In January 1996, when the original text of this chapter was published in TV Technology, broadcast facilities were just beginning to address the integration of the video server into some segments of operations. Servers had already taken their place in broadband test applications, video-on-demand, and in some high-profile applications for nonbroadcast systems.

The early adopters in broadcast facilities had already used servers as cache devices for robotics-assisted cart machines. In 1995, few had placed servers into actual full-time exclusive use, mainly because of control and software issues that made it less than easy to manage the systems on an enterprise basis. The road ahead was going to be challenging.

At the close of 1995, it became apparent that connecting an entire facility together, or "networking," would bring some interesting challenges for both hardware and software vendors. The turning point was clearly ahead. The future of this industry would require a mixing and marrying of equipment, control architectures, network protocols, and file structures. The solutions would require a level of effort that was just beginning to be understood.

Even before the DTV challenge was solidified, it would become obvious that the facility of the future would need a lot more uniformity if it was going to remain interoperable. Networking and data interconnectivity were high on the list of must-haves. The development of systems would become more prevalent as major manufacturers sought VARs and partnerships that would expand the potential of their own respective products.

The Internet was just beginning...