New Compix ChannelBrander Adds Functionality to Tightrope’s Cablecast Station-Automation System

Compix, a developer of professional character generators (CGs), has released ChannelBrander, a low-cost, broadcast-quality logo-branding and RSS crawl solution for the Cablecast TV-station-automation system from Tightrope Media Systems. ChannelBrander provides the same robust feature set and creation tools as in the newly enhanced Compix NewsScroll system while leaving graphics playout to the Cablecast system.

“Because viewers search for content on local cable channels through channel surfing rather than through a program guide, there is a clear need in the local cable market for a straightforward channel-branding solution,” said Richard Turner, regional sales manager for Tightrope Media Systems.

Cablecast can be operated through a Web browser. Users enter program information once, and the software does the rest. Programs can be dragged into the software, which schedules them for playout, promotes them on the bulletin board, publishes them to the cable operator’s Website, sends the schedule to TV Guide, generates programming reports, transcodes program files, and offers them live and on-demand on the Web. ChannelBrander integrates into Cablecast and into the station workflow.

In addition to providing a flexible means of adding RSS crawls or turning bugs and IDs on and off as needed, the Compix system enables the operator to provide emergency alerts and critical community information without moving away from programming. This functionality can be used to put “see it again” information on-screen to draw viewers to repeat programs or future shows.

ChannelBrander also allows the user to add time-based titling information. Tied in with Cablecast, it can automatically add “live” and “prerecorded” graphics downstream according to the program schedule. This model eliminates the need to edit video or remove “live” when content is being rebroadcast.

“Working with Tightrope Media Systems, we’ve created a solution that further reduces the burden of maintaining cable channels while conveying not only branding images but also critical community messaging and helpful program information,” said Compix President Veronica Kim.

The new Compix system provides functionality at an appealing price point and is available in analog, SD-SDI, and HD versions and as part of the Cablecast system out of the box, not as an add-on. It can also be integrated into other automation systems or upgraded to a full-featured Compix CG at a nominal cost.