CentralParQ Workflow Farmework

 NAB, Las Vegas—We spoke with CentralParQ, a Dutch company about their workflow framework. Their solution includes a combination of hardware and software for managing and tracking assets from ingest through production.

Part of their offering is a cloud-based set of modules that optimize metadata and other information. The system can track physical media through the entire chain and pull metadata from any location. The tools integrate time code and camera information and capture metadata during the shoot.

To help track physical media, the MediaDoQ automatically ingests and creates metadata. It uses a QR code label to identify and track recording media in XDCAM, P2, or SD cards, and makes a file system for the video and all relevant metadata. The ingest box has different cradles for the various media. If the storage media has both older and new material, it will recognize the newest material and file it into the correct location on the storage platform.

This automation reduces the chance that the DIT will make a mistake in ingest or in inputting metadata. The ingested videos can be stored as separate clips or as a long, continuous time code clip. The tools use a browser-based interface as an on-site gateway for checking of ingest. The system can create the metadata and notify the producer of completion.

The various files are stored in a central database. On-site notes for editing, promotion, etc. are produced on a tablet app that is tied to the video content. The tablet app can scan the QR code prior to and during recording and interacts with the database through a wireless network connection. The data can be logged per time code to sync notes and video. A low resolution browseable clip of the media is created for quick viewing before editing.

The software also interfaces with Avid ISIS 5000 and 7000 usage billing tools and allows the users to dynamically adjust storage space without needing administration privileges. Users can be notified if they are approaching their limits and can opt to clean up the storage or add more space. Storage use is measured hourly for any project in an Avid system and an overview can be generated in daily, weekly, or monthly increments.

Access rights and privileges can be assigned by the producers and they can determine which editors have access to which media at which periods. Producers do not have access to the system management settings of Avid Interplay and ISIS. Changes in time or personnel are easily managed and permissions can be extended temporarily for edits that are running longer than expected.

Other tools and capabilities are available, including contract and VoD management. For more information see www.centralparqsoftware.com