Collab blog-2

Putting together a media server show is often a collaboration between producers, content creators and show programmers. In an ideal world, everybody knows exactly what the others are doing and delivers the right content at the right time in the process. How can remote content improve collaboration and build a better show creation process? That's the question addressed in this article. 


  • How does remote content work?
  • What are the three key benefits?
  • How does this improve collaboration for media server show production?
  • Conclusion

 

How does remote content work?

Remote content is content stored outside the local media server, whether it is on a server on the local network, a remote network or in the cloud. Remote content will be accessed when required and a good remote content management system will provide first class features for improved playback, collaboration and security. 

Read more in the blog: What is remote content and how does it relate to media servers?

What are the THREE key benefits?


1. Files stored in a central location where all have access

One of the major benefits is the fact that all show files will be stored on a single location with everybody involved in the project having access to the same files. This removes the friction of somebody storing a crucial pice of content on his/her desktop, on the laptop that “just happens to be left at home”. 

2. All files will be prepared and ready for best performance playback 

With a multitude of different media servers and configurations, a content management system will ensure that the content being sent to the media server for the final show will be in the best possible encoding for the specific media server. 

For example, a Dataton WATCHPAX 42 (a compact media server, playing 4 x 4K compressed media) has different performance than the WATCHPAX 62 (a 2U media server with up to 12 outputs and play back of 4 x 4K uncompressed media) and would require the same content to be delivered in two different configurations. 

3. Content creators can work in their preferred systems and media

Everybody working in creative industries will have their own preferred hardware and software systems as well as preferences for media types for video and audio. Most media servers can ingest many more media formats than they can play back, but none of the media servers re-code content automatically to what is best. 

If the content creator prefers delivering his/her content in ProRes it is 100% since the asset/content management system will accept it and convert it to optimal playback version anyway. 

How doES THIS IMPROVE COLLABORATION FOR MEDIA SERVER SHOW PRODUCTION?

With an asset or content management system in place, you should be able to work collaboratively on shows. For instance, one producer/creator/programmer can work on the LED wall production, while the other team works on the multi-projection setup and the third team can program everything needed for the crowning glory of the show, let's say a rotating object with projection mapping and lasers.

Conclusion

With the introduction of remote content as a way of working, media server professionals will have an easier work life where they can work collaboratively and smoothly across disciplines and location, not risking the integrity of show playback performance. 

 

More reading:

What is remote content and how does it relate to media servers?

Content management for media servers

What every media server operator should know