When people consider the impact digital technology has made on the TV industry, what might first come to mind is the increasing popularity of digital origination, or perhaps how DVDs are taking up ever more shelf space at the corner video store. But it is also proving a boon to networks that install all-digital broadcast systems such as those from Montreal-based MaestroVision.

MaestroVision recently supplied Texas PBS affiliate KTXT-TV with its Maitre D’ playlist management system. This solution frees broadcasters from needing a centralized operation, allowing for traffic and acquisition departments to be located offsite. Multi-site broadcasters can now access all materials from the central database. Time and costs are saved by the ability to electronically send and receive programs and ads, and stations can easily share material with network partners. Selling programming becomes as simple as posting low-res clips on an Internet site, credit card customer purchases, and sending the goods electronically.

Another benefit of the system is how it will automatically encode programs and features from satellites in the online capacity to be broadcast by video servers when needed.

The computer hardware used with the Maitre D’ system is PC-based and non-proprietary, providing greater customer purchase flexibility.

The advent of such systems might not be good news for broadcast staff, but it certainly helps the bottom line. John Henson, GM at KTXT-TV, has gone on the record to say that resultant staff reductions at the network will alone pay for the system within 30 months.

-www.maestrovision.com