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Marquis Appoints New Associate for Expanding Consultancy Division

June 2008

Marquis has announced the appointment of Andy Palmer as Associate for its expanding Consultancy Division. Palmer becomes the sixth member of Marquis Broadcast's consultancy team.

Palmer brings considerable experience to Marquis with over 30 years in the broadcast industry. During this time, he has acquired a vast appreciation of file-based processes having worked with leading companies including S4C and the BBC. As head of technical operations for S4C, he was responsible for the development of integrated automation, asset management and server workflows, and also worked on the launch of new channels for the company's digital terrestrial and digital satellite platforms.

"We welcome Andy to Marquis and look forward to the extra breadth and depth his experience and broadcasting knowledge will bring to our growing Consultancy Division," said Bob Gentry, Associate Director, Marquis Broadcast. "Our consultancy services are increasingly in demand. As digital technology continues to evolve, the options available to broadcasters and media organisations to help them achieve their strategic goals become wider and more complex. Simply connecting best of breed systems together is not the answer. Meticulous planning, intelligent choice of technology solution, close attention to change management and staff training as well as an in-depth knowledge of system integration are vital if maximum benefit is to be achieved. The introduction of file based working is a business journey, not just a technology project."

As part of Marquis' Consultancy Division, Palmer will work alongside broadcasters, media organisations and content producers providing a range of professional services for the implementation of new digital production and broadcasting workflows.

Medway chosen by Siemens for Major Digital Media Workflow Project

April 2008

Marquis Broadcast has announced that Medway, the company's popular interoperability engine, has been selected by Siemens IT Solutions and Services as an essential technology component of the BBC's Digital Media Initiative, DMI. As a result of this decision, Marquis Broadcast will form a global partnership with Siemens to make the technologies and know-how involved in delivering DMI available to other broadcasters who are considering tackling a similar technical challenge.

Siemens IT Solutions and Services, as the BBC's technology partner, has been working with the Corporation to architect the solution for DMI and select the key technology vendors. Siemens will now act as the prime integrator on the project, leading the service-oriented integration of these components to deliver a solution that meets the needs of the Corporation.

Medway was chosen for the initiative because of its ability to move media seamlessly between systems without incurring file compatibility issues, and because of its inherent use of rich metadata. The software is able to extract, edit and manipulate metadata that is attached to media, providing easy to use tools for building the powerful search, browse and media transfer systems needed to manage content effectively.

PostDisc Media Transfer Tool Extends Rimage Disc Publishing Functions into Apple and Avid Editing Environments

April 2008

Marquis Broadcast demonstrated integration between PostDisc and Rimage's on-demand disc publishing systems for the first time at NAB 2008. The integration enables Rimage to integrate its publishing systems with a range of content creation and editing systems.

Rimage's digital publishing systems provide a fast, automated method of producing CDs and DVDs, from the production of rough-cuts through to end product delivery, including output using Blu-ray Disc writing technology. Using PostDisc, Rimage extends its market reach by taking disc publishing directly into Avid and Apple editing environments. PostDisc provides tight integration between the two processes, creating a powerful, easy to use workflow where editors are able to achieve seamless access to publishing, recording and printing operations from the familiarity of their own editing environments. Once instigated, publishing functions take place as background tasks, thus freeing up more time for creative processes.

PostDisc also includes comprehensive metadata extraction and manipulation functions which enable it to sort and configure media, and handle publishing information such as disc printing schemes.

"By combining our disc publishing solutions with the PostDisc media transfer tools, we are able to provide content creators with improved efficiency, flexibility and usability from their production workflows," said Hamish Macmillan, director of business development, Rimage. "At the same time, because PostDisc allows media to be moved quickly and easily between different manufacturers' systems, our customers have greater freedom to choose 'best of breed' products in the knowledge that they will not encounter file incompatibility problems."

"The true benefit of our integration with Rimage is efficiency," said Granby Patrick, Partner Director, Technology, Marquis Broadcast. "Whether editors are producing one or one hundred discs, the entire process - including direct-to-disc label printing - takes place as a background task, freeing up more time for editors to focus on creative work. The end result is a smoother, more seamless workflow and more reliable, professional-looking discs."

Rimage will begin shipping its disc publishing systems with PostDisc media transfers tools from May 1st, 2008.

Medway Integration Brings Workflow Benefits to SGL's FlashNet Archive and Storage Environment

April 2008

Marquis Broadcast, specialist in broadcast workflow studies and software solutions, and Software Generation Ltd (SGL), a leading provider of content archive and storage management software for media and entertainment, have announced a technology integration agreement allowing SGL to integrate Marquis' Medway media highway with its FlashNet content archive and storage management systems, including the new FlashBrowse proxy creation system and FlashBox archive management and storage solution.

"The integration of our FlashNet products with Medway brings workflow improvements and more flexibility to critical digital processes," said Bernie Walsh, Sales Director, SGL. "Integration, strong business benefits, system expansion and low cost of ownership are key to the SGL philosophy and this partnership will allow our customers to improve workflows, thereby increasing productivity and ROI."

RTL-TVI Belgium Installs Marquis Medway Media Highway for Powerful Cross-Platform Postproduction and Broadcast Workflows

March 2008

Marquis has announced that regional Belgian television station, RTL-TVI Belgium, part of RTL Group, has installed its Medway Media Highway. RTL-TVI Belgium is using Medway as the interoperability engine for its broadcasting and postproduction workflows based in its head office in Brussels. Medway has enabled the Company to achieve fast media transfers between its production areas where multiple teams of operators use a range of applications from different manufacturers.

"We chose Marquis as our supplier because having talked through our plans with them, they understood precisely what we were looking for and were able to demonstrate how Medway's capabilities could fulfil our requirements completely," said Thierry Piette, technical director, RTL-TVI. "Medway is very reliable. It has a simple interface which requires minimal training, and can be used by any of our operators including those who do not have specialist technical backgrounds. Also, we do not require transcoding which means the media flows between our various applications very fast. It's a very powerful method of moving data around."

RTV Belgium Achieves Fast Media Transfers using Medway Media Highway for New Tapeless Workflow

March 2008

Marquis has announced that regional Belgian television station, RTV Belgium, has installed its Medway Media Highway. RTV Belgium is using Medway to transfer media files between a range of broadcasting and editing systems in its head office in Westerlo. Although currently broadcasting in SD, RTV Belgium is migrating its workflows to HD broadcasting. Medway will fulfil an essential role in this process, as it already supports a range of HD formats.

"We chose Marquis Broadcast as they have a solid name in broadcasting technology," said Bart Snoeks, head of the technical department at RTV. "Medway is a very powerful system and is particularly fast when exporting Avid sequences to playout. All our operators, including those who are not trained in server technology, are able to use it. With Medway, we have created a highly streamlined, efficient workflow."

Marquis Demonstrates Medway with Extended HD Support and New HD Transcoding at NAB 2008

March 2008

Marquis Broadcast will be demonstrating Medway The Media Highway at NAB 2008 with wider support for HD, including the addition of HD transcoding and enhanced native support for other HD formats. These new expanded HD capabilities follow on from Medway's Avid DNxHD functionality announced last year, making it easier than ever before for broadcasters and content producers to migrate their workflows from SD to HD processes.

At NAB, Marquis will be showcasing Medway with bi-directional HD transcoding from Avid DNxHD to MPEG-2 long GOP (20 MB/s to 200 Mb/s), and native support for Panasonic DVCPRO-100 HD CODEC. Transcoding between DNxHD and MPEG-2 I frame (20MB/s to 200MB/s), and native support for Sony XDCAM HD422 will be added during Q2 2008.

Also at NAB, Marquis will be introducing Medway with tighter integration for media asset management and nonlinear workflow management tools including the Avid Interplay production environment. Using Avid Transfer Manager APIs, Medway will feature powerful new metadata creation, editing and handling capabilities giving users improved performance when registering, searching, browsing and exporting clips and sequences within the Interplay database.

Marquis Appoints Diginet as new business partner for Belgium

March 2008

Marquis Broadcast has signed up Diginet as a new business partner for its Medway Media Highway interoperability engine. Diginet will represent Medway to broadcasting and postproduction companies across Belgium, and will also provide Marquis customers with local integration, sales support and technical services.

Founded in 1996, Diginet has become a major provider of technical solutions and professional equipment for the broadcast, telecoms and security industries. The Company has earned an excellent reputation from Belgian broadcasters and has become a specialist in the implementation of file-based workflows.

"Our customers demand ever tighter integration between processes in order to achieve the most efficient workflows," said Bart Delva, Product Manager, Diginet. "Medway delivers the high levels of integration that are required, providing a simple highway for media to flow without incurring compatibility problems. We are very pleased to be working with Marquis and look forward to introducing Medway to more broadcasters in our region."

"Diginet has a strong presence in Belgium and will provide an invaluable resource for us as we expand our customer base in Europe," said Granby Patrick, Partner Director, Technology, Marquis Broadcast. "We are delighted to be working alongside them."

Based in Vilvoorde, Belgium, Diginet specialises in all areas of digital technology for broadcasting and postproduction, including asset management, content management, archiving and process workflow analysis.

Marquis Appoints Roger Bowley as Business Development Manager for Europe

February 2008

Marquis Broadcast, specialist in broadcast workflow studies and software solutions, has announced the appointment of Roger Bowley as Business Development Manager, Europe. This new role will provide the companys sales channels with a dedicated resource to help them further develop business opportunities with broadcasters and postproduction facilities across Europe.

We welcome Roger to Marquis and look forward to the many benefits his vast experience and broadcasting knowledge will bring as we continue to expand our customer base and network of business partners, said Peter Davies, Partner Director, Commercial, Marquis Broadcast. The Marquis Medway media highway is fast gaining international recognition as the proven, cost-effective method of moving media between different broadcasting platforms. By creating this new position, we will be better placed to provide our partners and customers with first-class sales and marketing support services.

Bowley begins his new role with immediate effect reporting to Peter Davies. One of his first challenges will be overseeing the rollout of a major new version of Medway as the company launches 2.1 and begins shipping to customers from the beginning of February.

Bowley has over 25 years experience in telecoms, audio and broadcasting. He joins Marquis from Snell & Wilcox where he headed up the north European sales operation. Previous experience includes senior positions with Quantel, BT, Synthaxe (part of Virgin), Reflex-SC and TSS-UK.

Marquis Broadcast Expands Medway Team With Two New Appointments

January 2008

Marquis Broadcast has announced two new appointments for its growing head office in Pangbourne, Berkshire, UK.

Phil Wilton joins the company as product manager for the Marquis Medway media highway software, and Scott Johnston joins as software development consultant.

Prior to accepting his new position with Marquis, Wilton worked with Sony UK in its product management and professional services sector where he was responsible for a large team of product managers. Before this, he held several other senior positions with Sony Business Europe and Sony Broadcast & Professional.

At Marquis Broadcast, Wilton will be responsible for implementing an aggressive product development plan for Medway, and will ensure the evolution of its feature sets run parallel with market trends and customer requirements.

For the past 8 years, Johnston has held positions with Quantel where he worked on several major projects including technology development for the company’s Generation Q product line.

“We are delighted to welcome Phil and Scott,” said Granby Patrick, Partner Director, Marquis Broadcast. “Medway continues to be adopted by broadcasters as the preferred method of integrating media across workflows. Phil’s knowledge of the broadcasting industry and his technical expertise will be invaluable as we take Medway to new markets. Likewise, Scott’s thorough understanding of digital technology and systems integration will further strengthen our development team.”

Marquis has been making strong inroads with broadcasters of all sizes during 2007 and continues to work closely with the broadcasting community to ensure all its products reflect technology trends as more companies look to digital workflows and HD solutions. Marquis’ flagship product, the Medway media highway, now enables broadcasters to adopt a seamless capture-to-playout HD workflow using systems from different manufacturers without the need for media transcoding.

Marquis Demonstrates Medway Integration between Microsoft Interactive Media Manager and Final Cut Pro
September 2007

Medway was featured as part of the Microsoft Interactive Media Manager (IMM) demonstration at IBC 2007, providing tight integration for fast media file transfers between IMM and Apple Final Cut Pro.

IMM is a collaborative media management solution that extends Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007 for media and entertainment companies, helping them to create an easily accessible end-to-end content production system. Marquis' Medway media highway system provides seamless integration of media files between all post-production and broadcasting systems irrespective of hardware and software platforms.

At IBC2007, the Microsoft demonstration of IMM used Marquis' Medway to showcase media transfers using true IMM-generated EDLs as a set of instructions to move media from central storage to Final Cut Pro 6.0 for professional editing. The media and its associated metadata is packaged and formatted as appropriate to provide fast and seamless file transfers enabling media to be available instantly for the next process as soon as transfer begins. All media, edit decisions and additional metadata are transferred in a single drag and drop action.

By using Medway as the media highway, users have the freedom to use 'best of breed' systems, for example, Avid, Final Cut Pro or Adobe Premier, in the knowledge that media will flow seamlessly with consistency and continuity of metadata throughout the entire workflow.

Dalet and Marquis Partner To Optimise Integration With Third Party Editing Systems
September 2007

Dalet Digital Media Systems and Marquis Broadcast, specialist in broadcast workflow studies and software integration solutions, today announced that both companies have partnered to optimize the integration of third-party non-linear editing (NLE) systems with Dalet Enterprise Edition and Dalet News Suite platforms. Marquis Medway for Dalet will facilitate the exchange of media essence, Edit Decision Lists (EDL) and associated metadata between Dalet Content Catalogues and external NLEs such as Avid NewsCutter and Avid Adrenaline.

"By working alongside leading solutions developers such as Dalet, we are able to widen the market for Medway media highway and enable more broadcasters and media professionals to benefit from seamless integration between best of breed systems within their production environments," explains Granby Patrick, Partner Director, Marquis Broadcast. "The integration of Medway with Dalet media asset management systems will provide a powerful, efficient and secure solution with the assurance that vital metadata remains preserved throughout the workflow."

"Marquis and Dalet really share the same vision of open broadcast platforms whereby content can be seamlessly exchanged between production systems," comments Mr. Nicolas Hans, Director of Marketing for Dalet. "Our joint partnership will truly serve broadcasters who have been entrapped for too long in proprietary solutions whereby content was entrapped in isolated silos". Marquis Medway for Dalet is currently being implemented for a large European content provider and is planned for release in Q4 2007. Once completed, Marquis Medway for Dalet will be available through Dalet Business Partners and supported by Marquis Broadcast.

Marquis Broadcast and Signiant Announce Business Partnership
September 2007

Marquis Broadcast and Signiant, a leading developer of digital media distribution management software, have signed a co-marketing and product integration agreement enabling Signiant to integrate Marquis' Medway media highway system with its media distribution products. The two companies will work together with a shared vision to bring heightened flexibility and efficiency to data-intensive broadcasting and post-production workflows.

"We see Marquis' Medway product as an essential part of the digital highway for all processes where systems from different manufacturers are required to work together in an integrated end-to-end solution," said Tom Ohanian, VP Product Development, Signiant. "By working with Marquis, we can enhance the efficiency and value of our media distribution solutions."

"Signiant prioritizes the core issues of media distribution, namely, easy to use management and automation, and accelerated file transfer and security," said Granby Patrick, Partner Director, Marquis Broadcast. "We look forward to working with their development team to bring a range benefits to our mutual customers."

The combination of Medway's advanced media integration technology and Signiant's media distribution intelligence will provide a powerful solution that will enable broadcasters and post-production professionals to achieve faster media transfers, improved asset management and increased data protection from their digital infrastructures. The partnership will bring higher levels of integration between products, providing operators with a more collaborative and flexible workflow where media files can be browsed and moved between systems irrespective of the equipment and file formats in use.

Marquis Announces Medway Support for the EVS XT[2] Server Range
August 2007

Marquis has added EVS Broadcast Equipment's EVS XT2 server to the list of products supported by its Medway media highway system. By supporting the EVS XT2 proprietary file export format, Medway brings new functionality to broadcasters by enabling them to read and write DNxHD media between systems based on the EVS XT[2] architecture and Avid Technology's storage and Media Composer editing systems.

Marquis Broadcast Expands with New US Office in Joint Venture with Bridge Digital
August 2007

Marquis Broadcast, specialist in broadcast workflow studies and solutions, is opening a new office in Nashville, Tennessee, in a joint venture with broadcast systems supplier, Bridge Digital Inc. Marquis has recently experienced a rise in new business in the US with an increase in demand for its Medway media highway system. The new office will greatly enhance customer support services and provide valuable additional support for Marquis’ channel partners across the US.

By opening the new office in conjunction with Bridge Digital, Marquis gains a dedicated team of broadcast professionals who are fully trained to provide a complete range of support services covering all aspects of Marquis' products. Bridge Digital has been supplying US broadcasters with 'best in class' software and hardware technology products for over 5 years. Operating as a dedicated Marquis resource, they will give Medway customers additional reassurance that their mission critical broadcasting workflows can always be maintained effectively.

"We are very pleased to be working with Marquis and look forward to working with the Marquis channel to introduce Medway to more broadcasters in the Americas," said Richie Murray, President, Bridge Digital Inc. "As the adoption of digital workflows continues, broadcasters need tight integration between systems in order to achieve efficient workflows. Medway provides a simple highway for media to flow without incurring problems caused by incompatibilities between systems from different manufacturers."

"Our joint venture with Bridge Digital will accelerate the process of establishing a strong presence in the US and also give us immediate resources with which to support our channel and expanding US client base," said Granby Patrick, Partner Director, Marquis Broadcast. "Bridge Digital is a leader in its field and has a unique understanding of the various processes involved in digital workflows. Their knowledge of the US broadcasting industry will be of tremendous value to us as we take Medway to a wider market in the US."

Medway Adds Support For Omneon MediaGrid Active Storage System
July 2007

Marquis Broadcast's Medway universal media highway product now supports the Omneon MediaGrid next generation storage system.

MediaGrid is a storage system optimized for scalable, highbandwidth access to content required by media production and broadcast professionals. The system integrates with workflow and content management applications through open file protocols and APIs. Medway enables media files from multiple sources to be moved seamlessly between a variety of vendor platforms Under an existing OEM relationship between Omneon and Marquis Broadcast, Omneon currently offers Medway in its product portfolio branded as the Omneon ConformTool and promotes it longside Omneon products through its distribution channels. The completion of Medways support for MediaGrid means that Omneon is now able to extend its offering of ConformTool to existing and future MediaGrid customers.

MediaGrid is a storage system optimized for scalable, highbandwidth access to content required by media production and broadcast professionals. The system integrates with workflow and content management applications through open file protocols and APIs. Medway enables media files from multiple sources to be moved seamlessly between a variety of vendor platforms. Media is moved at full capacity network speeds and with complete reliability in any format including DV and 50-Mbps IMX.

The integration of Medway and MediaGrid further extends our range of broadcast solutions, said Jason Danielson, senior director of solution marketing for Omneon. By offering it with our Spectrum server and MediaGrid storage platforms, our customers can achieve improved efficiency in their workflows and at the same time, have the freedom to choose best of breed systems in the knowledge that they will not encounter file incompatibility problems.

As with the existing Omneon Spectrum integration, Medway allows browsing, reading and writing to MediaGrid folders while providing rewrapping of files in appropriate MXF or QuickTime preferences. This can be performed under manual control, via the API.

Harris Integrates Medway Within Its Media Management
Products For Greater Workflow Productivity
September 2007

Harris Corporation has signed an OEM agreement with Marquis Broadcast enabling Harris to integrate Marquis' Medway Media Highway software within Harris' H-Class Intelligent Media Mover and Invenio H-Class Digital Asset Management systems.

Medway allows media files to flow freely between disparate, third-party nonlinear editing (NLE) platforms, all from a single user interface.

By integrating Marquis' Medway within the H-Class Intelligent Media Mover and Invenio H-Class Digital Asset Management systems, the Harris software now supports the seamless transfer of digital media and metadata assets between its own archives and third-party systems such as NLE workstations and video servers.

A user workflow can now be delivered that allows for searching of catalogued content within Harris' Invenio media archives and creates the instruction to move the SD/HD content off the Nexio server to industry-leading production tools such as Apple Final Cut Pro NLE software, Avid editing and Unity storage. This unified integration benefits users by facilitating the access, ingest, transfer, storage, and ultimately, the playout of media to air.

"The OEM agreement between our companies will result in a compelling solution for media companies looking for maximum output from their workflow processes," said Tim Thorsteinson, president, Harris Broadcast Communications. "By integrating Medway within our asset management products, we can offer our customers powerful, transparent media workflows across all broadcasting applications."

Marquis Broadcast has completed the integration of Medway into the Harris asset management product line, and now offers on-going product support to Harris customers. The integrated solution is available now through Harris's global distribution channels, with product installation provided by Harris.

"Medway is rapidly becoming the de facto standard for moving digital media across the broadcast production pipeline," said Granby Patrick, CEO of Marquis Broadcast. "Our OEM agreement with Harris will provide broadcasters worldwide with fast, efficient workflows to satisfy even the most demanding production workflow requirements."

Omneon OEM Medway

Omneon have extended their existing OEM relationship with Marquis to include Medway in its portfolio. The new offering will be called 'Conform Tool' and will be marketed through the Omneon distribution channel. Omneon will provide 24 hour support to its clients ensuring the highest level of service.

Jason Danielson, Senior Director for Omneon said, “We see the extension of our offering to be a major step forward for our customers in delivering efficient work flows and allowing them flexibility in the systems they use to support production”. Granby Patrick said, “We have enjoyed a very successful relationship with Omneon and look forward to building on this with Medway. The launch of support for Final Cut Pro should be a major help for Omneon future sales and will enable clients to buy best of breed solutions.”

Removable Media For HD Workflows

Last year, Marquis Broadcast and Ikegami demonstrated the world's first multi-vendor HD workflow at the Inter BEE Show in Japan. Granby Patrick, CEO, Marquis Broadcast, explains how the development was instigated by the Japanese market, and looks at the benefits of using digital removable media to achieve practical, streamlined capture to playout HD workflows.

To read more about this story click here

Final Cut Pro Support From Medway

Our Media Highway software for digital broadcasting environments now supports an extended range of manufacturers’ platforms.

This increased interoperability will give broadcasters even more freedom to choose best of breed solutions for their broadcasting workflows without the worry of data transfer bottlenecks due to file incompatibilities.

Medway will be demonstrated at IBC with full support for a wide range of broadcasting systems, including for the first time, support for Apple’s Final Cut Pro 5 and Sony’s XPRI editing systems, Grass Valley’s ProfileXP video server, and FrontPorch’s DIVA range of archive management solutions.

Marquis Adds Avid DNxHD Support For Medway Media Highway

Software development to add Avid® DNxHD™ support to Medway has been undertaken by Marquis, with sponsorship from Omneon, initiated in response to demand from Japanese broadcasters wanting to improve workflows when using media captured by Ikegami HD cameras.