Abstract: A system, method, and computer program product for producing a show. In an embodiment, the invention is directed to a production system having a first production path, a second production path, and a control system that causes the first production path to generate a show in a first aspect ratio (4:3), and that causes the second production path to generate the same show in a second aspect ratio (16:9). In another embodiment, the invention is directed to producing a show from live material and from archived material. This aspect of the invention operates by producing a first show comprising a plurality of stories, segmenting the first show, and storing the show segments in an archive. Then, the invention produces a second show using live portions as well as show segments retrieved from the archive. The invention is also directed to a media manager that interacts with a server. In some cases, the server is integrated with the production system.

Abstract: An integrated, fully automated video production system that provides a video director with total control over all of the video production devices used in producing a show via a hierarchical time sheet. The video production system provides an automation capability that allows the video director to pre-produce a show, review the show in advance of “air time,” and then, with a touch of a button, produce the live show. In one embodiment, the invention provides a video production system having a processing unit in communication with one or more of the video production devices mentioned above. According to an embodiment, the video director pre-produces the show, defines a set of video production commands or instructions (hereafter “transition macro”) to be executed by the processing unit, and then, by activating a control button displayed by the processing unit, the video director instructs the processing unit to execute the transition macro via the hierarchical time sheet.

Abstract: A director control interface is provided to extract production information from a newsroom information management system and populate a production control system. The director control interface enables the director to build a show, but mitigate errors and check for conflicts during the building process. In an embodiment, the director control interface automatically selects macro elements, which are executed on the production control system. The director can override the selection process and choose the macro elements. The director control interface monitors the newsroom information management system for rundown changes, evaluates the changes, and updates the production control system either automatically or with approval from the director. The director control interface is compatible with any type of newsroom information management system as long as it can extract the requisite information.

Abstract: Parallel automated keying allows multiple media productions to be keyed and outputted to a program or preview channel. An automation control system monitors and updates the operating states of a plurality of automated keyers, which support manual or automated production environments. A user interface allows a director, or other personnel, to set key attributes by selecting input sources for a background media production, a fill, and a key associated with the fill source. The operating states are monitored to select an unoccupied keyer. The three sources are selected and routed to the unoccupied keyer, which composites the sources on preview. Afterwards, the director steps or transitions the composite media production from preview to program. As a result, the director is not required to know which keyer is being used on-air to determine which keyer is available for a program channel.

Abstract: A method, system, and computer program product enables automation and control of the sales, management, accounting, reporting, and traffic functions necessary to manage advertisement sales, content management, and administrative processes for media production environments, including, but not limited to, broadcast television, radio and webcasting stations, and newspapers. The advertisement management and automation system operates on a PC-based platform and is networked for communications with local area networks, wide area networks, and the Internet, including both wired and wireless appliances. Distribution and tracking is enabled for both local and national advertisement and content management, whereby data, advertisements, content, and reports are pushed and pulled from individual nodes (e.g., television stations) to a central network hub or point that feeds and/or gathers data and communicates with the individual nodes.

Abstract: A method, system, and computer program product are provided to edit and encode enriched multimedia productions for live, delayed, or on-demand web casts or other distribution. The present invention is configured to operate independent of the system platform and media format. Hence, the present invention has the ability to operate with any type of manual or automated video production system. The multimedia production is produced according to an electronic show rundown. The rundown includes instructions for encoding the production for webcasting. In an embodiment, the multimedia is produced and broadcast over conventional channels simultaneously with a live or delayed web cast. The web cast material is edited, fragmented, tagged and/or archived during the simulcast. In another embodiment, the multimedia is produced and archived for on-demand web cast. Auxiliary information is added to enhance the multimedia production.

Abstract: An integrated, fully automated video production system that provides a video director with total control over all of the video production devices used in producing a show. Such devices include, but are not limited to, cameras, robotic pan/tilt heads, video tape players and recorders (VTRs), video servers and virtual recorders, character generators, still stores, digital video disk players (DVDs), audio mixers, digital video effects (DVE), video switchers, and teleprompting systems. The video production system provides an automation capability that allows the video director to pre-produce a show, review the show in advance of “air time,” and then, with a touch of a button, produce the live show. In one embodiment, the invention provides a video production system having a processing unit in communication with one or more of the video production devices mentioned above.

Abstract: An integrated, fully automated video production system that provides a video director with total control over all of the video production devices used in producing a show. Such devices include, but are not limited to, cameras, robotic pan/tilt heads, video tape players and recorders (VTRs), video servers and virtual recorders, character generators, still stores, digital video disk players (DVDs), audio mixers, digital video effects (DVE), video switchers, and teleprompting systems. The video production system provides an automation capability that allows the video director to pre-produce a show, review the show in advance of “air time,” and then, with a touch of a button, produce the live show. In one embodiment, the invention provides a video production system having a processing unit in communication with one or more of the video production devices mentioned above.

Abstract: An integrated, fully automated video production system that provides a video director with total control over all of the video production devices used in producing a show. Such devices include, but are not limited to, cameras, robotic pan/tilt heads, video tape players and recorders (VTRs), video servers and virtual recorders, character generators, still stores, digital video disk players (DVDs), audio mixers, digital video effects (DVE), video switchers, and teleprompting systems. The video production system provides an automation capability that allows the video director to pre-produce a show, review the show in advance of “air time,” and then, with a touch of a button, produce the live show. In one embodiment, the invention provides a video production system having a processing unit in communication with one or more of the video production devices mentioned above.

Abstract: An integrated, fully automated video production system that provides a video director with total control over all of the video production devices used in producing a show. Such devices include, but are not limited to, cameras, robotic pan/tilt heads, video tape players and recorders (VTRs), video servers and virtual recorders, character generators, still stores, digital video disk players (DVDs), audio mixers, digital video effects (DVE), video switchers, and teleprompting systems. The video production system provides an automation capability that allows the video director to pre-produce a show, review the show in advance of “air time,” and then, with a touch of a button, produce the live show. In one embodiment, the invention provides a video production system having a processing unit in communication with one or more of the video production devices mentioned above.

Abstract: An automated video production system having full news integration and automation. The automated video production system enables a producer to create a show rundown by selecting news stories for a live or live-to-tape video show. The system supports real time conversion of the show rundown into computer readable broadcast instructions for executing the news program. After the broadcast instructions are created, the director can instruct the system to execute the broadcast instructions in either a fully or semi-automatic mode. The fully integrated and automated video production system periodically monitors and synchronizes the show rundown with the broadcast instructions. After the show has been broadcasted, the broadcast instructions and a video recording of the show is stored for future use. For instance, the broadcast instructions can be retrieved and used in another show. Similarly, the recording of the show can be retrieved and re-broadcasted, for example, over the Internet.

Abstract: A multimedia production and distribution system collects or assembles a media production (such as, a news program, television programming, or radio broadcast) from a variety of sources, including television stations and other media hosting facilities. The media production is categorized and indexed for retrieval and distribution across a wired or wireless network, such as the Internet, to any client, such as a personal computer, television, or personal digital assistant. A user can operate the client to display and interact with the media production, or select various options to customize the transmission or request a standard program. Alternatively, the user can establish a template to generate the media production automatically based on personal preferences. The media production is displayed on the client with various media enhancements to add value to the media production. Such enhancements include graphics, extended play segments, opinion research, and URLs.

Abstract: A tutorial system and method is provided to send online media production lessons and other data to one or more students over a computer network, such as the global Internet or an organization's intranet. A tutorial management server communicates with a plurality of student workstations, instructor workstations and integrated, fully automated media production systems. The tutorial management server includes a matriculation manager that registers and maintains system security. A curriculum manager controls the routing of lesson contents to each student. Tutorial management server also includes devices that evaluates each student's proficiency and performance and creates a study guide to assist the student in improving overall performance. A messaging manager is provided to support real time communications among the students and their instructors.