Automation plays one of the major roles in the broadcast facility. The automation software controls many aspects of the workflow, including playlist control, and needs to have access to all of the data and clip information required for consistent transmission.

SGL's FlashNet is integrated with all of the major automation vendors. When the playlist contains any item that is not stored locally on attached storage (SAN or NAS), a request is made by the automation software and the clip is restored to local storage from the archive library by FlashNet.

Different automation systems access the FlashNet archive in different ways. The majority of solutions use the FlashNet API (Application Program Interface). Using the API allows the user to make a call to the archive directly from within the automation application(s). The automation vendor usually includes the archive/restore functionality in their user interface (often as a button or menu item), and when data is required for restore or archive the user simply uses the interface method.

Other automation systems communicate with FlashNet differently. Harris automation, for example, uses Harris's own vacp (video archive control protocol). SGL has worked in partnership with Harris to enable direct communication between FlashNet and the Harris automation system via vacp. When the automation system requires a clip for playout, for example, the request is passed directly to FlashNet from the playlist, and the restore is automatically instigated without user intervention.

SGL has worked closely with all major automation vendors, so that whichever vendor you choose to handle automation, FlashNet will communicate seamlessly and flawlessly with the system.To find out more about specific automation vendors, please click a partner link to the right.