Integration with the workflow

Viz Multichannel integrates seamlessly with existing channel traffic and scheduling solutions. It supports the import of playlists from all major traffic and automation systems.

Support for automation systems

Viz Multichannel’s integration with the automation system guarantees that every single element is played out at exactly the right time. After receiving a playlist from the traffic system, the automation takes control during playout, telling Viz Multichannel when to run a specific element.

Last-minute changes, made in the automation system, will automatically be synchronized with the playlist in Viz Multichannel. This means that the solution as a whole always reflects the latest status, regardless of when a playlist is changed.

Event handling

While shows or ad-blocks are considered primary events, the graphics effects within the show, like squeezebacks, tickers and lower thirds, are seen as secondary events. After a primary event has been triggered by the automation system to guarantee accurate timing, Viz Multichannel takes control of the secondary events and plays them without the need for user intervention.

The communication between Viz Multichannel and the automation system uses standard protocols like VDCP and Intelligent Interface and is open for other third party systems.

Adjusting the playlist

Last-minute changes to existing playlists are more than common in broadcasting. Whether sports events go overtime or breaking news demands its own space in the playlist, Viz Multichannel handles time-critical changes without the need for user interference.

Staying in control

Viz Multichannel allows users to maintain full control over the playlist up to the very last minute before playout. Templates automatically collect information such as the program’s name and start time. Should any changes occur, all relevant information is updated instantly.

An automatic error check makes sure that changes in the original playlist do not corrupt the graphics playlist. Advanced error protection features include alerts concerning overlapping animations, mismatches, or other deviations from the schedule.

Viz Multichannel’s flexibility is based on relative timecodes: Offsets are based on the timecode of a specific program rather than on an absolute time of day. Because the relative start point of a template in relation to the main program always stays the same, updates in the playlist do not affect the graphics schedule.

Template-based graphics and automated rules

Viz Multichannel uses Vizrt’s template-based graphics solutions to automatically generate the content for graphics elements. The properties of the graphics templates can be seamlessly populated with data from the traffic system’s information fields. Viz Multichannel supports advanced features like Transition Logic to automate transitions between different graphics elements.

Templates make graphics accessible

Predefined templates can be added to items in the playlist by a simple drag-and-drop technique. Graphics elements, based on predefined rules, can also be created automatically, allowing non-technical personnel to prepare graphics for playout. The predefined rules can, for example, trigger a sequence of graphical elements at the start of a show, insert them with an offset from the end, or run a specific graphics item for a predefined amount of time.