Post-Newsweek Stations Centralizes Graphics with Miranda Technologies

TV-Station Group to Use Xmedia Suite Graphics System

By Glen Dickson -- Broadcasting & Cable, 4/30/2008 12:42:00 PM

Station group Post-Newsweek Stations decided to centralize the graphics operations for its six stations through a deal with Canadian firm Miranda Technologies.

Post-Newsweek follows the lead of Media General in selecting Miranda's server-based, template-driven Xmedia Suite graphics system to overhaul its graphics operation.

Media General launched a centralized graphics operation for its stations last fall using Xmedia, and now Post-Newsweek will use the system to deliver news graphics to KPRC Houston; WDIV Detroit; WPLG Miami; WKMG Orlando, Fla.; KSAT San Antonio; and WJXT Jacksonville, Fla. Post-Newsweek also uses Miranda's channel branding equipment in its master-control operations.

By integrating with AP's ENPS and Avid Technology's iNews newsroom computer systems through software plug-ins, producers and journalists at Post-Newsweek stations will have immediate access to graphical elements and templates to create lower-thirds, over-the-shoulders and full-screen graphics with animated highlights, directly from their desktops.

"Miranda's end-to-end solution will provide the station group with a complete work flow for centralized graphics," said Marcus Williams, vice president of Post-Newsweek Stations and chief engineer at WDIV, in a statement. "The work-flow tools -- such as work-order management, graphics processing, central and local storage, asset management in HD and SD [standard-definition] with multiple formats -- along with unique station branding were some of the deciding factors."