Option +SCTE104-FAST (Frame-Accurate SCTE Trigger) provides functionality available only from Cobalt in the openGear form factor. This software option meets the need to frame-accurately mark the start and stop points of content. Cobalt engineers worked closely with key customers to develop +SCTE104-FAST, providing the unique ability to tie time-stamped information from automation systems to the timecode information contained in the baseband SDI. +SCTE104-FAST provides frame-accurate insertion for deterministic results when the program signal is used in sophisticated downstream video-on-demand (VOD) and commercial insertion systems. This precise insertion of pertinent data greatly enhances the performance and accuracy of VOD and server-based commercial-replacement systems. +SCTE104-FAST allows full authoring of custom messages sent to the Cobalt processor via easy-to-read XML-formatted files. The Cobalt processor uses the timestamp data from those files to compare against incoming ANC timecode or UTC time derived from an NTP reference.
+SCTE104-FAST is useful in multiple applications, but one of the primary uses is to provide frame-accurate program and commercial segments for immediate use in VOD systems. Before +SCTE104-FAST, content had to be recorded with extra frame at the start and end to ensure all of the content was captured. Then manual editing had to be performed to cut out the extra head and tail content. This need for manual editing caused delays in getting programming into the VOD chain for viewing - and if VOD content isn't being watched, then NielsenT ratings data can't be accrued. With +SCTE104-FAST, the beginning and end of content can be automatically marked in real-time, and downstream systems can extract the perfectly marked segments for dissemination to CDN and VOD systems. Getting perfectly trimmed files to VOD suppliers sooner means more ratings data is gathered and monetized quicker.
+SCTE104-FAST provides all the functionality of baseline option +SCTE104 (SCTE 104 Insertion Option) in addition to the SCTE 104 FAST functionality described here.
This option is available for numerous Cobalt openGear® card-based and BBG-1000 models (as listed in the Ordering Information section on this page) and where option +SCTE104-FAST is listed in the model web page Options section. The option is software-based and can be ordered with card purchase, or activated later using a downloadable feature key via free DashBoard™ remote control/monitoring software (no need to remove or replace card.)