MCR Application

Procedures in a Master Control Room are always delicate. Supervision and operation have to be handled under the safest possible conditions. In this situation, VSM’s infrastructure solution displays its real excellence. The full redundancy concept includes a masterless multi-server control network, which remains unaffected by the failure of any individual server machine. The seamless takeover of any failure happens in the background; no action by the user need be taken.

From an operational point of view, many advanced features and functions are available for fast and safe working. Timer functions help in the management of recurring line connections. If required, a collision alarm for busy destinations is available, as in the event of a Presentation Bus add-on. Furthermore, advanced features such as the adjustment of preroll and postroll parameters help to control resources, such as the reservation of transmission lines and peripheral equipment.

VSM’s Virtual Signals are useful when you want to bring together technical and operational demands. While for the MCR operator, technical devices are used to assign sources to destinations, operators are more concerned with the content. For example, a satellite downlink is managed as a technical device in the MCR, while the tape operators’ work is content related. By defining a virtual source as ‘External source 1’ in the MCR, the technical source for ‘External source 1’ may be changed quickly from Downlink 1 to Downlink 2. For all other destinations using ‘External source 1’, no further measures have to be taken, as the VSM system changes all relevant crosspoints to the appropriate destinations, following the rules being configured.

Alarm indication is also a crucial factor in safe MCR operation. VSM keeps you informed about the status of your entire system. Keep track of alternative routes and manage critical situations immediately.