Harmonic has announced that Weigel Broadcasting has integrated Harmonic’s VOS Media Software to create a comprehensive, cloud-based playout-to-delivery solution that includes ATSC 1.0 centralcasting. This collaboration aims to enhance cost-efficiency and operational scalability for Weigel as the number of stations they own continues to grow, indicating a shift towards more advanced technology. Kyle Walker, vice president of technology at Weigel Broadcasting, emphasized the need for a scalable, software-driven solution over traditional hardware, asserting that VOS Media Software is a vital tool for stations aiming to stay competitive.
Game-Changing Software for Scalability
A Scalable Broadcasting Solution
Harmonic’s VOS Media Software offers an entirely software-based workflow that includes ingest, centralcasting, playout and branding, encoding, transcoding, statistical multiplexing, and distribution. These comprehensive capabilities ensure that broadcasting workflows are not only streamlined but also highly efficient. VOS Media Software’s built-in user interface enables seamless monitoring of playlists and automated web-based channel delivery, eliminating the need for complex automation systems. This innovative design allows Weigel Broadcasting to expand their station lineup anytime, provided there is adequate data center capacity to support the required computational power.
The advanced capabilities of VOS Media Software, such as delay-line, PSIP fetch, Nielsen watermarking, Dolby upmix, and AI captioning integration, significantly enhance the broadcast quality. By leveraging these features, Weigel can ensure that their output meets the highest standards of broadcast quality. The software’s ability to automatically integrate these advanced functionalities reduces the operational burden on the technical staff and ensures a consistent and high-quality viewer experience. As a result, Weigel Broadcasting can focus on content and audience engagement, knowing that the technical foundation is both robust and future-proof.
Technological Adaptations in Broadcasting
Gil Rudge, senior vice president of products and Americas sales at Harmonic, highlighted that Weigel is among the early adopters of this next-generation playout-to-delivery solution. He noted the software’s support for ATSC, OTT, and split signal on one platform, which simplifies Weigel’s operations and future-proofs their video delivery infrastructure. The multipurpose nature of Harmonic’s software allows for a more streamlined and flexible broadcast environment, capable of adapting to different broadcast standards and delivery methods. This support for various formats ensures that Weigel can deliver content across multiple platforms without additional overhead or complexity.
The adoption of such an advanced solution points to a significant shift within the broadcasting industry. The push towards software-driven, scalable solutions is reflective of broader trends in media technology, where flexibility and efficiency are high priorities. The ability to leverage cloud-based solutions for broadcasting not only reduces costs associated with physical hardware but also increases the agility with which broadcasters can respond to market demands. This transition represents a more modern and resilient approach to broadcasting that positions companies like Weigel at the cutting edge of industry developments.
Harmonic’s VOS at the NAB Show
Insights into Advanced Cloud Solutions
Harmonic will showcase their innovative cloud solutions at the 2025 NAB Show in Las Vegas. This event provides a platform for demonstrating the practical applications and advantages of the VOS Media Software. Showcasing at such a prestigious event highlights the industry’s recognition of the importance of cloud-based solutions in modern broadcasting. Attendees will have the opportunity to gain deeper insights into the capabilities of Harmonic’s software, including how it can be integrated within existing broadcast infrastructures to improve efficiency and scalability.
The NAB Show serves as a pivotal opportunity for broadcasters and technology providers to explore new advancements and foster collaborations. By participating in this event, Harmonic and Weigel both commit to leading the conversation around future-ready broadcast solutions. The demonstrations will likely cover detailed aspects of how VOS Media Software can be leveraged for various broadcasting needs, further establishing the software as a comprehensive tool for modern broadcast operations. This exposure not only benefits Harmonic’s brand but also provides valuable information to other broadcasters considering similar technological transitions.
Future of Broadcasting Technology
Harmonic has revealed that Weigel Broadcasting has adopted Harmonic’s VOS Media Software to craft a full-scale, cloud-based playout-to-delivery system, including ATSC 1.0 centralcasting. This partnership signifies a move towards advanced technology aimed at enhancing cost-efficiency and operational scalability as the number of Weigel stations increases. Kyle Walker, the vice president of technology at Weigel Broadcasting, underscored the necessity for a scalable, software-centric solution over traditional hardware. He highlighted that the VOS Media Software is an essential tool for stations striving to maintain a competitive edge in the ever-evolving broadcasting landscape. The advanced capabilities of the VOS Media Software allow Weigel to seamlessly integrate various operations, thereby ensuring smoother transitions and more efficient broadcast management. This move also reflects the industry’s broader trend towards digital transformation and the uptake of versatile, cloud-based solutions that cater to modern broadcasting needs.
