Release Date: December 12th, 2022

Overview

Cablecast V7.5 brings significant changes and enhancements to the managing of media in a Cablecast system. With the introduction of the Smart Asset Manager, files can be discovered, moved, and copied between video servers, network storage, and even the cloud. VOD storage is no longer limited to the VOD server. Workflows have been added to allow automated archiving, backup, deletion, and mirroring of playback content. Cablecast Cloud Storage gives customers an off-site, secure, and reliable location to archive and backup important playback content. Internet Channels expands the capabilities of the former Public Sites by allowing more channels and specifying the content available on each channel.

See the release notes below for a full list of issues addressed.

• CC-3729 Cablecast Cloud Storage
  • Cablecast Cloud Storage provides off-premise cloud based content storage with 99.99999999% durability for the utmost in reliability and security. Cablecast Cloud Storage can insure that valuable content is backed up in a location away from the local facility. If enabled Cablecast Cloud Storage will show up as a File Store in Cablecast. Working in conjunction with the Smart Asset Manager and Workflows, content can automatically be moved back and forth to the cloud as needed.
• CC-3730 Multiple VOD Stores
  • With the introduction of File Stores in V7.5, Cablecast now has the ability to store VOD content from any number of local or networked File Stores. This eliminates the restriction of storing all of the VOD content on a single VOD server. A single File Store is designated as the location for new VODs but content can be moved between stores and accessed from any other store.
• CC-3731 Workflows
  • Workflows provide a rules based mechanism for automatically managing assets on a Cablecast system. Currently Cablecast supports 5 different Workflows – Archive, Backup, Delete, Restore, and Mirror.
    
    Archive - The Archive Workflow will move local playback assets (files) to an archive File Store if they have not been scheduled to play by a user specified number of days in the past and future. A Saved Search is used to determine which assets to archive.

NOTE: If you are already on Cablecast 7.3+ look for your update notification in Cablecast. See Software Updates for additional info.

If you are not on Cablecast 7.3+ and wish to request this update, contact Cablecast Support by opening a ticket through the help center support.cablecast.tv or by emailing support@cablecast.tv
Restore - The Restore Workflow will monitor the schedules and, if needed, retrieve playback assets (files) from other File Stores and copy them onto the play out server. The Workflow looks ahead seven days in the schedule.

Backup - The Backup Workflow can be used to make copies of assets on another File Store. This provides a mechanism for creating redundancy for important assets including storing a backup of the assets offsite or in the cloud. A Saved Search is used to determine which assets to backup.

Delete - The Delete Workflow is used to automatically delete assets that are no longer needed in the system. This could include programming that will ever only air once, for example. A user configurable number of days is used to determine how far to search the schedule for playback events. A Saved Search is used to specify which assets to delete.

Mirror - The Mirror Workflow will copy all assets from one File Store to another. It will continuously monitor the stores and keep the secondary store in sync by copying or removing assets as needed.

• CC-3732 Cloud Services Dashboard on Main Menu
  • The Dashboard on the Main Cablecast screen now includes a second line with information related to Cablecast’s integration with Cablecast Cloud Services (CCS). It will include summaries of Cablecast Closed Captioning, and Cablecast Cloud Storage. It will also show the last check-in with Cloud Services. Some of the items have links that will take you more detailed screens.
• CC-3733 Updated Sidebar Nav. Menu
  • The side navigation bar has been updated. New items for Assets and the The Cablecast Manual have been added. Internet Channels menu now includes all areas and settings associated with any online features of Cablecast.
• CC-3734 New Integrated Online Manual
  • Cablecast 7.5 now includes an integrated documentation. Clicking on the book icon in the side navigation bar will load the Cablecast Manual in a new browser window. The manual has links to take you to specific areas of the manual.
• CC-3735 Internet Channels
  • Internet Channels is a “re-branding” and enhancement of the Public Site. Configuration of the Internet Channels is now located in the Internet Video menu area. In V7.5, Internet Channels are no longer required to have a Cablecast Channel associated with them. Using Saved Searches and upload limits, Internet Channels can have specific content dedicated to them. This allows isolating content and searches by the end user so only relevant material is displayed or returned. There is no limit on the number of Internet Channels that can be created.
• CC-3736 Live Streams Use Segmented WebVTT For Closed Captions
  • ​​​​​​​Live Streaming Servers now deliver closed captions using segmented WebVTT enabling closed caption delivery over a wider variety of devices.