Orlando Magic Broadcasting has deployed Telestream FlipFactory video transcoding automation product for fast, efficient HD file format conversion and delivery of game-action highlights and pre-produced features for the Orlando Magic NBA team. Orlando Magic Broadcasting is the in-house video and audio production department for the Orlando Magic professional basketball team.

"Game action highlights are the bricks we use to build anything we need," says Rick Price, assistant director of broadcast technology and services for Orlando Magic. "We looked at other video transcoding solutions and found that Telestream was the only one that could decode and encode the proprietary EVS format. FlipFactory provides a cost-effective solution, fast transcoding speed and tremendous workflow improvement."

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Prior to Telestream, camera shots and non-game action were captured in HD via the OB truck. However, the Orlando Magic team was unable to convert important game action highlights from their EVS slow motion/instant replay system into HD-compatible files for editing on Apple Final Cut Pro systems. This kept them from being able to deliver HD content for game telecasts.

Since deploying Telestream's FlipFactory video transcoder, more than 7TB of HD game highlights were transcoded during the 2008-09 season alone. Price said that while he chose FlipFactory for game highlight conversions, he's found that he can use it to do a lot more, including transcoding back to EVS HD, Flash for the Web, H.264 for proxies, and Windows Media for review and approvals.

"We're pleased that the Orlando Magic chose FlipFactory as the important final link in delivering superior-quality, all-HD broadcasts to its viewers," says Barbara DeHart, vice president of marketing at Telestream. "One of FlipFactory's strengths is the depth and breadth of formats and systems it supports, including the EVS system for sports broadcasters."

FlipFactory provides a cost-effective alternative to buying and maintaining an expensive HD tape deck to record HD game highlights. It also eliminates the extra steps involved in handling and laying video off to tape. According to Price, "For the cost of the FlipFactory software and a server, we now have an all-HD workflow."