Securing Be1 channel

BeTV, a private Belgian pay-TV group, has chosen Phoenix automation developed by MBT to secure the broadcast of its main channel Be1 by setting up a backup channel (DR – Disaster Recovery). This is independent of BeTV's main system using another automation.

The project

Objectives

• Increased broadcast security by implementing an independent channel used as Disaster Recovery.
• Integration into the existing system using solutions from other broadcast software vendors.

Major Constraints

• The new DR channel had to operate without an integrated MAM, relying solely on MBT connectors to dynamically detect media (videos and graphics) present on existing storage.
• Playlists are transmitted directly by BeTV's Traffic Antenna system.
• Program retrieval relies on the MFM driver using the FIMS protocol, allowing interaction with the existing system while maintaining control over resources (DIVA, BP servers).

Implemented MBT Solutions

Deployed Products and Key Features

• Vertex Data Platform: Centralized metadata management and content monitoring.
• Phoenix Playout: Multi-channel broadcast automation.

Key Features

• Broadcasting and branding via Spectrum X server
• Automatic content retrieval via FIMS protocol
• Direct integration with BeTV's Antenna Traffic
• Automatic detection of media available on NAS via MBT connectors

Specific Developments

• Development of a customized MFM FIMS driver, allowing BeTV to use the existing protocol for VOD and replay, this time for a linear broadcast channel.
• Adaptation of the Playlist interface: additions were made to the SGT format to compensate for the lack of media information available upstream.

Results and Benefits Observed

• Rapid deployment without interruption to the main system.
• Flexible integration in a hybrid environment.
• BeTV maintains control over its critical resources, while paving the way for new uses..

Outlook

This project marks a successful first collaboration between BeTV and MBT, demonstrating MBT's ability to integrate into complex existing environments and meet specific needs without compromising existing systems. The installation of this DR channel now paves the way for a possible expansion of the MBT environment to secure other BeTV channels. The flexibility of the tools deployed and the speed of remote deployment are strategic assets for future developments.