Leading broadcast company GMA Network, Inc. said Monday it is spending $4 million for the media asset management system or MAMS that would allow the Network to migrate to a tapeless, file-based workflow for greater efficiency and environmental friendliness. The investment covers the acquisition of the Viz Ardome software from Vizrt/Ardendo, hardware from Hewlett Packard (HP), and other facilities and broadcast peripherals for the MAMS. The purchase of the Viz Ardome software supplements the Network’s first order of Vizrt products, including a complement of real-time broadcast graphics products used during the biggest and most comprehensive coverage of the national and local elections last May 10. GMA Network chairman, president and CEO Felipe L. Gozon said that the MAMS is part of the Network’s commitment to produce top quality programs using state-of-the-art technology. “GMA remains steadfast in acquiring top-of-the-line technologies to produce high-caliber shows and deliver news and information in the shortest possible time," Gozon said. Gozon likewise underscored the importance of the Network’s MAMS project to the environment. “We have adopted many green practices within our compound. This time, by going tapeless, we are able to contribute further to the reduction of carbon footprint. This is part of our corporate social responsibility," Gozon said. “We constantly evaluate state-of-the-art solutions that will further empower our people, in this case from the production of programs all the way to multi-platform play-list generation. Very few investments in our space positively impact the value chain as does the MAMS," said GMA EVP and COO Gilberto R. Duavit, Jr. “The adoption of this technology will certainly complement not only content production but our broadcast operations as well by enhancing efficiencies and streamlining work flows," Duavit added.
GMA Network executives led by Felipe Gozon (third from left) and Gilberto Duavit Jr (second from left) sign a $4-million deal with Vizrt/Ardendo for the purchase of a media asset management system. Joining them for a photo session are (from left) GMA SVP for Corporate Services and CFO Felipe Yalong, Vizrt CEO Martin Burkhalter, Vizrt VP for MAMS Asia Pacific Pelle Larsson, and Composite President Rick Padrinao. GMANews.TV
Viz Ardome is a modular, open, scalable media asset management platform that integrates seamlessly with Vizrt graphics products, broadcast automation systems, and petabytes of media storage. GMA intends to integrate with the Viz Ardome software the multiple Apple Final Cut Pro editing seats and the Harris D-series broadcast automation system that is currently in use at its Network operations. GMA SVP for corporate services and CFO Felipe S. Yalong said that the Network invests only in the best technology available. “In this very dynamic and highly competitive industry, we want only the best products and technology to help us remain ahead of competition," Yalong said. “We chose Viz Ardome because it’s a powerful, mature, software-based infrastructure that passed all the tests we conducted," added GMA AVP for Master Control and On-Air Operations Jay V. Fuentes. “Our intention is to use Viz Ardome as a way to manage our wide array of broadcast media assets, including syndicated programming, soap operas, primetime dramas, documentaries and archival content," Fuentes said. GMA’s Engineering Group is currently in coordination with Vizrt technicians as well as its systems integrator and dealer in Manila to lay the groundwork for the implementation of Viz Ardome within GMA Network’s facilities. “We’re delighted that GMA Network has decided to base its new MAM infrastructure on Viz Ardome software," explained Vizrt CEO Martin Burkhalter. “This is a clear vote of confidence to our leading technology, as well as our efforts over the last years to build up our organization in Asia. We are fully committed to support GMA’s goals to move to an efficient tapeless, file-based media asset management workflow." GMA and Vizrt formalized the purchase agreement via a contract signing ceremony held October 12 at GMA Network’s headquarters in Quezon City. Present during the contract signing were GMA’s Gozon, Duavit, Yalong, and other Network officers. They were joined by Burkhalter, Vizrt Asia President Michael Namatinia, VP for MAMS Asia Pacific Pelle Larsson, and Composite President Rick Padrinao. — VS, GMANews.TV
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