Playout

In broadcasting, playout is a term for the transmission of radio or TV channels from the broadcaster into the networks that delivers them to the audience. Those networks can consist of terrestrial transmitters for analogue or digital radio and TV, cable networks or satellites (either for direct reception, DTH, or intended for cable headends).

The playout happens in control rooms in a playout area, which can be either situated in the broadcaster's Central Apparatus Rooms or in purposely built playout centres, which can be owned by a broadcaster or run by an independent specialist company that has been contracted to handle the playout for a number of channels from different broadcasters. Some of the larger playout centres in Europe, South-east Asia and the United States handle more than 50 radio and TV "feeds".

Multi-channel playout is generally automated using systems from companies including Fission Software, Harris, Omnibus, Pro-Bel, Pebble Beach, and Abit. These systems generally work in a similar way, controlling Video Tape Recorder (VTR) devices, Video Servers, Flexicarts, Mixers, Switchers and Routers, and other devices using a serial (RS232 or 422) protocol. This provides deterministic control, enabling frame accurate playback or switching.

A common workflow is for the Automation System to have a recording schedule to ingest material from a Satellite or line feed source and then time shift that material based on a playlist or schedule.

The audio and video signals are usually transported from the playout area to the network via a studio/transmitter link.

ee also

Video server