| PromoCrunch, part of the VDS AutoClips Branding & Promo Suite, is an application that dynamically generates and controls playback of animated and video clip promo sequences during credits, based on user-definable schedules set up by an operator.
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PromoCrunch at The New TNN |
It is designed to work in conjunction with an integrated or external DVE (video squeezeback device) and an audio mixer, squeezing program video automatically to reveal each promo sequence at the proper time (usually during credits) as well as trigger proper audio mix presets on the MC switcher. Once all the promotional clips have played, the application automatically returns the DVE and audio mixer back to their normal settings.
PromoCrunch is part of the VDS AutoClips Branding & Promo Suite, a comprehensive architecture with a database core that streamlines ingest and management of many types of complex branding elements on multiple channels within a uniform environment.
PromoCrunch can operate in full manual mode (via the application's user interface or GPI trigger), or with completely automated playback, under the control of Harris Station Automation. The system provides for synchronous:
- Automated triggering of a video squeezeback device to squeeze the program video.
- Automated triggering of a video clip playback device to play either single or multiple promo video clips in a back to back sequence.
- Automated adjustment of program and promo audio levels via GPI so that promo audio is heard and program audio is suppressed.
- Generation of promotional text or branding graphics in sync with the PromoCrunch.
- Automated reversal of the PromoCrunch state at the conclusion of the PromoCrunch.
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Simple User Interface |
PromoCrunch Ingest Station is used to create the metadata files that need to be associated with each promo clip. These metadata files contain information such as the clip description and duration, and are stored along with the promo clips. The metadata are read by the Promo Authoring and Playout Station during the creation of the PromoCrunch playout stack.
The Promo Clip Ingest Interface |
PromoCrunch Authoring and Playout Station is used to author and play out stacks of promo clips under operator control. Stacks are authored using the ingested promo clips on the clip playout device. Once a stack is created and stored to disk, it can be loaded and played out. During playout, the PromoCrunch Authoring and Playback Station application controls the device for clip playback, logo insertion and squeezeback operations. It senses GPI inputs for squeeze mode selection, stack triggering and stack abort, and sends out GPIs to an audio mixer to mix in promo clip audio while the promos are playing out.
Building a Stack of Promos |
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Advanced Scheduling Means Flexibility |
Promo Crunch provides the operator with a comprehensive set of scheduling controls that can be used to schedule promo sequences far in advance of when they need to air. Sequences can be tied to specific on-air programs, and can be enabled for specific periods of time. These advanced scheduling controls translate into greater flexibility, and reduced man-hours for programming.
For example, there may be a promo for a Halloween event, which will play only during certain programs, and only during the month of October. Once it is set up in the PromoCrunch Authoring software, no further operator intervention is required, and the schedule may be changed at any time. This kind of flexibility is possible because of the high level of integration that PromoCrunch provides between the facility's graphics generation hardware and transmission automation system.
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Extension to the VDS Titling and Branding Suite |
PromoCrunch is an extension plug in module to the VDS AutoClips Branding & Promo Suite, which supports fully automated clip titles for music videos, branding bugs and layouts, promos, and audio events that interact with what is on air and what is scheduled ahead, providing a highly sophisticated method for branding and promo playback. Contact us to learn more about how a streamlined and automated ingest & playback of promo sequences can work for your programming and broadcast facility needs.
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