Sony launches next generation media workflow management platform with powerful content management tools at IBC 2011

AMSTERDAM (IBC Booth 12.A10), 9 September, 2011: Sony Professional Solutions today announced at IBC 2011 the launch of a large scale upgrade to its Media Backbone Conductor (MBC) offering, MBC V1.2. The Media Backbone Conductor was first introduced at NAB 2010 and is Sony's enterprise class integration platform, designed to simplify system complexity and increase productivity.

MBC V1.2 integrates a powerful set of content management tools to the existing workflow and integration platform enabling users to have a Media Centric View of content that is being processed by MBC. Additional enhancements include a new intuitive Dashboard to provide KPI monitoring, Dynamic Resource Allocation for “emergency” prioritisation and an intelligent file transfer feature for internal and external connectivity.

The GUI’s within the content management option for Media Backbone Conductor (MBC) enable users, managers and administrators to carry out a wide range of tasks, including:

• Create work and tasks orders
• Import files
• Search, Browse
• Create storyboards
• Move content between production islands
• Initiate automated processes such as transcode and Automated QC from within the media view
• Editorial compliance viewing and Manual Quality Checking (QC)
• Metadata field level of security control

With integrated business analytics and dynamic resource allocation MBC V1.2 provides a set of tools for monitoring the performance of individual processes and resources. Clients have the ability to drive new business opportunities by understanding where there is spare capacity in the system or using historical data to review exact resource utilisation. Higher value or time dependent jobs can be re-prioritised or investment decisions can be made knowing exactly where capacity is running low.

The MBC has proven highly popular since its launch in 2010 and has helped simplify working practices across the broadcasting industry. This update, based on the culmination of in-depth feedback from Sony’s customers, includes additional functionality while building on its reputation as being straight-forward and simple to use.

David Hedley, Head of Content Management at Sony Professional Solutions said; "This upgrade represents a significant step forward in Sony’s strategy for the deployment of next generation media platforms. The combination of enterprise-class integration systems, industry standard process modelling and a broadcast-oriented content management system creates a stable, manageable and flexible platform at a time of huge dynamic change in our industry."