FastBreak NXT Automation – Entry Level Edition™ (ELE) is a comprehensive solution for managing information and controlling content in the broadcast  master control room. FastBreak NXT ELE Automation integrates comprehensive database management with frame accurate control of video servers, tape  transports, switchers, routers, and other common peripherals for complete mastery of the broadcast transmission process. Since its release in 1999, FastBreak Automation has gained wide acceptance as the control software of
choice of many commercial broadcast groups, international broadcasters and numerous Public Television stations.

FastBreak NXT ELE builds upon this experience and combines some of the technology from the company's large scale Titan product.  Built specifically for one or two channel operation, FastBreak NXT ELE is an excellent solution for small scale call letter broadcasters, cable, college, government and public access channels.   This standard configuration consists of one Air Station for the on-air lists and a Media Prep Station with an integrated SIDON device
server to control peripherals.

SIDON™
Device Control Sundance Integrated Device Operations Network is our powerful, expandable TCP/IP based machine control architecture. SIDON frame accurately controls most broadcast hardware. Drivers are continually added to our pool of "Sundance Certified" devices and our users have unlimited access to the full library at no added cost.

Media Prep
Prep Station hosts the applications that manage content on the video server. Media Prep controls external VTRs to frame accurately record onto the server and is also used to import daily traffic logs and to build or modify the playlist(s) for execution by Air Control.

Air Control Station
Its main screen displays information in a logical, easy to understand graphical format to help the Master Control operator monitor status. Playlist elements may be triggered as a Manual Event (such as a GPI trigger), a clock based "Hit Time," or treated as a "Follow Event" (i.e. starting at the completion of the previous event). In addition, FastBreak provides auto and manual Join in Progress (JIP Cue) capabilities to help manage unscheduled events. An Air Station may also control effects on the master control switcher, as well as other peripherals, via SIDON for smooth transitions between events. One Air Control Station manages one or two playlists.  Both Media Prep and the Air Station are available in several non-English language user interfaces.

FlexEvent™
One of the most powerful functions of FastBreak NXT ELE Automation is the FlexEvent™. Any element in the inventory, or any line within the playlist, can have a virtually unlimited number of secondary FlexEvent™ actions associated with it. These may involve anything from a simple GPI logo insertion trigger, to a complex sequence of actions involving multiple studio devices. FastBreak NXT ELE Automation also provides the ability to create complex macros which let the user define a complex series of FlexEvent™ actions and encapsulate them into a single command embedded into the traffic log for automatic execution across multiple devices. In addition, "Channel Specific" FlexEvent™ actions may be created to control a different group of devices for each playlist in a multichannel environment.

Each FastBreak NXT ELE Automation system includes a custom-written Traffic Interface. Software is pre-installed on rack mountable (4RU) enterprise-grade Pentium-based Windows workstations with dual, hot-swappable power supplies and mirrored hard drives for greater reliability.

Upgrade and Expand

FastBreak NXT ELE is upgradeable to a full NXT Automation system or all the way up to Titan.  Your hardware investment is preserved.  FastBreak NXT ELE is also expandable with functionality options, such as Intelli-Sat, News Recorder or Digital Delivery Management System.

World Class Service and Support
Sundance is committed to providing the best possible customer service. Our broadcast trained engineers are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Remote-access software enables our staff to log onto a client's system and quickly resolve any operational issues. In addition, we offer affordable TotalCare long-term support.

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