Myers Helps Stations Increase Efficiency With BXF
NORTHAMPTON, MA - January 4, 2010 - Myers Information Systems, Inc. became involved with the Society of Motion Pictures and Television Engineers' SMPTE-2021 committee in early 2004 with a clear and motivating purpose. Our company felt it was important to invest in the development of standardizing the communication between diverse systems that focus on metadata, content movement, scheduling and as-run information.
"I wanted to know if the same language could be used with different vendors," explains Eugene Diana, Director of Software Development at Myers Information Systems. "Would it really be possible to create a truly common language that would enable seamless cooperation across disparate systems?" The answer came in the form of a breakthrough data exchange format known as BXF. Eugene's role as an integral part of the team that conceived and created this breakthrough standard has put him in a unique position to be able to assess not only the planning and creation, but the real world implementations as well. Before BXF, integration efforts were different for each specific automation vendor. BXF now allows for an environment that promotes smooth communication, supplies more monitoring and error detection and provides more data to the user--all of which greatly improves broadcast workflow.
"The key word is interoperability," says Eugene. "We've now worked with numerous automation vendors using varied transmission methods, but always using identical message structures." Although vendors can use the same language, MIS has been flexible when it comes to the method of transmitting BXF messages by offering our own web-service, supporting a file-based BXF message service and by supporting a socket-based method. "Implementation of all methods of communication are available," explains Eugene, "but the message structure remains reusable. This way, we can spend less time installing and spend more time developing functionality that will benefit our clients."
Myers Information Systems first implemented BXF in early 2008 at WJCT 7 in Jacksonville, Florida. "BXF allows us to perform tasks in a non-linear way," explains Duane Smith, Director of Technology at WJCT. "We are working in databases with video files and I see our need for linear, real time processes continuing to decrease. We have adjusted our workflow to provide oversight to the automated processes and it allows us to know about and reschedule any missed spots. With the BXF interface operational now for nearly two years, we have been able to continue to improve reliability and increase efficiency. BXF has transitioned into what we now see as the superhighway of metadata workflow."
Since the installation at WJCT, Myers Information Systems has continued to employ BXF in stations throughout the country. With proven results and a record of success that has not gone unnoticed in the broadcasting industry, it is certain that we will remain at the forefront of BXF planning and implementation well into the future.
About Myers Information Systems
Myers Information Systems, Inc. has been focused on the development of broadcast management software since 1982. The Company provides technology and services for television, radio and other digital media providers to improve every aspect of their operations, from contracting to invoicing, media management to scheduling, and from trafficking to reconciliation. For more information, please visit: www.myersinfosys.com