In this issue……

Message from Irene Nesbit, President Nesbit Systems Inc.

In 1986 Nesbit Systems was selected by NBC to be the General Contractor for computer systems for the live broadcast of the 1988 Olympics in Seoul. This was quite an undertaking for what was then an eight person company: 6 custom applications to build; hundreds of users to support 24/7; a 220 workstation LAN to set up and support on site with T1 connections to the United States; and less than 2 years to accomplish it with zero chance of failure.

This was a landmark project for the company, and we pulled it off with great success. And we learned important lessons. I will always remember the advice of the executive producer of the broadcast: don't build a monument to technology. Make it work and keep it simple. This is an approach we adopted and have continued to bring to our development and delivery of software since the 1988 Games. I like to refer to it as technical pragmatism. Our rule is not to be swayed by the romance of technology - define and build a solution that works for the business and technical objectives at hand. Keep it focused. By using this approach you not only solve the user's requirements but do it efficiently and economically.

Media Library System Interfaces

The Media Library System is often used as a core system in broadcast operations because media asset information is so central to the organization. When MLS is used as a 'hub', it resolves much inefficiency within the organization. Data is integrated with or transferred to MLS, thus eliminating redundant data entry. Conversely, data within MLS is exported to other systems (Avid, Log Producer, remote scanners, cart machines and more) to provide seamless integration with many facets of broadcast operations. Comprehensive information is available within MLS. When it is used effectively it addresses communication problems between departments, and 'stops' errors before they happen. The link from MLS to edit equipment and logging systems saves time, reducing the tasks that must be done by editors.

Our objective has always been to keep the focus of MLS on managing content, pure and simple. However within that context we understand the varied requirements of the business flow of broadcasting and "open" MLS to meet these needs. This includes SQL data base architecture and Internet access, as well as our own dub order module and rights management system. And of course managing digital content. There needs to be specialization in systems implementation – one package can’t do it all. But open architecture in the truest sense of the term, with a focused goal on what requirements the software is addressing, is an efficient and successful business strategy.

Dub Order System

The Dub Order System is an optional component of the Media Library System. It links to the Media Library to enable one or many users to automatically transfer data for the purpose of creating dub orders.

The process is simple and flexible. First, the user performs a query for master tapes in the Media Library System. From the search results screen, the desired records are selected and the Dub Order system is launched. An electronic Dub Request form is provided for specifying the dub order details—format, quantity, technical specs, and shipping instructions.

In addition to the technical specs, the user can enter the Due By date, Accounting Code, Company, and Department. Most fields have pop-up tables associated with them to ensure data validation.

After the user has completed the Dub Order, it is submitted for processing. The Dub Processing feature is accessed for the efficient fulfillment and tracking of all Dub Orders. As the Dub Orders are processed, updates can be made to the records for any adjustments to the technical details, fulfillment quantities, title, substitutions or cancellations.

Reports are generated by entering specific criteria for the Dub Order Number, Person Requesting the order, Company, Department, Account Code, Scheduled Date, and Due Date. Mult-level sorting of reports is supported.

With the ‘Export to Excel’ feature, users can export a comma- delimited file containing the Dub Report information to Microsoft Excel for desired customized processing of data. We feel the dub order system is a key component of our Media Library System and addresses an important component of broadcasting system requirements.

Please contact us for more information.

Welcome New NSi Clients!

We would like to welcome Harrahs Casino and the InterAmerican Development Bank as our newest users of the Media Library System.

Product Lineup

Media Library System (MLS)

The NSi Media Library System is the most sophisticated media archival and tracking system in video production and is the standard for media asset management. MLS features custom database design, bar code tracking technology, sophisticated drill down search algorithms, links to all major production and broadcast systems and digital video storage and retrieval. The Media Library System operates equally well on Local Area Networks, Wide Area Networks and the Internet. Our unique database update capability from local server networks to our hosted WebMLS site is unprecedented in the industry. Now you can access your media information anywhere in the world via the Internet.

Equipment Tracking System (ETS)

The NSi Equipment Tracking System (or ETS) is a powerful, yet easy-to-use tool that assists in archiving, tracking and locating equipment assets. It can help create an active archival system for storing and retrieving information related to computers, desks, lamps, chairs, shelving, tools and any other equipment or assets. ETS allows for the quick retrieval of individual assets or groups of assets. Bar code technology provides the ability to track the asset as it moves through and outside an organization.

ETS is highly flexible and provides for searching and tracking by using a single search criterion or any combination of search criteria. Features include multiple databases for comprehensive descriptive information, maintenance and service history, asset location and borrower history, custom bar code and descriptive label generator and data import/export capability. All text is searchable either by keyword, multi-keyword, wildcard or cross-reference searches. NSi can customize the system's data elements as part of the license fee. This includes custom definition of all data elements and defining of an organization's unique database in addition to the features included in the base system.

WebMLS

Using WebMLS, remote users can search your NSi Media Library System from any Internet connection using their Web browser. This new feature allows employees and clients to query your tape archive and view results. Security by user is maintained in your NSi Media Library System.

The purpose of WebMLS is to enable remote users to search your tape archive via an Internet connection. This feature is an add-on to your Media Library System. All tape content information stored in the Media Library System database can be displayed by WebMLS. This includes physical tape information, log records, video thumbnails and video clips. Database access security for WebMLS is maintained in the Media Library System. This enables you to set clearance for employees and important clients on a user basis. With WebMLS, users can access your archive as frequently as needed without bothering you or your tape library operations. This way, associates and customers can get the tape information they need when they need it.

Remote Logger

Remote Logger is a component of the Media Library System that runs on a laptop or desktop PC and connects to video devices for the logging of tape content information. Log records archived with the Remote Logger can be easily exported to the Media Library System. Seamless integration with Media Library System enables field producers and loggers to work off-site and easily transfer their work to update the enterprise-wide Media Library System.

WinSales

WinSales is the most advanced software system available for managing ad sales inventory and maximizing revenue. Control your selling process by centralizing current rate cards, program schedule, sales plans and orders. WinSales offers automatic plan generation and yield management analysis that will help a sales staff to sell more effectively and increase ad revenue. This software can link to C/JDS, Enterprise and VCI traffic systems. Sales operations are fully automated - proposals, weekly spot grids, orders, brand allocation and TECC EDI. WinSales enables users to access a centralized program inventory and rate card to produce standardized sales plans. Once a plan is created, it can be revised any number of times to achieve the client's targets. When finalized, the system converts the plan to a traffic order. WinSales is equipped with an EDI module that stores information for file transmission to an ad agency or buying service. The deal and order information can be converted to the TECC EDI format. WinSales has everything a sales department needs to manage the sales process efficiently for one or more networks. The system provides a comprehensive security system to limit user access to specific functions and modules. Security access profiles can be developed on a user or group basis. WinSales can be customized to fit any unique selling environment.

Frequently Asked Questions

1) How can I create several tapes that have most but not all data in common?

For example, I need to add 20 tapes from today’s shoot, where data such as Title, Format, Event type, Category and Shoot Information will be the same but Subtitle and Logs will be different.

You may use Record/Bulk Create to create multiple tapes, keying in all the common data. These tapes may also include sub-databases by selecting databases before you click OK on the Media Window. This method has a limit of one record per sub-database. You will then be prompted for a tape number range or the number of tapes to be created, depending on your system configuration. Next Locate these tapes, using the common data as criteria, select All and Update. The system will display each highlighted tape, one by one, where you can key the data unique to each of the tapes.

2) Should I use Bulk Create if I am adding several dubs of the same tape?

These tapes will have all the same data except Type (Master, Edit Master, Dub, etc.)

You can use either Bulk or Insert followed by Copy, depending on the sub-databases. Bulk will only allow you to create one record per sub-database. For example, if the tapes have multiple log records, you should Insert one tape with all the common data, Copy and follow the steps above to Update each tape with any unique data.

User Tips

By designing label layouts and putting them on the network, anyone can quickly print out labels.

If a PC does not have a default location, by going to TOOLS – LOCATION, one can be set or changed at any time.

Through the User table, users can be configured to Add records, but not delete. This will make populating the system easier without risking losing records accidentally.

Never use ‘*’ in a KEYWORD search. The system looks at the ‘*’ as part of the pattern of characters.