Viacom Supersuite

Viacom Networks have maintained their Network Operations Center in Hauppauge, NY for over 20 years. In the summer of 2005, to accommodate a number of expected network launches, Viacom engineering conceived the “Supersuite concept” which would provide the benefit of utilizing a common user friendly design that would accommodate any of their network requirements, allowing for the rapid launch of a new network within 6-8 weeks of the request from operations. The design directive of the new Supersuite would be to support a flexible, standardized and interchangeable operating paradigm such that any operator could command any channel from any workstation under a highly automated control system.

Ultimately, Supersuite will support 16-SD channels and 4-HD channels under the control of 5 monitoring positions, and the watchful eye of a single supervisor located central to the NOC control room. The Supersuite utilizes a robust technical core consisting of Harris ADC automation, Thomson GVG routing (Venus/Trinix matrices under Jupiter control), Evertz 500- and 7000-series modular products and MVP multi-image processing, via NEC 61” plasma screens on custom mounts provided by Forecast consoles as an element of their intellitrack product line. 4 channel audio is supported for each SD channel with 5.1 capability in place for the HD channels.

The monitoring system includes several custom scripts to simplify and automate the configuration and setup time of a network that may be switched via an extensive KVM to another operator position. Channel content is delivered via Omneon Spectrum servers (long form) and Pinnacle Mediastream servers (commercial spots) via Miranda Imagestore and Presmaster combination providing all of the branding required for each network application.