FastBreak NXT Automation™ is a comprehensive solution for managing information and controlling content in the broadcast master control room. FastBreak NXT 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, and numerous Public Television stations.

FastBreak NXT builds upon this experience and combines some of the technology from the company's large scale Titan product. Built specifically for the 1-4 channel operation, FastBreak NXT is the perfect solution for call letter broadcasters, cable networks and PBS affiliates.

The typical configuration consists of one or more Air Stations for the on-air lists, a Media Prep Station for traffic log processing and content ingest, and a SIDON device server to control peripherals. For larger systems, add a fault-tolerant SQL Data Server to protect the integrity of critical files and databases, plus a redundant ListSync™ Air Station with automatic fail-over to mirror the primary playlists.

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, as well as the preparation of taped content for play-to-air using Segmenter™. 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 up to four playlists; FastBreak NXT supports multiple Air Stations.

FlexEvent™
One of the most powerful functions of FastBreak NXT 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 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 imbedded 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 multi-channel environment.

Each FastBreak NXT 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. FastBreak NXT is expandable and upgradeable with additional playlists and 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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