RTÉ picks up IBC Innovation Award for its FAST project

16 Sep 2013

Ireland’s State broadcaster RTÉ has won the prestigious IBC Innovation Award for its FAST file-based Content Management at the global broadcasting industry’s annual pow-wow in Amsterdam.

The project, which enabled the move from tapes to file-based content was a collaboration between RTÉ, TransMedia Dynamics (TMD) and Eurotek.

FAST – File Acquisition and Server Technology – was designed to allow RTÉ to move away from tape-based, labour-intensive operations.

The FAST project also ensures RTÉ is fully prepared for file-based programme delivery from its international and local suppliers, and it streamlines the delivery of content not just to terrestrial, cable and satellite in both standard definition and high definition, but to online and mobile platforms.

“The move towards handling RTÉ video content as files is evolutionary more than revolutionary,” said RTÉ director general Noel Curran.

“A key objective in RTÉ’s strategy is to lead within our sector. To remain relevant to our audiences, RTÉ must continue to embrace new technology. This win is important: it tells us that, even in challenging times, RTÉ has the vision, and the people, it needs to become the best public-service media organisation it can be.”

FAST will enable RTÉ to increase the amount of high-definition content it can make available currently on RTÉ Two and, over the coming months, also on RTÉ One.

“FAST is a key project for RTÉ as it enables us to realise a number of efficiencies and streamline the way we handle content,” said Richard Waghorn, chief technology officer, RTÉ.

“The heart of any file-based architecture is the asset management system, and FAST is key for supporting the move towards an end-to-end file-based workflow. One of the key aspects of this system is that workflows are not hard coded into the system, but rather FAST allows users to assemble their own pre-sets and routines, and build them into workflows themselves,” Waghorne said.

Broadcasting image via Shutterstock

John Kennedy is a journalist who served as editor of Silicon Republic for 17 years

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