By Carl Lindemann
TVNEWSDAY, Mar 26 2009,

Expectations for Automation at NAB 2009

Others, too, are finding opportunities in the downturn to advance IT-based solutions. Crispin Corp. will arrive at NAB 2009 on the heels of enabling March Madness for CBS Sports.

"March Madness very big — so many things they have to do to prepare for 63 games with lots of commercials and live programming," says Rodney Mood, Crispin's COO-CTO. "We've found this is the most demanding of all automation scenarios — live events that require last minute changes and split second timing."

According to Mood, his company's strategy for the show will be closely tailored to fit the economic climate. "We've always prided ourselves in being a value leader. It's tough for stations to allocate capital spending," he says. "Our emphasis for NAB is on helping the broadcasters find simple ways to add to their automation system that will bring significant value but that requires few dollars."

Highlights include Crispin's DTA (Digital Transfer Agent) and BXF implementations. Those looking for a freebie will want to get on the list for MediaNav, a free media management tool for servers like Omneon and K2.

"MediaNav is a way for us to introduce ourselves to new customers, to show how we seamlessly interface with video servers and view things from the operator perspective," Mood says.

For Mood, lowered expectations will yield higher returns this year in Las Vegas. "The story of this year's NAB will be the sour economy. We expect NAB will be smaller. So our emphasis isn't to bring a bunch of new products, though we have a few. Instead, it is about finding ways of making what we have more affordable and getting it into hands of current and new customers."

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