RCN Centralizes VOD Content Processing
Digital cable TV operator RCN has deployed SeaChange’s AssetFlow content workflow management software to streamline video-on-demand (VOD) content and metadata processing operations in its five markets. With AssetFlow, RCN has created a single centralized content processing operation to fully support the VOD libraries in Boston, Chicago, New York City, Lehigh Valley and Philadelphia, Pa., and Washington, D.C.
At RCN’s central processing location, all content is ingested into the AssetFlow system, which automatically formats the content for viewing, adds the appropriate metadata and localizes the content to incorporate site-specific information for the particular market in which it will be available. What was once a manually intensive operation that was repeated five times at each site is now automated and takes place at one location, from which the prepared content is multicast to each of the other VOD sites.
AssetFlow directs all of RCN’s received content into SeaChange’s Universal Media Library, a storage server that supports all of the content and metadata processing. The UML stores all VOD content along with the associated metadata and any variations for each local market. The UML also provides a back-up function thanks to its NAS design, which allows it to deliver content to any market should a local site go down.
RCN started its VOD operations with SeaChange back office software and video servers in 2003.