Although tape is still a prevalent media source, workflows continue to evolve around file-based architectures. Video servers and non-linear editors have streamlined master control play-to-air and video editing applications, but they continue to operate on separate islands. Even if created and aired as a compressed video file, most facilities still bring video back to baseband between edit and playout. Tape remains the medium for delivering a completed program from the edit bay to master control’s video server ingest station.

However, the SeaChange Broadcast MediaLibrary (BMLex) is changing the dynamics of broadcast facilities editing with Final Cut Pro (FCP). The system’s Common Internet File System (CIFS) storage structure and flexible SeaChange MediaClient codecs enable Final Cut Pro users to simply push their video content to the BMLex for playout. The MediaClient decoder plays the FCP-edited file natively once checked into the system. The simplified workflow saves time and money by removing the need to record completed programming on tape just to deliver the content to the play-to-air server. The tapeless workflow also enables material to move back and forth easily between edit workstation and playout server, so last minute changes, versioning, and updated edits are easily accommodated.

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