This chapter will deal with some fundamental configurations for implementing the video server in several operational scenarios. We will look at single station, multistation, multichannel and protection modes for the server and the station's operations. As we go forward in the quest for expanding the business of broadcasting, it will be easy to see how the server will help in that challenge.

Preparing for Multichannel Operations

The video server is quite possibly one of the best assets the facility will use once multichannel broadcasting begins. The video server will provide access to like content (spots, IDs, promotions) on a continual basis without having to constantly dub videotape.

Another reason for using the server in a multichannel mode is that it provides a redundancy path for protection. The servers of today typically have at least two outputs available simultaneously, and in some models, many more are available as add-ons and options. Having more than one server channel means that one output can play material to one broadcast channel and the other output can feed the second channel. The second output can also be used for...