or beatriz.alonso-martinez@grassvalley.com

GV STRATUS V4.0 has been released!

Hot off the press! Contact your Grass Valley representative to discuss your upgrade.

For any question concerning this subject contact regis.andre@grassvalley.com or beatriz.alonso-martinez@grassvalley.com

TV Cultura Upgrades Production Workflow System with Grass Valley's GV STRATUS Application Framework

One more customer is joining the GV STRATUS user community. Read more here.


For any question concerning this subject contact regis.andre@grassvalley.com or beatriz.alonso-martinez@grassvalley.com

GV STRATUS integration with Aspera FASP protocol

We have just released a new application note describing in detail the functionality and configuration for our tight API integration with the Aspera FASP protocol for exchanging media between GV STRATUS and remote locations.

Learn how you can significantly speed up transfers out/in to your GV STRATUS systems, between field editors, remote clients and multi-site facilities, using workflow rules and the Aspera fast transfer technology...

View and download the full Application Note here

For any question concerning this subject contact regis.andre@grassvalley.com or beatriz.alonso-martinez@grassvalley.com

One single EDIUS application for Standalone and GV STRATUS mode...

With the impending release of GV STRATUS v4.0, we have made improvements to our EDIUS integration. In previous releases, the user had to choose a different application launch icon whether they wanted to run EDIUS within the GV STRATUS mode or standalone, and logging on to GV STRATUS limited some of the features within EDIUS in order to reduce complexity. However, some editors were missing some of the advanced capabilities from EDIUS such as changing project settings, or modifying some of their user preferences.



From GV STRATUS version 4.0, there is a single launch icon for EDIUS, and the user can decide whether they want to work in standalone mode (not connected to the asset management system) or whetehr to log on to GV STRATUS.


When working in a collaborative environment, if needing access to other user's work, such as highlights or rough cuts, or to easily search for content in the K2 storage, the user can choose to log on to GV STRATUS.


If the editor is working away from the production facility without connectivity to the rest of the system, they can continue to work in standalone mode, simply editing from local storage. When ready to send material back to central storage, they can simply log on to GV STRATUS and send the edited content. The final edit can be conformed either locally first by EDIUS, or remotely by the GV STRATUS render engine in the remote facility, which will need access to the local files via WAN connection.



Equally, it is possible to mix local content from the field together with media from the GV STRATUS/K2 system. EDIUS will automatically use the proxy media from the remote content, which will be live streamed via http protocol and cached locally for speedy access.The final edit, containing a mixture of local and remote media, will be conformed by the GV STRATUS render engine via WAN access.

In another example, the editor can start work with local content whilst in the field, and then return to the production facility, connect their workstation to the network, and log on to GV STRATUS to send the final edit to GV STRATUS/K2.


All of the features available in EDIUS Elite are now fully enabled when logged on to GV STRATUS, whether working remotely or within the facility, meaning there are no more limitations when editing with EDIUS as part of a GV STRATUS environment. The user can create their own project and user presets, or use those predetermined by the GV STRATUS site settings. The choice is theirs!

Of course, when logged on to GV STRATUS, EDIUS users get the full power of the asset management capabilities: easily finding content, powerful searches and, now, permissions whereby supervisors can choose to expose certain media to specific users, or provide read-only access to protected content.

This is great news for EDIUS Elite users who were missing EDIUS' advanced capabilities when they logged on to GV STRATUS. No limits now. Try it and see!


For any question concerning this subject contact regis.andre@grassvalley.com or beatriz.alonso-martinez@grassvalley.com

GV STRATUS DIGITAL MEDIA PUBLISHING CAPABILITIES, part 3 - live inserts for web and mobile channels

In our third and final blog post in our GV STRATUS Digital Media Publishing series, we will focus on redeploying content from a live show to web and mobile channels, including live inserts.

As we said in previous 2 posts in this series, harnessing the power and capabilities of GV STRATUS, Grass Valley can address a number of Digital Media Workflows:

1. Newsroom Video-On-Demand publishing via preset-driven GV STRATUS watch folders (read the post)
2. Automated segmentation Video-On-Demand publishing through Ignite Konnect with GV STRATUS (read the post)
3. Live streaming with rights management content replacement and hyper-client-based targeted ad insertion via Ignite processing, being managed by GV STRATUS 
4. 24/7 web & mobile TV as-live channels with live inserts for syndication on portals, broadcaster website, and/or mobile app and mobile TV - the focus of today's post

Case 4 above provides the ability to extend the management of a channel from strictly on-air to add web and mobile devices with unique programming that addresses the online community. 

Non-traditional broadcast media outlets, such as newspapers and major online portals, have been actively focusing on implementing video on the web in local markets. Consumer demand is starting to drive media outlets to produce and deliver hyper-local channels targeting specific content categories.

Combining the production power and flexibility of GV STRATUS and Ingite, multiple online and/or mobile channels can be configured to run 24/7 with targeted content pertinent to the syndicated publication point. The playlist can be setup manually to auto-populate based on rules established within GV STRATUS. Specified story categories such as “traffic,” “weather,” and “breaking news” can be set up within the channel playlist. They can also be set up to change dynamically throughout the day, and Ignite can break into the schedule with live programming. Join-in-progress resumes after the live cut-in. For each category, the content can be automatically replaced with an advert, bumper or promo that is relevant to the specific platform that is being delivered to (website, mobile....), and according to the geographical location of the audience. 

This level of workflow automation truly allows content providers to maximize content and resources whilst increasing revenue sources.

You can learn more about how Ignite automates the process of segmenting the live stream and replacing content, from our previous GV STRATUS Digital Media Publishing blog entries: "GV STRATUS DIGITAL MEDIA PUBLISHING CAPABILITIES, part 2 - Automated Segmentation and Video-on-Demand publishing" and "GV STRATUS DIGITAL MEDIA PUBLISHING CAPABILITIES, part 1 - NEWS".

For any question concerning this subject contact regis.andre@grassvalley.com or beatriz.alonso-martinez@grassvalley.com

More improvements for reduced-scale GV STRATUS systems

Following the great success of GV STRATUS at IBC 2014, we would like to, first, thank all our customers and partners for the interest and support shown during the 5 days of the show. Our 3 GV STRATUS pods were extremely busy and visitors were impressed with all the new features and workflows we introduced: user permissions, Aspera integration and many more.

Specifically for this show we wanted to show how a relatively small, and very affordable system, could provide a huge variety of workflows and support hundreds of user requirements. For the first time in a trade show, we chose not to have a K2 SAN with GV STRATUS, but a number of K2 Standalone Summits all with a GV STRATUS Express core server (the smallest of the core servers we offer). 

Among the new features in GV STRATUS v4.0 that help keep system cost and size under control are: 

1. Our pre-existing conform and render engine now also performs porxy scavenge and encoding. This allows you to have a pool of identical engines where you can prioritise tasks as needed, without the need to purchase additional dedicated hardware.
2. This conform/render and scavenge engine can now run on the GV STRATUS Express core server. For systems that have very reduced production requirements (1-2 video servers, 1-2 user clients), this reduces even further the amount of hardware that you need to purchase for a fully-fledged GV STRATUS production and workflow management system.  
3. Such a small system can support up to 20 users with GV STRATUS clients with its full set of tools, or EDIUS XS low-res editors offering a wide range of post-production and editing tools. Users can work collaboratively sharing, editing, enhancing content simultaneously!

A fantastic solution for Sports Trucks: the power of 20 editing stations without having to carry around an SAN that is not meant to be carried around.

Contact us for further details on how GV STRATUS can serve you with affordable, portable, easy-to-use non-linear production systems.

For any question concerning this subject contact regis.andre@grassvalley.com or beatriz.alonso-martinez@grassvalley.com

IBC 2014 DAY 5: new capabilities with RMI tool...

The last day of IBC 2014 is here, and with it, most visitors and exhibitors must be feeling those tired feet.... In the spirit of closing day, we will cover a couple of simple but very powerful new features that we are introducing with GV STRATUS v4.0.

We have added some great improvements to our existing RMI tool (Removable Media Interface), which allows you to easily preview, pre-select and quickly import media from file-based cameras (e.g. XDCAM SxS, P2 cards...).

1. You can import the full set of camera metadata to GV STRATUS
During the shoot, the camera operator may have been adding different metadata information to the recorded material, or perhaps the producer added comments and markers on their way back to the station.

With our new metadata mapping tool, you can select the metadata fields from the camera format that you want to transfer to GV STRATUS and, voila! all those precious notes and comments are imported to GV STRATUS along with the video asset.

Magic!

2. RMI now works wonderfully with GV STRATUS low resolution clients
In other words, you do not have to invest on a high-spec client with high resolution connection to K2 storage in order to import your field camera content. Simply connect your camera or reader to your PC, navigate using RMI, choose your clips, and quickly import. You can even continue to do other GV STRATUS work whilst the import takes place in the background.

Easy!

And cheap! No longer you need to invest in high-resolution connected workstations. The standard newsroom / production low-res client will perform this operation, allowing many more of your users to work with their field footage before importing it to the K2 storage in high resolution.

And just in case you were wondering, we have of course implemented the new user permissions capabilities to the ability to import RMI media (or not!)....

Quick! - come and see us at booth 1.11D or visit our IBC microsite to book a demo!

It's been another exciting IBC for us, with a new version launch including great new features. We look forward to hearing your user feedback and implementing GV STRATUS v4.0 at many customer sites soon!

Keep an eye on the blog for more posts featuring more interesting features and workflows!

For any question concerning this subject contact regis.andre@grassvalley.com or beatriz.alonso-martinez@grassvalley.com

IBC 2014 DAY 4: new features on Ingest Scheduler with GV STRATUS 4.0

At GV STRATUS HQ not only we work hard to introduce new functionality and features to our tool-set, but also we are continuously looking to add improvements for existing tools. And this is what we have just done with the Ingest Scheduler on our new GV STRATUS v4.0

We have listened to lots of user feedback and implemented plenty of improvements to our crash record and scheduled ingest tool:

• Scalability: the Scheduler now supports up to 160 ingest channels! We have spent considerable effort to test at peak load and are satisfied that large ingest production facilities can now deploy our solution and scale as needed. 
• Channel Grouping: we have been asked a lot to implement the ability to group ingest channels, so that specific users or departments have dedicated channel groups. For example, say that the News Ingest team always users K2 Summit Channels 1 and 2, and the Sports team always uses Channels 3 and 4... Now you can create and name Ingest Channel groups so that it's easy and convenient for everyone to use their dedicated channels. 

• New Ingest monitor: a new monitoring list actively refreshes at pre-set time periods, so you can see at a glance all of the scheduled recordings and what is in progress now.

• Expand/collapse all button: small but powerful! When you have in excess of 3-4 recording channels, it's now very easy to quickly collapse them all to maximize your screen real-state, and equally, at the push of a button, expand them all in a flash!

As you can see, we strive to always make our tool-set more user-friendly, flexible and powerful... GV STRATUS simply aims to provide you with the best non-linear production and workflow tools in the market.

Come by our IBC 2014 booth 1.D11 or visit our IBC microsite to book a demo!

For any question concerning this subject contact regis.andre@grassvalley.com or beatriz.alonso-martinez@grassvalley.com

IBC 2014 DAY 3: sending finished clips in multiple formats with GV STRATUS 4.0

We are constantly listening to our users' feedback and, as well as user permissions, we are introducing a highly requested feature with GV STRATUS 4.0: the ability to send finished files to K2 destinations in different formats. 

For example, say that in your newsroom or production facility you air your content in both SD and HD. From the new release of GV STRATUS, you can now create multiple format destinations, and send your SD sequence and your HD sequence to different (or the same) K2 destination, perhaps one for the SD playout room and the other for HD purposes. 

Or maybe your facility produces news content in DVCPRO HD, but promos in AVC-I 100. Again, you can now create different format send destinations, and the producer or editor will be presented with the relevant choices and ensure the right content reaches the right playout or external location. 

Another winning feature introducing flexibility, speed and ease-of-use to your production environment with GV STRATUS 4.0!

Come by our IBC 2014 booth 1.D11 or visit our IBC microsite to book a demo!

More tomorrow, day 4!

For any question concerning this subject contact regis.andre@grassvalley.com or beatriz.alonso-martinez@grassvalley.com

IBC 2014 DAY 2: fast remote transfers with GV STRATUS 4.0

Do you need to send lots of large video files from your GV STRATUS/K2 system to remote locations outside your facility? Are you a field editor who wants to quickly transfer your high-resolution final edit ready for on-air, alongside with the rushes?

Look no more - at IBC 2014 we are launching our new tight integration between GV STRATUS 4.0 and Aspera fast delivery solutions, using their secure FASP protocol. This is not just a push/pull watch folder workflow: we have added the new protocol to our toolset via our RESTFUL API, allowing GV STRATUS users to simply use a check box or folder that will automatically transfer to remote sites using the Aspera FASP protocol (read more here). 

Once all basic configuration and servers have been set up at each end, all background operations are transparent to the user: using GV STRATUS workflow rules, different "send profiles" can be set up, so that, for example, Current affairs and Sports content are delivered to different destinations. All metadata information is also sent (Closed Captions, Metadata, Thumbnails). 

You can quickly send raw material from the field directly to the ingest folders within the GV STRATUS system, ready for a producer's review and editors work. Equally, you can send from a bureau to the central production office dramatically reducing transfer speeds and time-to-air. It is even possible to set up an email alert to send to the producer when content has arrived and is ready for them to check!

With this seamless integration of the Aspera fast delivery solutions within the GV STRATUS production environment, our users can now benefit from a considerably faster and secure file exchange (even with unstable and low-bandwidth WAN connections), reducing production cycles and getting programming to air much faster.

Come and see a demo at the GV booth, 1.D11 during this IBC. 

We are co-hosting a cocktail reception on Saturday at the Aspera booth, 7.G30, come and join us for more information, networking and cool bubbly!

For any question concerning this subject contact regis.andre@grassvalley.com or beatriz.alonso-martinez@grassvalley.com

IBC 2014 DAY 1: User Permissions with GV STRATUS v4.0!

Today, with the opening of IBC 2014, we are unveiling GV STRATUS v4.0!

A long list of new features, exciting workflows and tight 3rd party integrations arrives with this release, which will ship in the next few weeks.

We start with a bang! A new, long-awaited feature that we are introducing today is user permissions!

A number of specific users / groups (typically system administrators) can have the new role of "Security Manager". Using the GV STRATUS Control Panel, they can assign READ, WRITE, DELETE permissions per asset and / or per folder to specific users and / or groups.

This allows for very granular allocation of user permissions so that each user and group has access to the media assets they need, and no more. Equally, you can assign the correct level of interaction to read-only, or modify assets' properties or even delete, to specific areas of the system without everyone seeing everything. Of course, it is also possible to have certain assets or bins being accessible only by certain user(s).

We have even provided an option for system administrators to enable/disable security features as convenient. This is specially important for existing GV STRATUS customers who may want to take a gradual approach to implementing user permissions by carefully planning first and activate when ready, or when you have special events for which you need to override usual permissions and make temporary changes.

We will soon be releasing more information and updated user and configuration guides with full details.... If you'd like to learn more, do contact us on the email addresses below!

Come and see us at IBC, booth 1.11D or visit our IBC microsite to book a demo!

More tomorrow, day 2 of IBC 2014!

For any question concerning this subject contact regis.andre@grassvalley.com or beatriz.alonso-martinez@grassvalley.com

New GV STRATUS features to be revealed during IBC!

If you are attending the IBC convention in Amsterdam, do make sure to drop by our booth 1.D11 to witness the wide range of new functionality, features, workflows and new third party integrations that we are launching at the show.

Visit our IBC microsite to book a demo!

For those who are not travelling this time, great news! We will be publishing a series of daily blog entries revealing a new and exciting new GV STRATUS feature each day during the show, starting this Friday.

Subscribe to our blog to receive regular updates on new posts. Trust me, we have some very exciting new functionality that you will not want to miss!


For any question concerning this subject contact regis.andre@grassvalley.com or beatriz.alonso-martinez@grassvalley.com

Small Scale Production Workflows with GV STRATUS

More supporting documentation in advance of IBC 2014!

You already know GV STRATUS capabilities to be at the centre of large systems with mutli-production workflow requirements. At this IBC we are particularly emphasizing the capabilities of GV STRATUS for reduced-scale, reduced-production requirements, so please drop by Stand 1.D11 to see the fantastic flexibility and breadth of features offered by a GV STRATUS Express Core server working with K2 Standalone Summits.

To illustrate some of the many small-to-medium workflow requirements that GV STRATUS fulfills, we have just released this application note:

GV STRATUS for Reduced Scale Media Production Requirements

Come and see us at IBC, Stand 1.D11.
Guest registration: www.ibc.org / passcode: 16951

For any question concerning this subject contact regis.andre@grassvalley.com or beatriz.alonso-martinez@grassvalley.com

Using GV STRATUS Import Rules to ingest external files

As we ramp up to IBC 2014, we are releasing more helpful documentation to support our growing user based. Watch out for blog entries later this week to coincide with each day of the show.

Meanwhile, check out our latest application note on Import Rules and how they can facilitate multiple workflows and requirements to bring external content into your GV STRATUS / K2 system:

Using GV STRATUS Import Rules to Effectively Manage External Content Ingest

We are soon releasing more application notes... keep an eye out!

For any question concerning this subject contact regis.andre@grassvalley.com or beatriz.alonso-martinez@grassvalley.com

GV STRATUS at IBC 2014!

We can't wait to attend IBC again this year, as we have many new and exciting new GV STRATUS features to share with you!!

The new release of GV STRATUS will introduce great benefits to your workflow with new asset management features, more 3rd party integration and a whole bunch of improvements....

Come and see us at IBC, Stand 1.D11.
Guest registration: www.ibc.org / passcode: 16951


For any question concerning this subject contact regis.andre@grassvalley.com or beatriz.alonso-martinez@grassvalley.com

GV STRATUS DIGITAL MEDIA PUBLISHING CAPABILITIES, part 2 - Automated Segmentation and Video-on-Demand publishing

In a series of Blog Posts, we are discussing the different options and features provided by GV STRATUS for publishing content to different digital media platforms. 

As we said in part 1 of this series, harnessing the power and capabilities of GV STRATUS, Grass Valley can address a number of Digital Media Workflows:

1. Newsroom Video-On-Demand publishing via preset-driven GV STRATUS watch folders
2. Automated segmentation Video-On-Demand publishing through Ignite Konnect with GV STRATUS
3. Live streaming with rights management content replacement and hyper-client-based targeted ad insertion via Ignite processing, being managed by GV STRATUS
4. 24/7 web & mobile TV as-live channels with live inserts for syndication on portals, broadcaster website, and/or mobile app and mobile TV

In this blog entry, we will briefly describe automated segmentation Video-On-Demand publishing through Ignite Konnect with GV STRATUS. 

Taking advantage of the great integration between Ignite and Newsroom Computer Systems, reporters, producers and directors can set up automatic story segmentation from within the story script. When the newscast is aired, Ignite will automatically initiate a recording of the show, and subclip each story automatically according to the segment markers added in the newsroom system during the production process. 

Once the segments are automatically created, GV STRATUS rules can be applied according to pre-defined publication profiles, so that each story is uploaded to a video-on-demand platform or website for immediate streaming via mobile applications or social media. This automated workflow reduces considerably the manual labour for operators to segment the live newscast after the event and publish the stories sometimes hours later. With GV STRATUS and Ignite, stories can be available online seconds after being broadcast.

Not only this increases speed and efficiency, giving you the edge over the competition to have the latest content online, but also provides immediate feedback from consumers as to what stories are most popular, hence allowing producers to make informed decisions about the content they cover and publish. 

This is just another example of how GV STRATUS can streamline and automate your Digital Media Publishing to maximize efficiency and increase throughput!

For any question concerning this subject contact regis.andre@grassvalley.com or beatriz.alonso-martinez@grassvalley.com

REMOTE SENDS PART 1: Multisite and remote workflows with GV STRATUS

In a 3-part series of posts, we are going to cover the various workflows and requirements to share content between remote locations, and how GV STRATUS provides you with the tools and flexibility to choose the most suitable workflow for you.

GV STRATUS supports Wide Area Network (WAN)-based workflows that enable multisite media search, browse and transfers from GV STRATUS clients across distributed facilities, whether within the same site or from remote field locations.

The GV STRATUS system uses progressive download to display low-resolution proxy video of assets from remote sites. This minimizes the effect of a slower load time when you load an asset into Inspector or some other GV STRATUS viewer. Progressive download selectively downloads and caches the portion of the low-resolution proxy video asset just before and after the current scrub bar position in the video player, until finally the entire proxy file asset is downloaded. As long as the GV STRATUS application remains open, the downloaded proxy asset remains locally available. If you load the proxy asset into the video player again, the GV STRATUS application uses the locally cached proxy file asset. 

Let's take a look....

GV STRATUS multisite and remote workflows provide efficient, low-cost, proxy-based workflows that allow the use of all tools from a local client, allowing for high-latency, low-bandwidth connections. 

For any question concerning this subject contact regis.andre@grassvalley.com or beatriz.alonso-martinez@grassvalley.com

GV STRATUS Advanced Logger

The Advanced Logging tool has been part of GV STRATUS since the very early versions and we would like to remind all users of this great time-saving and customisable feature. 

It's designed for detailed logging of recorded / live events, and ideal for entry of very granular and customised metadata for sports, press conferences, debates.... 

Let's take a look....

For any question concerning this subject contact regis.andre@grassvalley.com or beatriz.alonso-martinez@grassvalley.com

How GV STRATUS interfaces with Archive systems

An important part of the digital media production lifecycle is the ability to archive high-resolution assets in a permanent archive system. This mandates that workflow orchestration platforms are seamlessly extended with content archiving capabilities.We have just published two Application Notes describing how GV STRATUS interfaces with digital archive systems. 

We have partnered with industry leaders in Hierarchical Storage Management Systems (HSM): Front Porch Digital, with their DIVArchive system, and Software Generation Limited with their FlashNet environment. Read all about our tight API integration with these systems, so that GV STRATUS users, such as producers, reporters, editors, librarians can send assets to the digital archive, review and restore (fully or partially) archived content: 

GV STRATUS DIVArchive Archiving Workflows Application Note

and

GV STRATUS SGL FlashNet Archiving Workflows Application Note

We are currently working with other HSM providers for GV STRATUS to interface to. Watch this space for further announcements!

If, on the other hand, your installation does not include an HSM system, or you have your in-house digital archive solution, GV STRATUS can easily interface to generic archive systems via FTP. High resolution media can be easily archived and restored (full restore only) using the GV STRATUS tools, and metadata can be exported/imported in xml format. GV STRATUS will maintain the asset full metadata and low-resolution media for easy search, review and restore.

Contact us if you would like to explore any of these integrations further.

For any question concerning this subject contact regis.andre@grassvalley.com or beatriz.alonso-martinez@grassvalley.com

GV STRATUS DIGITAL MEDIA PUBLISHING CAPABILITIES, part 1 - NEWS

In a series of Blog Posts, we will be discussing the different options and features provided by GV STRATUS for publishing content to different digital media platforms. 

Harnessing the power and capabilities of GV STRATUS, Grass Valley can address a number of Digital Media Workflows:

1. Newsroom Video-On-Demand publishing via preset-driven GV STRATUS watch folders
2. Automated segmentation Video-On-Demand publishing through Ignite Konnect with GV STRATUS
3. Live streaming with rights management content replacement and hyper-client-based targeted ad insertion via Ignite processing, being managed by GV STRATUS
4. 24/7 web & mobile TV as-live channels with live inserts for syndication on portals, broadcaster website, and/or mobile app and mobile TV

In this blog entry, we will briefly describe publishing from the newsroom to different outlets, which is now a requirement, rather than a “nice to have” workflow. Long-form content, user-generated content (UGC), and breaking news all play a role in driving digital media engagement to various points of distribution. This can range from television websites and apps to social media platforms and other points of syndication including Google, Yahoo, and other application service provider (ASP) portals, to network news websites and online video platform (OVP) outlets. 

In such a situation, media journalists, editors, producers, and news directors are challenged to publish quality-driven content with depth and/or significant time-based interest. An example would be pushing out breaking news at a high throughput that keeps viewers engaged, coming back often, and interacting to keep stories or events at the top of the viewers’ mind, which in turn provides feedback that drives more content based on user preferences and interests. Therefore, the objective with this workflow is to make it easy-to-use or transparent for non-technical personnel. The associated objective is to eliminate errors in the publishing process through reliable, categorized, and preset driven publication point bins or watch folders.

With GV STRATUS, this can be easily achieved using workflow bins (watch folders) for long-form content, UGC, and/or breaking news by category that include publication point profiles and actions based on preset rules for automated publication. These are augmented with selectable publish immediately or wait for approval processing for the editorial approval process.

For example, we can easily create a check-box or drop-down field within the GV STRATUS application, which allows reporters, producers, editors to choose a specific publishing destination, and with one single operation request that media is transcoded to, for example, a Windows Media 9 file, and then exported to the video-on-demand shared location, where the web Content Management System or VOD platform will access the file and automatically upload to the relevant webpage. This is an example of Grass Valley's video-on-demand website at NBA 2014, where files were published from the show floor using GV STRATUS: 

For further information on our Digital Media Publishing workflows with GV STRATUS, do contact us: regis.andre@grassvalley.com or beatriz.alonso-martinez@grassvalley.com 

GV STRATUS WORKFLOWS WITH NON-K2 SAN SYSTEMS

Did you know that GV STRATUS works extremely well with K2 Standalone Summits and K2 Solo servers?

To take advantage of most of the great features and workflows offered by GV STRATUS, a K2 SAN is not required. It is possible to have a highly powerful, versatile and flexible system based around smaller-scale storage such as that offered by our K2 servers.

MOBILE PRODUCTION

For example, let’s say we are covering an outdoors event with an OB truck. With a low-cost, small-scale system consisting of a single K2 Summit 3G, a GV STRATUS Express Core Server and a couple of GV STRATUS clients, you can

1. Ingest live feeds using the GV STRATUS Scheduler, then search, catalogue and edit growing files
2. Import XDCAM/P2 content straight from the camera crew with GV STRATUS RMI: preview, select and combine clips using a high resolution client before importing into the K2 Summit storage.
3. Set up workflow rules so that files delivered via file transfers, downloads or email can be automatically and seamlessly imported to K2 Summit and low-resolution content created simultaneously.
4. Using an EDIUS XS low-resolution editor, or an EDIUS Elite high-resolution client, edit-in-place on the K2 Summit and conform final edits ready for playout or send to other destinations.
5. Live playout by creating playlists and controlling K2 Summit ports, including background loops, bumpers and replays.
6. You can add a K2 Dyno to the mix, and have full access from GV STRATUS to all highlights and playlists created on-the-fly by the replay operator. 

NEWS

These solutions are not limited to mobile or live production. It is extremely suitable also for production requirements serving small user groups with reduced storage requirements and tight budgets. A small newsroom, for example, can function on a system of similar size, including an ingest K2 Summit, and a playout K2 Summit, both under GV STRATUS control. Add a Newsroom Computer System such as ENPS, Octopus or Open Media, and you have an end-to-end solution for news production indulging ingest, editing and playout, with live feedback to the producers and reporters working on their scripts and rundowns.

GV STRATUS plug-in within the Octopus NRCS

To learn more about small-scale, low-cost GV STRATUS solutions, get in touch!

For any question concerning this subject contact regis.andre@grassvalley.com or beatriz.alonso-martinez@grassvalley.com

GV STRATUS field editing with EDIUS Elite

GV STRATUS, together with EDIUS Elite, now provides the ideal solution for field-based editors who need to mix local content with content remotely stored in their central facility. With an EDIUS Elite workstation in the field, you can integrate with the GV STRATUS system at your home site to combine both field and home assets on the same timeline.

For example, if I am a reporter or producer who is travelling in the field, shooting some important footage, and I want to be able to edit it together with some stock shots or a feed stored on the K2 server back at base, I can now do that with GV STRATUS, EDIUS Elite and a fairly standard internet connection. 

Once I finish shooting, I go back to my hotel, connect to the GV STRATUS system back a base (say in the newsroom or my central production house). I will then be able to search the K2 production storage using GV STRATUS comprehensive search tools. I can then bring the clips I need to my EDIUS Elite project bin and start editing it together with my locally-shot content. 

Whilst the local content is in high resolution (as I've just recorded it with my field camera), the remote media I'm bringing from GV STRATUS will be streamed in proxy. No need to copy the files to my local drive. I simply stream and edit. 

Field Editing integration with GV STRATUS provides the following:

• Add assets you have procured in the field to the timeline. These are high-resolutions assets stored on the local EDIUS Elite workstation.
• Access assets from the home GV STRATUS system as proxy media.
• Mix the home site proxy assets and the local high-resolution assets on the same project/timeline.
• Send the completed project/sequence to the home GV STRATUS system. The project/sequence is rendered and becomes a GV STRATUS asset.

You can drag assets from the GV STRATUS Asset List and drop them onto the EDIUS Elite timeline.

From the timeline that contains both high-resolution field assets and proxy home assets, you can create a project or a story. You can do this while you are in the field yet remotely connected to the GV STRATUS system at your home site. EDIUS Elite allows mixed-format editing as it converts between HD and SD resolutions, aspect ratios, and frame rates in real time during rendering by the GV STRATUS Render Engine at the home site.

Field Editing removes the distance barrier, giving field personnel an editing experience identical to the one they would enjoy in the newsroom with the same access to central newsroom content. By mixing newsroom proxy with locally shot full resolution clips the field user can create finished product with no missing scenes or “black holes”. There is no need to transfer full resolution content to the field since a smart conform server at base will automatically find the full resolution content for any shots covered by proxy in the field.

For any question concerning this subject contact regis.andre@grassvalley.com or beatriz.alonso-martinez@grassvalley.com

GV STRATUS Scheduler now supports multicam recordings.

Here's a great new feature that we have added with our release of GV STRATUS 3.5.

Using the Scheduler tool you can now control K2 Summit channels in multicam mode, effectively creating 2 discrete clips with a single channel of K2 ingest (you will need the ChannelFlex option enabled on your K2 Summit).

This greatly extends the Scheduler's flexibility by providing an excellent solution to Studio recordings with multiple camera sets (with matching timecode, making it easier to do multicam editing).

You can apply all of the existing options of the Scheduler such as crash recording, recurrent scheduled bookings, templates, live streaming preview, etc.


For any question concerning this subject contact:
Bea Alonso: beatriz.alonso-martinez@grassvalley.com
Régis André: regis.andre@grassvalley.com

How to edit with external audio and graphics files with Edius XS

With every new release of GV STRATUS, we add new features and functionality to Edius XS.
The ability to bring in external graphics (such as stills, maps, thumbnails, etc) and audio (pre-recorded voice over, music tracks, etc) into your low-res edit, is essential for quick and efficient collaborative workflows.

In this video, we show you the new capabilities to edit non-STRATUS audio and graphics files as part of your proxy timeline within Edius XS. This greatly increases the options for all users who want to quickly add a graphic or audio file into their edit without having to import into GV STRATUS/K2 first.

For any question concerning this subject contact:
Bea Alonso: beatriz.alonso-martinez@grassvalley.com
Régis André: regis.andre@grassvalley.com

GV STRATUS 3.5 RELEASE IS OUT!!

http://www.grassvalley.com/products/gv_stratus

We are happy to announce our release of GV STRATUS 3.5 with lots of new goodies, features and powerful workflows! Click here for a summary of everything that is new....

We have already covered some of the new functionality in this blog recently, such as Import Rules for User-Generated Content, updates to our Adobe Premiere Pro integration, added improvements to our K2 Dyno integration, new features on Edius XS, etc.

Watch out for new blog entries soon covering some of the recent enhancements to GV STRATUS 3.5, one of many being our great Digital Media Publishing workflows.

We have also changed the way we provide our User and Configuration manuals, now presented on an easy-to-use and search downloadable html Topic Library,

GV STRATUS: a virtually unlimited and fully integrated set of production tools for all your live events, production, news and play out needs.

For any question concerning this subject contact:
Bea Alonso: beatriz.alonso-martinez@grassvalley.com
Régis André: regis.andre@grassvalley.com

GV STRATUS WITH ADOBE PREMIERE PRO

Continuing our streamlined integration with Adobe Premiere, we have made several improvements to our GV STRATUS plug-in for Adobe Premiere Pro.


Check out this video tutorial describing the workflow and integration....

For any question concerning this subject contact
Bea Alonso: beatriz.alonso-martinez@grassvalley.com
Régis André: regis.andre@grassvalley.com

GV STRATUS enhances collaborative workflows

Continuing on from the great import rule capabilities introduced with GV STRATUS 3.5, we now explore a quick, efficient and user-friendly workflow to share content remotely and automatically import user-generated content into your GV STRATUS / K2 production system.

Multiple users can be uploading content from the field to a shared folder, directly from their iPhone, or any other mobile devices. Or pushing content received by email or downloaded from the web.

In our example, we use a DropBox shared folder and show you how easy it is to let GV STRATUS take care of the back-end tasks and make media available to all users in one single step.

GV STRATUS new import rules rock! 

For any question concerning this subject contact:
Bea Alosno: beatriz.alonso-martinez@grassvalley.com
Régis André: regis.andre@grassvalley.com

NEW IMPORT RULES WITH GV STRATUS 3.5

The latest release of GV STRATUS, v3.5 introduces the ability to automatically import media and metadata to your K2/STRATUS system based on workflow rules. 

Part of the GV STRATUS Workflow engine, import rules provide broad ability for importing virtually all file types including user generated content, syndicated "store and forward" file delivery systems, and still images.

The rules and scope criteria are configured in GV STRATUS Control Panel. This video tutorial explains
how: 

• Rules will act on combinations of folder locations and file extensions.
• Accompanying metatada can be mapped to GV STRATUS database and imported to custom metadata fields.

Video content can be imported in the native format, or it can be put through a transcode engine before being imported on to the K2 storage. GV STRATUS seamlessly integrates with various third party transcode solutions such as Telestream Vantage, Harmonic Promedia Carbon and Elemental.

For any questions concerning this subject contact: 
Régis André: regis.andre@grassvalley.com 
Bea Alonso: beatriz.alonso-martinez@grassvalley.com 

STRATUS 3.5 and Transfers to Avid Mediacomposer

The latest STRATUS release will enable Transfers to and From Avid Mediacomposer/Newscutter, Symphony without the need of an Avid Transfer Manager. thus simplifying configuration and improving performances as well in transfer time.
Here is  a short video showing how easy it is to use.

For any question concerning this subject contact Régis André: regis.andre@grassvalley.com

GV STRATUS and Editing Closed Captions with Adobe Premiere

Increasing our tight integration with Adobe Premiere and edit-in-place with K2 and GV STRATUS, this video shows you how to edit and modify closed captioning using workflow rules and our excellent GV STRATUS plug-in inside Adobe Premiere.

For any question concerning this subject contact Régis André: regis.andre@grassvalley.com

The New Grass Valley, A Belden Brand

For any question concerning this subject contact Régis André: regis.andre@grassvalley.com