SQUID NTK is a new product that fully integrates with TriCaster multi-camera video production systems in a seamless and transparent way. Programmed in collaboration with NewTek’s Developer Network, the platform automates TV stations’ workflows for staffed and unattended operations. It adds new working modes that enhance combined technologies from Squid and NewTek for customers.
SQUID NTK workflow
Combining SQUID with TriCaster brings new power to play-out, media asset management, commercial and production scheduling, broadcast auditing and on-screen graphic tools. It allows TriCaster, a leading and respected production system, to turn into a fully automated broadcasting station.
SQUID NTK es perfect for colleges, production companies, community, religious or thematic channels and cable or air TV stations.
SQUID NTK workflow
Files and video ingest
Scheduling and Auditing
Advance On-Screen Graphics
Playout Control
Main features
- A low cost/high performance, integral solution.
- A/V on IP output integrated with TriCaster.
- Running modes:
· TriCaster control: TriCaster manages SQUID as a studio play-out.
· SQUID control: SQUID controls TriCaster for automatic play-out.
or unattended broadcasting.
- Multiformat SD/HD playout.
- Real time Up/Down conversion with A.F.D. dynamic control.
- Playlist modification during playback.
- DDR play-out mode for studio control.
- Automated on-screen graphics: hour, temperature, animated logos,
variable text and animated text for lower thirds.
- Generate and export broadcast reports.
- Integration with Twitter and YouTube.
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PLAYER – PLAY-OUTS CONTROL
Player module:
Audio and video output:
Remotely controls the video engine server playback channels. It allows a secure and dynamic operation to modify playlists in real time. Even during playback.
Users control:
Allows different access levels in accordance to permissions granted by the system admin.
Customized interface:
It allows operators to customize their interfaces and associate them to their profiles, for easy access.
Multiformat playlist:
Enables the playback of clip sequences with different file formats.
Graphic caption:
It manages preset graphics and can add new graphic or modify variable text (such as temperature).
Play-out modification even during playback:
The playlist can be easily modified even during its playback. This enables a smooth and reliable operation.
Control up to 8 channels per interface:
An operator may control or monitor up to eight channel per interface divided in two groups of four channels. The monitoring or supervision mode allows control of all the operator’s actions through the net, in real time.
Seek function:
You can start playing a clip at any point. In case broadcasting is interrupted, the seek function lets you continue a film from where it left of. You can also break a clip into many sub clips (e.g. generating smaller broadcast blocks from an entire movie).
DDR mode:
Switch from standard to studio broadcast mode. Control clips playback with slow-motion and frame-to-frame tools, using a jog/shuttle.
On-screen preview:
Shows the clip being played on the interface with VU-meters and Closed Caption information.
Panic keys:
F1 to F8 keys immediately bring on air up to 8 preset playlists. Panic keys usually solve problems such as losing a satellite signal.
GPI/GPO:
You can trigger playlists using input GPI pulses. Consequently, the system provides a GPO stating the playlist has finished, in order to trigger external events.
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ENGINE - MULTI-FORMAT PLAY-OUT
Control audio and video playback hardware on SQUID workflows.
Audio and video output:
They may vary according to hardware. It usually runs compound video, Y/C, (YUV) components and SDI in SD and HD version. Audio outputs are balanced analog, SDI embedded and AES/EBU as an optional.
External A/V switching:
Automatic switching between internal playing and a video input.
SD/HD:
Broadcast SD/HD mixed playlist. The system does the up or down conversion on the fly. It will select the right aspect ratio conversion according to A.F.D. rules (e.g. letterbox or crop in a 16:9 to 4:3 conversion).
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SCHEDULER - MULTI-CHANNEL SCHEDULING AND AUDIT
Scheduler module:
Layout your commercial and programing broadcast and generate reports to audit each scheduling.
Users control:
Allows different access levels in accordance to permissions granted by the system admin.
Customized interface:
It allows operators to customize their interfaces and associate them to their profiles, for easy access.
Sync with traffic and accounting software:
The Scheduler module imports content directly from Traffic or Accounting software to automate advertising. It can also export broadcasting reports for audit and invoicing systems. This is an optional feature since it needs to be arranged for each client’s software.
SQL server database with programmed backup:
Squid runs on a centralized SQL Server Database. To ensure information integrity, the database backup is automatically carried out.
24-hour scheduled mode:
Unattended stations can program their entire broadcast. Works with tools that show the difference between scheduled time and total clip time.
Unlimited schedules:
Create unlimited numbers of schedules. Great for separating each channel commercial blocks or creating different news or programs blocks.
Programmed pauses:
Easily define interruptions (pauses) in any playlist. This function helps managing advertisements or clips during live events. Supports copy-paste and drag-and-drop functionality.
Broadcasting reports:
Control your TV station performance and generate broadcasting certifications for invoicing.
Clips preview:
Preview any clip available on the server through your user interface.
On-screen graphic management:
Create graphic templates and manage how they superimpose during broadcast.
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MEDIA MANAGER - MULTI-FORMAT INGEST – M.A.M. and ARCHIVING
Easily ingest and manage your TV station’s footage.
Users control:
Allows different access levels in accordance to permissions granted by the system admin.
Customized interface:
It allows operators to customize their interfaces and associate them to their profiles, for easy access.
Audio levels adjustment:
Visualize and tweak audio levels in order to normalize them prior to capture.
Input device selection:
Identify and select the input device from where the capture is made. This avoids having to connect and disconnect devices to the system.
SQUID LoopRecorders browsing:
Browse SQUID LoopRecorders through the net which are usually recording satellite feeds, and export segments (news, programs blocks, etc.) to the editing centers or the broadcast servers.
File exporting:
Export files in different formats to use them inside or outside the SQUID workflow.
File importing:
Import broadcast file formats to the system.
Export presets:
Associate a specific profile (format and destination path) with a function key, for ordinary exporting tasks. For example, F1 key can be preset to export news from satellite capturers to a non-linear editor in a specific file format.
Background exporting process:
Keep working on capture and clip selection while your content exports on the background, through batch processing.
M.A.M. functions:
Catalogs files according to different criteria (category, date, etc.) and a description field, during the ingest process. The database supports queries to retrieve such clips or segments, according to the mentioned criteria. Searching locally or remotely if the working station is connected to the network.
Closed Caption management:
Adds Closed Caption information to one clip without re-encoding its media. The Closed Caption is shown on the preview interfaces, for easy control.
S.A.P. management:
Adds audio description information to one clip without re-encoding its media.
File functions:
Online, nearline and offline storage are defined in the system. Repositories and storage/recovery of historical clips are managed according to capacity and storage criteria. Offline storage supports different backup media (e.g. optical discs or LTO).
Graphic management:
It manages preset graphics and complex templates, adding new graphic or creating variable text (such as temperature). It also connects SQUID’s plugins to YouTube and Twitter.
