Thai television news broadcaster Spring News has upgraded its playout system to a latest-generation AirBox Neo from PlayBox Technology. The project was completed in partnership with GBS Alliance, a Singapore-based broadcast system integrator with subsidiary offices in Cambodia, China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, the Philippines and Vietnam.

“We have operated with AirBox as the core of our broadcast playout system for many years,” commented Spring News’ director of engineering and information technology Tawatchai Homhual. “AirBox and its various elements form the nucleus of an extremely reliable system. Our operators like the logical and versatile user interface which lets them achieve their goals quickly and easily. The system is very flexible to configure, highly reliable and supported online by PlayBox Technology from its European headquarters as well as here in Bangkok from PlayBox Technology Thailand.”

Don Ash, PlayBox Technology president, added, “This upgrade moves Spring News forward from standard definition playout on a Windows XP server platform to 1080i high definition on Windows 7, installed at the channel’s headquarters in Bangkok and operated from the master control room. The Neo product series adds a lot of new extra features including UHD compatibility. With its annual support maintenance contract, Spring News 19 has access to ongoing enhancements to AirBox Neo and all other modules in the Neo product series as these continue to develop. That is a great way to stay future-proof in today’s fast-developing broadcast media world.”

Supporting UHD, HD and SD playout, AirBox Neo is designed for 24/7 unattended operation and can also be operated manually, including the ability to handle live-to-air throughput. Parallel outputs enable the running of two or more SDI or IP streaming SD/HD feeds simultaneously. Changes to the playlist can be made during an on-air session. Clips in the playlist, except the one which is currently playing, can be trimmed, edited or repositioned. Playback order can be performed seamlessly without stopping the current playout session. Live productions are facilitated by a live show clipboard which allows insertion and/or execution of various events or live streams.