Summary

WXXA-TV, a Clear Channel-owned Fox affiliate in Albany, NY, has deployed Sundance Digital's FastBreak NT automation system to manage spot insertion across both its Fox and newly added UPN cable channels from a single SeaChange MediaCluster server. The station plans to upgrade the Sundance system further as part of its DTV transition scheduled for 2001.

Source document circa 2000 preserved as-is

Thursday, August 31, 2000

WXXA-TV EXPANSION TO MULTI-CHANNEL OPERATION INCLUDES SUNDANCE DIGITAL AUTOMATION SYSTEM

Irving, TX (August 30, 2000) -- WXXA-TV, a Fox affiliate located in Albany, NY, has selected Sundance Digital Inc.’s FastBreak™ NT software system to provide automated spot insertion solutions for its newly expanded multi-channel operation. The station, owned by Clear Channel Communications, recently underwent a siginificant expansion to accomodate the addition of a cable only UPN affiliate. Sundance Digital’s FastBreak NT enables the station to operate both 24 hour affiliates from the same video server. Sundance Digital, a leading provider of television automation solutions, is located in Irving, Texas.

The FastBreak NT system controls spot playout for both channels from a SeaChange MediaCluster server. The system configuration includes two Sundance Air Stations; one for the Fox channel and the other for UPN.

WXXA-TV’s newly expanded system, comprised of FastBreak NT, the server and a new Master Control Room, was supplied and fabricated by Beers Associates - a Systems Integrator headquartered in Marlboro MA. “We were delighted with the exceptional support we received from Sundance throughout the project,” said Tom Disinger, sales manager for Beers Associates.

According to Sarge Cathrall, chief engineer at WXXA-TV, FastBreak NT came highly recommended from TV stations currently using the Sundance Digital system.

“Our criteria included the system’s ability to provide more efficient operation and accommodate future growth,” said Cathrall. “Upgrading to DTV is inevitable, so we needed an automation system that could easily migrate to a digital, multi-channel environment. Sundance is the perfect system to evolve as we do. The cost-effective price point was also a major factor in our decision.”

WXXA-TV’s plans to transition to Digital Television (DTV) in 2001 include an upgraded Sundance system.

FastBreak NT is a functional, flexible and cost effective commercial solution for server-based broadcast spot insertion. FastBreak NT, featuring “open architecture”, combines a custom traffic system interface with robust database management and frame-accurate control of digital servers. FastBreak NT is scalable, enabling an easy upgrade path for future expansion.

WXXA-TV originally launched on July 30, 1982. Programming consists of available Fox and UPN feeds, regional news and syndicated fare, including talk shows.

Sundance Digital, Inc. is a leading provider of cost-effective, high-performance broadcast automation solutions located in the metropolitan Dallas, TX area. With a strong commitment to technology and deep roots in all aspects of broadcasting, Sundance products are in use in broadcast facilities worldwide. Additional information about Sundance Digital products is available at www.SundanceDigital.com.