Full-service systems integrator, consultant, and manufacturer’s representative for broadcast media DNAV has launched a broadcast monitoring service designed to remotely connect the company’s field services team to broadcast facilities via its self-architected cloud based network operations center (NOC).
The D-NOC will provide 24/7 insight into the health and status of a broadcaster’s TV and/or radio operation, with the ability to access all recommended hardware and software in the technology ecosystem with IP connectivity.
DNAV offers tiered options with flexible parameters that can pair its regional field service representatives with a broadcaster’s existing in-house resources. For example, a broadcaster can assign DNAV’s remote resources to monitor and analyze performance of master control operations and all related media workflows, including program ingest and playout automation.
Alternatively, a broadcaster with enough in-house resources to monitor studio operations can outsource RF oversight to DNAV to ensure transmitters are making licensed TPO and antenna systems maintain proper VSWR levels, which measure RF efficiency. DNAV also offers resources to monitor STL connections (RF and IP) and even drill down to RF transmission components that can cause shorts in the transmission feed line.
Broadcasters can also outsource most or all responsibilities to DNAV for complete oversight of performance from origination to transmission, including all command-and-control functions that bring the entire media ecosystem together. That is extensible to broadcast networks and station groups with hundreds of interconnected locations across North America and beyond.
“Every broadcast operation and facility workflow have its unique characteristics, and every customer has a preference when it comes to the mix of technologies,” said Daniel Hyatt, Principal, DNAV. “That means offering a monitoring service that is customizable to the broadcaster’s pertinent needs. We are looking at each customer’s challenges, listening to their requests, learning their requirements and building solutions that effectively achieves their goals.”
Hyatt says these goals can be as simple as helping to “improve higher quality or on-air uptime” or supplementing an existing in-house or third-party maintenance service with limited capabilities or service level agreements.
“We work with a lot of customers that have a certain level of support for a purchased system,” said Hyatt. “This is often surface-level support, which can be problematic in an area such as automation that is touching so many other parts of the media workflow. We bring the ability to engage with an existing support system and bring multiple vendors and services together to rapidly resolve a problem.”
DNAV Principal Nick Straka says that DNAV’s regional field services team, spread across all North American time zones, can effectively “articulate the issues and dive into multiple related systems” to troubleshoot across the spectrum. “We approach this from a proactive solutions perspective,” said Straka. “That extends beyond immediate problems and the ‘fire drill’ approach to broadcast engineering. We are looking at performance trends, proactively spotting issues, and enacting a troubleshooting plan to reconcile problems in advance.”
DNAV’s team can also drill deeper into the IT network infrastructure and other IP-connected systems, such as building control systems for lighting, HVAC and plant operations. DNAV will also offer the service for businesses and services outside the broadcast industry, including public safety centers and emergency response systems.
— Reporting by Brian Galante, in Boston
