Category: News

October 17, 2017May 17, 2018

Bannister Lake, ForA and Varto Technologies at NAB NY 2017

Bannister Lake Partners with For-A America and Varto Technologies

CAMBRIDGE ON 10-17-2017 The Canadian company is showcasing Chameleon with ClassX CG and Chameleon NDI with NewTek TC1 at NAB New York 2017, October 18th and 19th.

Chameleon will be implemented into ClassX CastaliaCG platform, one of the company’s most popular graphics packages offering aggregated and managed data such as social media, news, weather, sports score data amongst other, to their vast array of customers, enhancing Castalia CG’s data ability.

Varto Technologies will be bundling Chameleon with their extensive sales services, providing booth demonstrations at NAB NY. Chameleon fully supports NewTek’s NDI protocol. Chameleon’s integrated CG combines graphics and data as a source for any customers looking for a ticker or branding solution.

Chameleon Ticker with ClassX Castalia CG and LiveBoard at For-A America, Booth N224 and Chameleon NDI with NewTek TC1 at Varto Technologies, Booth N939.

Stop by and see the awesome capabilities of Chameleon.

About Bannister Lake Inc.

Bannister Lake is a leading provider of professional video graphic display solutions for broadcast television, cable, satellite, audio/visual and information presentation applications worldwide. Our solutions integrate seamlessly with your existing infrastructure while automating the integration and display of external data sources, improving the productivity of your organization. Visit us online at www.bannisterlake.com sales@bannisterlake.com

September 29, 2017August 23, 2018

The Web Widgets are Coming!

Our customers store a ton of important information in their Chameleon databases. Adding to that wealth of data is all the useful information available on Community. Community has a wealth of weather, sports, news, financial information and more. And with our soon to be released eventful support, calendars can be stuffed with local events.

While tickers are the ultimate way to show data for broadcasts whether for digital signage or traditional broadcast, it’s not the only way to utilize all that useful data. That’s why from the beginning we included BLADE, our RESTful api, for retrieving data from our database. We support all the standard formats like xml, json, rss, csv and others. We even created a UI in Flow, our web interface to Chameleon, to help customers discover the correct BLADE url for the data they need.

However, to use raw BLADE data, there is a technical requirement. Software developers would have no trouble turning a json file into html using PHP. Character Generators and Digital Signage players are also adept at utilizing BLADE standard formats as is. But how to make use of BLADE for the non-technical user? How can a web master insert data much like they insert Google Maps?

Well, the answer is to follow Google’s lead and create web widgets with our data. So, instead of raw json, xml or csv from BLADE, what if that url did more? How’s this for an example:

The above isn’t a screenshot. It’s a mini-app on this page. Click the arrows, the league dropdown or the logo and they’re all active. Also, leave this web widget up and you’ll see refreshes of the scores automatically. And these are real scores coming from live Community data. No smoke and mirrors!

The web widgets we’re adding will be more than just static data. For example, this scores web widget has lots of flexibility with colours, branding (logos/links), size, leagues, refresh rate and much more. For example, looking at what we have above, there’s a league drop down allowing changing of the league. This is optional since the league can be fixed but the important point is that the web widgets are mini-apps that are easily placed on any web page much like Google has done with Google Maps.

The above scores web widget comes to us courtesy of our Community instance of Chameleon. We expect to expand our web widgets over the next few months to include all of our data types. And by default, all Chameleon customers get this support. It’s not an option. It’s just an expansion of our BLADE support.

September 13, 2017May 17, 2018

New Included Data Feeds with Bannister Lake’s Chameleon

CAMBRIDGE 09-13-2017 – Bannister Lake announces data feeds are now included with the powerful Chameleon platform, the software company’s latest broadcast and media Cloud, NDI and SDI compatible graphics and ticker solution.

Data includes weather, financial, sports scores and US National Weather Alerts at no additional cost for Chameleon customers. This is in addition to the already available content modules such as alerts, events, closings, Twitter/Facebook, elections and NEWS.

“Free data, what’s not to love?” states Georg Hentsch, “That’s the inherent value to any company who relies on vasts amounts of published information. Currently we have North American sports (NHL, NBA, NFL, MLB) and finance data includes currencies, indices, commodities and Dow Jones. More leagues and finance options are available on demand. As for weather cities, we currently have all the world capitals, along with major cities in the US and Canada. Again, more can be added as requested. “

In addition to the included data provided, Chameleon has many data source plugins at no additional cost. Plugin sources include Calendar (ical), Google Sheets, Inrix, Barchart, Stats, WSI, and Weather Underground no name a few. Custom readers can be created at a minimal cost or can be built by 3rd parties/customers using Chameleon’s open data model.

At IBC meet the team at Ontario booth in hall 2A .

About Chameleon and Bannister Lake

The all-In-one solution for branding and news content delivery is an adaptable media graphics solution for NDI, SDI and Digital online applications, containing the company’s best branding and ticker elements that media organizations expect in an increasingly on-demand broadcast environment. Recently used at NDI Central NewTek booth and Broadcast Beat’s production at the NAB show, the versatile software system, blends seamlessly with other tech solutions. Bannister Lake has partnered with leaders in the broadcast industry such as Imagine Communications, Grass Valley, Broadstream, AJA Video and Ross Video

September 11, 2017May 17, 2018

Pebble Beach Systems Features Chameleon with Dolphin Automation

CAMBRIDGE ON 9-11-2107 – Bannister Lake Chameleon, the data and graphics broadcast platform will be on display with Pebble Beach systems, Stand 8, B68.

“The Chameleon integration with Pebble Beach requires no additional 3rd party graphic editors”, says Georg Hentsch, “Chameleon is a comprehensive ‘all in one’ graphic playout solution that addresses data, branding, and graphic playout.

Customers of Pebble Beach systems’ Dolphin product, now have an option to produce an advanced ticker and branding solution using Chameleon’s HTML5 graphics engine. No need for an additional graphic CG systems.

IBC 2017 attendees can see the products and request further information from each company. Bannister Lake at the Ontario, Canada Pavilion in Stand 2.A46 and Pebble Beach, Stand 8 B68.

About Chameleon and Bannister Lake

About Pebble Beach and Dolphin

Pebble Beach Systems is a leading developer and supplier of automation, channel in a box and content management solutions for TV broadcasters, service providers, and cable and satellite operators. Products are flexible, reliable and scalable, and designed to cater for all channel types. Our innovative solutions manage acquisition, file-based workflows, archiving and multi-channel playout at large and small installations worldwide.

September 7, 2017May 17, 2018

Bannister Lake: Zeus Thunders Through IBC 2017

CAMBRIDGE, ON 09-05-17 Bannister Lake will showcase its new product Zeus, a turnkey Media-Store solution to broadcasters at this years’ IBC 2017.

Companies need a hybrid solution before a full switch to automation, using new software that integrates with existing graphic workflow and CG systems.

“Full broadcast automation is imminent”, says Georg Hentsch, President of Bannister Lake. “In the meantime, broadcasters that require a live manual Media-Store solution will find Zeus a powerful and capable production tool.”

“Zeus is an alternative solution for broadcasters with a smaller budget and still require a full video server to capture and output stills or videos,” continues Hentsch, “Zeus is offered as a full turnkey solution. The CG operator doesn’t need to operate the device; another user can have their own UI, but still connect to the product’s primary CG.”

Zeus is an HD Media-Store solution developed by Bannister Lake. The fully branded application is currently being deployed and integrated at Australia’s TV Shopping Network (www.tvsn.com.au), and is due to be tested and on-air by October.

Meet the Bannister Lake team at the Ontario Canada Pavilion in Stand 2.A46 at IBC 2017

Email: sales@bannisterlake.com

Twitter: @bannisterlake

PR and Communications Director Contact:

Stephanie@bannisterlake.com

press@bannisterlake.com

About Bannister Lake Inc.

bannisterlake.com

August 31, 2017May 17, 2018

Bannister Lake at IBC 2017

Bannister Lake’s Chameleon @ Europe’s Popular IBC Media Show

CAMBRIDGE, ON 8-8-17 – Bannister Lake’s first IBC appearance sees the European launch of the company’s powerful Chameleon platform at the Ontario Canada booth (Hall 2.A46.)

The all-In-one solution for branding and news content delivery is an adaptable media graphics solution for NDI, SDI and Digital online applications, containing the company’s best branding and ticker elements that media organizations expect in an increasingly on-demand broadcast environment. Recently used at NDI Central NewTek booth and Broadcast Beat’s production at the NAB show, the versatile software system, blends seamlessly with other tech solutions. Bannister Lake has partnered with leaders in the Broadcast Industry such as Imagine Communications, Grass Valley, Broadstream, AJA Video and Ross Video.

“Smaller media companies using any generic broadcast CG and managing content data can improve their broadcast with Chameleon. How? It distributes moderated content through any of your existing products”, states Georg Hentsch, president Bannister Lake.

The company has a strong mandate to fulfill its future direction for media production professionals, emphasizing a leaner back end that seamlessly fits in with multi-media projects (TV, Streaming and OTT.) A platform for new clients where it’s imperative to replace hardware and simultaneously offer software as a service.

“It’s that good”, Hentsch continues, “ If you have a strong output management system like Tricaster then the system acts as an overlay to any of your productions, connecting via in house server or cloud. A very simple setup to enhance your production with custom graphics and design elements for tickers, localized information boards and ads. Branding is seamless,” he states, “ across the channel or channels, depending on how many you need, offered up through the software’s native graphics system. As we move into the future and new systems and studios become leaner, Chameleon allows the user to structure more content to their live feeds.”

Chameleon works as an overlay, providing more information to a company’s viewers, whether it’s for a private ecosystem like a large company or a startup that is data driven like Cheddar.

At IBC meet the team at Ontario booth in hall 2A .

Email: sales@bannisterlake.com

Twitter: @bannisterlake

PR and Communications Director Contact:

Stephanie@bannisterlake.com

press@bannisterlake.com

About Bannister Lake Inc.

bannisterlake.com

July 27, 2017May 17, 2018

CTV News Channel

Super Ticker and Brando Provide Workflow + Data Solution at CTV News Channel

CAMBRIDGE, ON – 07-27-2017 – CTV recently launched a new national look for CTV News Channel, the Canadian company’s 24 hour station, completing phase one of a two phase reconfiguration of data workflow for the popular Canadian broadcast news network. Successfully utilizing two components of Bannister Lake’s Chameleon platform, Super Ticker and Brando.

Super Ticker and Brando were created for data publishing and for scalable multi-channel branding for media companies that depend upon a heavy flow of real-time information. “The next phase is to add sponsorship support”, adds George Hentsch, “That will be taken care of by Brando and we will be delivering CTV sponsorship capability in the next few weeks.”

CTV News Channel is a leading broadcast news service in Canada. Owned by Bell Media, the giant programming network purchased Super Ticker and Brando Enterprise in 2013. News Channel is a new installation of their existing enterprise license.

CTV News Channel celebrates 20 years on the air this September.

PR and Communications Contact:

Stephanie Daye

Twitter: @bannisterlake

Email: stephanie@bannisterlake.com

Mobile: 902 877 0975

About Bannister Lake Inc.

bannisterlake.com

July 10, 2017May 17, 2018

Ross’ XPression Brand-it and Tick-it Launch at News 12

Ross Video’s XPression Brand-it and Tick-it Launch at News 12 in New York

CAMBRIDGE, ON 07-10-2017 – Bannister Lake and Ross Video continue to provide current news and weather media companies with the latest in branding and ticker workflow systems. Adding to that extensive list is the recent purchase of Ross’ XPression Brand-it and Tick-it by Altice USA’s News 12 Traffic and Weather suite of channels in the New York Metropolitan Area. Final training and orientation was completed last month.

“We provided a data, branding and ticker solution for News 12’s five weather and traffic stations that service the tri-state area,” stated Georg Hentsch, president of Bannister Lake. “News 12 wanted an automated solution to display up-to-the minute weather conditions along with public transit status, local traffic conditions, drive times and weather alerts.”

“Ross Video and the XPression team are proud to partner with News 12 to provide unique news and information for ticker, time/temperature bugs and sponsor integration on each of their unique regional channels in the largest television market in the USA, ” states Patrick Twomey, director of marketing, product management and business development – XPression for Ross Video.

XPression Brand-it is an automated, multi-channel, collaborative branding workflow server, designed to simplify complex channel branding requirements. All access to Brand-it is browser based, allowing anyone connected to a local or wide-area network to enter or schedule content from any location. Essentially, Brand-it is a workflow server that operates as a “plug and play” model, making it easier for station employees with appropriate access to quickly and easily develop their brand through scalable channel modules.

To test drive Brand-it or Tick-it call our sales staff to arrange a meeting with a representative at Ross or Bannister Lake:

sales@bannisterlake.com sales@rossvideo.com

About Ross Video

Passionate about live production, Ross Video designs, manufactures and delivers dependable technology and services that power exceptional live video productions seen by billions of viewers around the world every day. Ross Video’s goal is to make it easy for customers to create compelling news, weather and sports broadcasts, engaging material for sports stadium screens, legislative assemblies, entertainment shows and rock concerts, and inspiring content for houses of worship.

Relentlessly innovating, Ross Video delivers the world’s widest range of products and services for augmented reality and virtual sets, mobile live-event solutions, real-time motion graphics, robotic camera systems, social-media management, production switchers, routers, infrastructure products, video servers, newsroom systems, terminal equipment and more.

Ross products and services are designed to offer best-in-class system integration and unmatched customer choice by both working together seamlessly and integrating tightly with third-party solutions.

Ross Video has offices around the world, and provides free-for-life telephone support staffed by technical experts 24 hours a day, 365 days a year—even for products bought on eBay. Recognizing the time-critical nature of the broadcast industry, all Ross employees are empowered to provide “whatever it takes” customer service, even down to renting helicopters when necessary to deliver needed parts and service.

About Bannister Lake Inc.

Ross Video Media Contact: Bannister Lake Media Contact:

Sara Bell,

Media Relations Specialist

Tel: +1 613-652-3020
Email: sbell@rossvideo.com

Twitter: @ross_video

www.rossvideo.com

Stephanie Daye

Director, PR and Communications

Email: stephanie@bannisterlake.com

Twitter: @bannisterlake

www.bannisterlake.com

October 19, 2016May 17, 2018

Bannister Lake Adds Ground-Breaking Data Management Enhancements to Super Ticker Software

CAMBRIDGE, ON, Canada, October 19, 2016 – Bannister Lake has unveiled two powerful new enhancements for the company’s Super Ticker software, further extending the flexibility that has helped make it the preferred data aggregation and management solution for broadcasters and other media enterprises worldwide. The powerful new Query function creates dynamic playlists that automatically adapt the set of data being displayed based on deeply-configurable criteria, while the new Custom data type enables customers to define proprietary data structures tailored to their unique requirements.

“With the vast array of information sources available to the public today, broadcasters need to offer deeper and more precisely relevant data to engage their viewers and remain their audience’s preferred platform,” said Georg Hentsch, president, Bannister Lake. “Our unique Query feature enables Super Ticker users to dynamically present exactly the data they need to tell their story, while effortlessly keeping it fresh and accurate. Meanwhile, our new Custom data type makes it easier than ever for our customers to create data containers that meet their individual needs without any extra overhead.”

As always, Super Ticker enables media organizations to easily aggregate and manage automated data feeds from premium third-party providers, and combine them with community-submitted information and locally-created content. Overcoming the near-immediate data obsolescence typical of manually-created playlists, the ground-breaking Query feature enables users to define criteria that dynamically generate up-to-the-second playlists from Super Ticker’s aggregated data.

Database inquiries are created using standard Structured Query Language (SQL) syntax, and stored unexecuted for subsequent use through playout rundowns or Super Ticker’s BLADE (Bannister Lake Active Data Exchange) API. The Query is only applied to the database at the last possible moment before the resulting data is needed, ensuring that the extracted information is always up to date. A Query creation wizard is provided to assist users who don’t have SQL experience, and Query definitions can be published for sharing and deployment amongst all Super Ticker customers worldwide.

“Creating playlists featuring constantly-changing data sets – such as listing close election races where incumbents are losing, stocks that are dropping faster than a specified threshold, or the five hottest cities on the planet at that moment – has previously been difficult if not impossible, as the list is out of date within seconds, minutes or hours of its creation,” said Hentsch. “Query enables dynamic playlists that give our customers the freedom to create data-rich broadcasts and displays based on virtually any criteria they can dream up.”

The second new Super Ticker enhancement, the Custom data type, provides a convenient and efficient means for users to store and manage their aggregated or locally-entered data in fully-customized structures. While Super Ticker’s standard data types – including sports scores, weather, financials, elections and many more – could already be extended by customers with additional fields to capture deeper data, the new Custom type takes this flexibility even further, enabling users to create entirely new structures from the ground up with only the fields they require. All Super Ticker functionality for using and managing standard data types can also be applied to Custom containers, including rundowns, the BLADE API, and the new Query feature.

A new version of Super Ticker featuring Query is available immediately, with the new Custom data type slated for a November release. Existing Super Ticker customers with active maintenance agreements are eligible to receive the updates free of charge. For more information about Super Ticker and other Bannister Lake solutions, please visit www.bannisterlake.com.