Centralization
Florical automation systems offer multiple operational modes for large stations with regional sites. Our expertise with multiple time zones, multiple device servers, zero timing across varied distances and devices, and traffic interfaces for essentially every major traffic system in the U.S. give us the advantage to deliver reliable and scalable solutions .. as proven by our many customers who have been using Florical products for varied centralization modes for many years. Examples of these centralization modes include:
Central Casting
- Hub sites perform all Traffic, Master Control and Acquisition operations for the Spoke sites. Video is transferred to the spokes (usually via a WAN interconnection) for play-out.
ShareCastingTM
- Hub sites perform Traffic, Master Control and Acquisition operations for common programming material while spoke sites perform Traffic, Master Control and Acquisition for localized commercial content, programming and news. Spokes are equipped to perform Master Control operations during local programming and emergency operations.
Control and Monitoring
- Hub sites perform all Traffic and Master Control operations for spoke sites while all Acquisition, storage and play-out is accomplished regionally at spoke sites.
- A combination of the above models allow stations to operate in different modes dynamically during a broadcast day (also called Dynamic Hubbing). For example:
- Overnight or weekend - Non-critical hours are managed by the Hub, while primetime regional programming is controlled locally by Spokes.
- Disaster Recovery - During earthquakes, hurricanes or other disasters, control is passed to stations outside the "danger zone".
- Shared Staffing Resources - If a Master Control Operator calls in sick, a sister site takes control to cover the shift.
- Shared Equipment Resources - Underutilized equipment at one site serves as backup or additional resources for multiple sister sites.
