Projects
Over the last 13 years Osprey have undertaken a considerable number of projects, almost exclusively for the broadcast and media industry. Our expertise has been utilised by broadcast and media organisations across the world. These organisations are Multi-Channel Broadcasters, Facility Houses, Post Production companies, Media Access Services suppliers and Systems Vendors.
Some of our assignments have been short and specific whilst others have been long and wide ranging. We pride ourselves in the longevity of contracts and repeat business we have attained. We have also gained a reputation that means our clients often recommend us to their peers and other industry contacts.
Projects undertaken by Osprey include:
TV3 - Consultancy, Design, Project Management and Outsourced Support services covering all aspects of the broadcast operation.
MBC - Consultancy, Design, Project Management and Outsourced Support services covering the converging worlds of IT and Broadcast.
ITV Digital - Network Consultancy and Design of multiplex infrastructure and Firewall security into CA facilities.
Quantel/Omnibus - Consultancy services on Video Browse technology at ITN.
ITFC - Consultancy, Design and System Support services for facilities operation including Media Asset Management and Workflow.
BBC World - Consultancy, Design and Development of interfacing software.
Leitch/BBC - Network Analysis for Video Browse systems.
Odetics / Measat - Consultancy, Design and Development of interfacing software.
Carlton TV - Technical Consultancy services on various aspects of broadcast systems.
Carlton Active - Consultancy, Design, Implementation and Support of systems in an Interactive TV environment.
General Motors - Consultancy and Network Analysis across multi-vendor networks encompassing satellite and terrestrial segments.
Solutia UK - Design, Project Management and Implementation of high-speed fibre optic infrastructure in hazardous environment.
TV3 Broadcasting - Multi-Channel Scandinavian Satellite Broadcaster
In 1990 Osprey was approached to design and project manage the entire data and voice network infrastructure and server technologies for a Multi-channel satellite broadcast operation near Heathrow in the UK. When the project commenced the facility was just a building site. Osprey personnel worked with the entire project team to ensure that all aspects of the data and voice infrastructure met with the specific requirements of a new broadcast operation. In addition to the physical infrastructure Osprey developed integration software components to ensure connectivity between the Enterprise Scheduling system and the Odetics Cart Libraries. Over the 13 years since 1990 the services and projects Osprey has provided and been involved with for this organisation include:
- Design, implementation and management of Wide Area Network spanning 7 countries. This network carries both business and transmission critical data and services.
- Design, development and implementation of software interfaces between differing aspects of the transmission play-out systems including:
- Automation
- Robotic Cart Libraries
- Scheduling and Traffic
- Teletext
- Subtitling
- As-Run processing and reporting
- Library Barcode printing and scanning
- D2MAC Encoders
- Facilities Management of entire IT operation on a 24x7 basis. Osprey’s personnel provide full support services across both the business and technical aspects of the operation.
- In 1998 Osprey provided extensive consultancy and project management services to migrate the play-out systems from a 5 channel analogue tape based system to a 14 channel automated digital server and tape solution. Working in co-operation with the automation vendor Osprey’s personnel provided the expertise for the network, communications, interfacing, workflow processes and systems analysis. Integrating video-browse to the desktop and into the workflow process and ingest procedures also came under the Osprey remit.
- Project Management of the rollout of new versions of the incumbent programme acquisitions, scheduling and library management applications has been part of the ongoing contract. In addition consultancy services to define enhancements and additional uses for the system has been part of the remit.
- Management and support of subtitling solutions across multiple servers.
- Management and support of teletext system and communications for 6 channels with page editing and feeds from 3 countries.
- Network analysis and troubleshooting of automation system.
MBC - Middle Eastern Satellite Broadcast Operation
In 1998 Osprey was commissioned to review the entire IT infrastructure and technologies in use at this operation with a view to implementing new systems to allow better interfacing between business, production and play-out operations. The project culminated in the outsourcing of all infrastructure and support operations to Osprey.
On-digital (subsequently ITV Digital)
Osprey was commissioned prior to launch of this service to provide consultancy and project management services. The main focus was to develop the internal network infrastructure and IP addressing schemes as well as the external links to the content providers. This was done in conjunction with the disparate multiplex and technology vendors as well as the content providers. In addition Osprey provided the expertise and services for the implementation of the highly resilient and secure Firewall systems into the CA systems.
Consultancy services on the deployment of Video Browse for journalist’s desktop editing at ITN. Osprey personnel were instrumental in convincing the management at ITN that browse editing was a feasible option. This was achieved by building and demonstrating the hardware, software and network infrastructure at Quantel’s facility in Newbury.
ITFC (Independent Television Facilities Centre)
In 1998 Osprey was recommended to ITFC by the management of another client. We were commissioned to provide interim management of the IT operation. In addition we were tasked with defining ITFC’s strategic direction with regard to the implementation of IT based technology in the video and media access services domain. This initial project was a 12-month assignment. At the end of it the infrastructure was handed over to a newly formed team. Osprey have been retained to provide additional high level consultancy in the areas of digital media archiving and video browse technologies in addition to media asset and workflow management solutions.
Development and implementation of interfacing software for Odetics Tape Libraries
Network analysis and reporting on desktop browse applications performance.
Odetics / Measat Development of interfaces between Odetics Tape Libraries and automation system with links through to traffic and scheduling.
Carlton Television Various technical consultancy projects, including design and implementation of the Interactive RPOC network.
Carlton Active Provision of on-going support and consultancy services.
In addition to the broadcast and media specific projects Osprey have undertaken a number of assignments outside of the industry. These include:
General Motors Consultancy services to analyse application performance over satellite and terrestrial based secure IP networks.
Solutia UK Design, project management and implementation of resilient Fibre Optic network infrastructure covering an entire chemical plant. Adhering to strict health and safety policies was of paramount importance during this project. On completion of the infrastructure Osprey personnel developed the site wide standards for application and connectivity functionality.