Snell at IBC 2011

Snell Launches Centra Vite for Instant Router Control and Configuration

At IBC2011 in Amsterdam, Snell will launch Centra Vite, a new router control and configuration tool that simplifies the setup of router installations and speeds them into operation. Centra Vite is provided free with all Snell Nucleus controlled routers.

"At Snell, we offer the industry's most comprehensive range of routing switchers with solutions for operations of any size — from simple edit suites, to OB trucks, to large switching centers and playout installations. And now, with Centra Vite, our family of world-class routers is easier to install and configure than ever before," said Kirsty Aldridge, product manager for control and monitoring at Snell. "As a bonus, Centra Vite offers a straightforward upgrade path to Snell's powerful Centra system-wide control and monitoring system without compromising existing user interfaces and fundamental operation."

Centra Vite provides a simple and intuitive way to define the basics of the router setup. A selection of default configurations allows operators to begin using their Snell routers immediately upon delivery, easily changing simple settings such as size and control port protocols. Centra Vite also allows operators to configure and design hardware control panels, edit signal names, configure associations for multi-level system support, and set up more advanced features including reference selection, switch points, inhibits, and the ability to configure different protocols for different serial and IP ports. A new snapshot application saves the live status of all or a selection of routes, allowing them to be recalled later — invaluable when upgrading or moving the router between venues in a truck environment. In addition, a Web interface allows soft panels to be used for remote crosspoint setting.

Centra Vite is not dependent on SQL database structures and does not require third party applications for database management, further simplifying the installation process and allowing smaller files to be emailed between users on different sites. Files can be saved in a simple, single file configuration for backup or for use as the basis of future configurations.

Snell Enhances Viewers' Online and Mobile Experience With Morpheus and ScreenToo at IBC2011

Snell announced that the unique solution provided by the ScreenToo® "second-screen" platform from The Application Store (TAS), driven by Snell's Morpheus automation system, will make its European debut at IBC2011. Featured in the new IBC Connected World (stand 13.381) and on the Snell stand (8.B68), the ScreenToo demonstration will highlight how Morpheus automation can enhance online and mobile applications by synchronizing them to the primary broadcast.

"Consumers today increasingly engage with media simultaneously through multiple devices, and Morpheus plays a key role in enabling broadcasters to capitalize on this trend," said Neil Maycock, chief architect at Snell. "Morpheus not only facilitates accurate, reliable playout of content to television screens, but also provides the metadata that broadcasters can leverage to extend the viewing experience onto a second device, where complementary interactive content drives up interest in programming, enables new levels of highly targeted advertising and offers opportunities for e-commerce and other revenue-generating activities. Choosing the right partner to work with our Morpheus solution was critical and The Application Store's ScreenToo platform provides the ideal range of services such as voting, chats, quizzes, competitions, and ecommerce."

By providing accurately timed metadata, Morpheus enables ScreenToo to provide the consumer with options that correspond directly to events within the primary broadcast. Metadata about both the program and program contents allows ScreenToo to trigger targeted advertising, provide information about a character or actor in the show, or launch a viewer poll. This technology, which media and broadcast organizations can distribute as their own branded application, allows broadcasters to monetize their content and generate new revenues from premium interactions.