Bremen, Cologne, 7. September 2015
Pioneers of interoperable HiRes-Archives
WDR deploys Cube-Tec MXF Legalizer to unify file formats
WDR is installing MXF Legalizer systems for QC and file correction from and to its HiRes-Archive. Conversion to the new German ARD/ZDF MXF profiles is another requirement.
The HiRes-Archive of Westdeutscher Rundfunk (WDR) is the central datastore of video files that is used in the production of broadcasts, for search and as raw programme assets. These files come from very different sources. To avoid future interoperability problems and furthermore to assure the reliability of operations, MXF Legalizer will be used to secure standard conformity and interoperability in the MXF files that will be exchanged within products by different manufacturers.
To achieve this, MXF Legalizer will be analysing all files that are transferred into the HiRes archive of WDR. If needed, the system will repair the file container and MPEG stream; afterwards, it uses a lossless correction procedure to assure compliance with the ARD/ZDF MXF profiles.
The first practical pre-tests using MXF Legalizer were performed by WDR at the end of 2012. The decision was made to implement a high-availability MXF Legalizer server-farm with redundant processing units connected to the HiRes-Archive.
To oblige to the WDR clearance processes for software updates, WDR also installs an additional test and integration system for non-productive use. The integration into the IBM AREMA system is realised by using the open FIMS interface standard.
By using MXF Legalizer, we can secure interoperability between archive and production, in addition to the assured compliance with the new MXF standards of ARD/ZDF. - Dr. Dirk Peters, Head of Logistics Services (Westdeutscher Rundfunk, WDR)
With its intelligent correction algorithms, MXF Legalizer quickly became the reference in the area of securing interoperable and standard conformant MXF files. By integrating this flexible service, WDR is able to further enhance their media processes. - Jörg Houpert, Head of Technology (Cube-Tec International)
About WDR
”Westdeutscher Rundfunk (WDR) is the German state of North Rhine-Westphalia’s public broadcaster. Based on the number of employees, it is the largest media organisation in Germany and the second largest in Europe, after the BBC. It is a member of ARD and produces approximately a quarter of the nationwide network’s programming: “Das Erste”, Channel 1, is the country’s primary and longestrunning German TV programme.
Founded in 1956, WDR is obligated to serve the public interest, independent of government control and the influence of private interest groups. It promotes social integration and cultural diversity in Germany and Europe.
For the people in the state of NRW and beyond its borders, WDR produces a variety of popular daily programmes with passion: enriching and moving. These are broadcast on WDR Television and WDR’s six radio channels – 1LIVE, WDR 2, WDR 3, WDR 4, WDR 5 and FUNKHAUS EUROPA as well as the interactive children’s platform KiRaKa – and are further enhanced by a broad assortment of multimedia and digital content. In addition, WDR produces about one quarter of all programming broadcast on the nationwide ARD network “Das Erste” (Channel 1), making it ARD’s largest contributor. Acting in the name of ARD, WDR is responsible for the information/cultural TV channels PHOENIX and Einsfestival. It also supplies television programme content in a wide range of genres for ARTE, 3sat, EinsPlus, tagesschau24 and the joint ARD/ZDF children’s channel KiKA“.
About Cube-Tec International
“Cube-Tec International is a pioneer in quality-supervised, file-based processing for large-scale media archives. For more than 15 years Cube-Tec supports clients with innovative, customized solutions for media quality control and workflow optimisation.
Cube-Tec's products are in use at world leading media companies and renowned government archives. With installations in more than 100 media archives in 22 countries, Cube-Tec today is in a leading position in this market. Cube-Tec's technology is licensed to companies like Adobe and Steinberg Media Technologies. Also, Cube-Tec is a member of various European research projects and involved in international media standardisation activities at SMPTE, AMWA and EBU. ”