Video Systems in an IT Environment: The Basics of Professional Networked Media and File-based Workflows / Edition 2

by Al Kovalick

Overview

Audio/Video (AV) systems and Information Technology (IT) have collided. IT is being leveraged to create compelling networked media and file-based workflows. Video Systems in an IT Environment has helped thousands of professionals in broadcast, post and other media disciplines to understand the key aspects the AV/IT "tapeless" convergence. World-renowned educator and speaker Al Kovalick adds his conversational and witty style to this text making the book an enjoyable learning experience.

Now in its second edition, this book includes: basics of networked media, storage systems for AV, MXF and other file formats, Web services and SOA, software platforms, 14 methods for high availability design, element management, security, AV technology, transition issues, real-world case studies and much more. Each chapter weaves together IT and AV techniques providing the reader with actionable information on the issues, best practices, processes and principles of seamless AV/IT systems integration.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780240810423
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	03/12/2009
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	512
Product dimensions:	7.70(w) x 9.30(h) x 1.30(d)

About the Author

Al Kovalick has worked in the field of hybrid AV/IT systems for the past 16 years. Previously, he was a digital systems designer and technical strategist for Hewlett-Packard. He was the principal architect of HP's first VOD server. Following HP, from 1999 to 2004, he was the CTO of the Broadcast Products Division at Pinnacle Systems. Currently, he is a Fellow with Avid Technology. Al is an active speaker, educator, author and participant with industry bodies. He has presented over 50 papers at industry conferences worldwide and holds 18 US and foreign patents. Al has a BSEE degree from San Jose State University and MSEE degree from the University of California at Berkeley. He is a SMPTE Fellow and a life member of Tau Beta Pi.

Table of Contents

1. Networked Media in an IT Environment
2. The Basics of Professional Networked Media
3A. Storage Systems Basics
3B. Storage Access Methods
4. Software Technology for AV Systems
5. Reliability and Scalability Methods
6. Networking Basics for AV
7. Media Systems Integration
8. Security for Networked AV Systems
9. Systems Management and Monitoring
10. The Transition to IT
11. The Review of AV Basics

Editorial Reviews

"During the past three years Al's book has become the reference standard for video & IT professionals. He has the real world experience & a unique ability to communicate difficult technical concepts in simple terms. If you want to stay informed in the converged world of AV/IT then this new edition is required reading."—Clyde Smith, SVP, Technology & Standards, Turner Broadcasting

"As proprietary broadcast solutions give way to the juggernaut of standard IT based systems, AV professionals need new tools to bridge the knowledge gap. "Video Systems in an IT Environment" provides a sturdy foundation on which to build the skill sets needed to thrive in the present-day digital media ecosystem." —André Mendes, VP & Chief Technology Integration Officer, PBS

IT methods are transforming AV systems. This book is an excellent source for the comprehensive understanding of the important technologies and workflows that are reshaping broadcast's future. If you work with AV systems, this book is the perfect reference.
—John Varney, CTO, BBC

This book is a much needed reference text for any A/V or IT system professional working in media today. Al does a great job in explaining the video world to the IT professional as well as giving the A/V engineer invaluable insights into the IT networked media environment.
I have given copies of the book to key members of my staff and we have multiple copies in our tech library.
— Ken Michel, VP of Engineering, ABC Television Network

Praise for the first edition:

"A comprehensive book targeting an emerging area of IT. It is well-written and readable, in as far as a practical book devoted to a sophisticated technology can be readable. It should provide a good foundation for both IT and video specialists seeking to enlarge their horizons." - www.theregister.com

This is the book you've been waiting for. Al has the field experience and unique ability to communicate difficult technical issues. Regardless of your AV or IT background, or position from staff engineer to senior technical management, you will find this book an invaluable addition to your technical library.
— Clyde Smith, Senior VP R&D, QA and Metrics, Turner Broadcasting


"This is the first book to focus on the intersection of AV and IT concepts. It includes technology reviews and the tools to understand and evaluate key aspects of hybrid AV systems." - SCTE, June 2006

"This is the first book I have seen that specifically covers IT for broadcast video professionals. It is an excellent read." - Brad Gilmer, Broadcast Engineering

This book is timely. It comes on the bookshelves at the right time when many broadcasters eagerly need it. The book provides an excellent guide to the RAID and RAIN storage systems to be used in the studio, and the necessary software systems used (service-oriented applications, middleware, etc). Protection (security) for networked AV systems against viruses, worms, Trojan horses and malware, as well as prevention strategies/tactics, are very well explained.- European Broadcasting Union Technical Review, January 2007

From the Publisher