What's New In Cablecast?
Overview
The Cablecast software continues to evolve with every version. Sometimes it can be hard to keep track of all the great tools we've made available to you! This page will provide some resources to get you up to speed starting with Cablecast 7.5 all the way up to 7.10.
Release Notes
For a more detailed look at all of our releases, checkout the Release Notes page!
Cablecast 7.5
Released: December 11th, 2022
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.
Cablecast Documentation
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.
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.
Cablecast Documentation
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.
Cablecast Documentation
Cablecast 7.6
Released: March 8th, 2023
Audience Measurement Dashboard
Cablecast 7.6.0 introduces the Audience Measurement Dashboard which provides insights into VOD and Live Stream viewing. The data is collected directly from the Reflect CDN, meaning it doesn’t matter how the viewer is watching the content, the views will be counted.
Cablecast Documentation
Automated Install of Software Updates
Previous versions of Cablecast included notifications of available software updates. The user could have Cablecast download and distribute the installation file to all servers in a system. This feature has been enhanced to for allow automatic installation of the software update on each server.
Cablecast Documentation
Audio Meters
The Cablecast Video Server Engine now measures audio levels of the video server outputs, SDI inputs, and network stream sources. Wherever Cablecast displays video confidence monitors, they will now show stereo audio meters next to the video. This is useful to verify that audio is being played or received with the video signal.
Cablecast 7.7
Released: December 10th, 2023
Cablecast Translations
Introducing Cablecast Translations. Starting with Cablecast 7.7.0, we support translating your live content in English, Spanish, French, Portuguese, Italian, German, and Dutch. We expand this even further with Video on Demand by supporting 72 different languages for translating your content!
Additional Features Include:
Auto Translate: Just like how you can Auto Generate Closed Captions, you can now enable Auto Translate for any Show Record.
Do Not Translate: There might be certain words or names that you don’t want Cablecast to translate. For example, a broadcast might include a City Council member with the name Mr. Red. If we are translating the broadcast from English to Spanish, Cablecast can be configured so that Mr. Red does not become Mr. Rojo.
Languages: The Languages screen not only serves as a guide for which languages in Cablecast are translatable or transcribable, but it also allows you to enable which languages can be used with these services.
Cablecast Documentation
Text Tracks User Interface
Now all of your Shows that have closed captions or translations can be found in the all new Text Tracks User Interface. Quickly see which languages have been translated for a Show or use the interface to resubmit a translation or transcription. You can even download your sidecar and transcription files. When you click the “Edit” button you’ll be taken to the all new Caption Editor where you can make additional changes or adjustments to your caption files.
Caption Editor
The all new Caption Editor gives users the ability to edit their captions like positioning, spelling and timing. Did closed captions transcribe the wrong name by mistake? Now there’s an easy way to fix that in the Caption Editor.
Additional Features Include:
Find and Replace: If you find a misspelled word you can use the search to find it in your closed caption file and the caption editor will replace it in all locations where it was found.
Import Captions: Caption Editor can work with any supported sidecar format, including those added manually to Cablecast.
Cablecast Documentation
Cablecast 7.8
Released: September 23rd, 2024
Control Rooms
Control Rooms is a powerful new tool and the successor to Cablecast's Force Matrix. With Control Rooms operators can setup purpose-built interfaces for a variety of live events. Control Rooms allows a Cablecast Administrator to:
- Build streamlined control interfaces customized for different types of events. Control Rooms utilize only the devices and channel outputs required for an event, eliminating clutter.
- Create Macros that enable operators to perform complex series of actions in one click. Build Macros to start or end a meeting the right way every time, quickly and without mistakes.
- Define custom Hot Keys to trigger Macros with minimal keyboard stokes.
Cablecast Documentation
Social Streaming
Social Streaming, stations can now deliver their content to where their viewers watch. Social Streaming allows stations to:
- Push Cablecast live streams to any service that supports RTMP with Network Stream
- Destinations.
- Connect with popular platforms like YouTube with Social Streaming Services.
- Create Scheduled Network Events to automate the entire process.
Cablecast Documentation
Multiple Audio Programs
Multiple Audio Programs in Cablecast 7.8 allows stations to provide a secondary audio program to its viewers across distribution platforms. With Multiple Audio Programs in Cablecast 7.8 Stations can:
- Playback files encoded with two audio programs on VIO Video Servers
- Encode Files with additional audio programs on VIO Video Servers.
- Deliver Live Streams with two audio programs
- Provide Video On Demand content with two audio programs
For VOD and Live Streaming operators can provide a custom label for the audio program in addition to the language of the program.
Cablecast Documentation
Cablecast 7.9
Released: May 5th, 2025
Smart Summary
Cablecast’s Smart Summaries feature leverages AI technology to automatically generate concise summaries and chapter markers for Video on Demand (VOD) content, enhancing accessibility and viewer navigation. This subscription-based service requires Cablecast VOD and is configured by linking Smart Summaries to a designated Show Custom Field—defaulting to the “Comments” field, though customizable.
Cablecast Documentation
Accessible Internet Channels
Cablecast 7.9 introduces Accessible Internet Channels, enhancing public-facing sites to align with Web Content Accessibility Guidelines (WCAG) 2.1 and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA). Key updates include customizable color settings with dynamic text contrast for improved readability, a redesigned show page with organized tabs, and the ability to create nested galleries for better content organization. Additional features include chapter progress indicators and a download modal for accessing .mp4 and transcript files. These enhancements aim to provide a more inclusive and user-friendly experience for all viewers
Cablecast Documentation
Show Record Redesign
The Cablecast 7.9 update introduces a comprehensive redesign of the Show Record interface, enhancing usability and streamlining workflows. Key improvements include reorganizing show fields into distinct tabs for better navigation, a revamped Reels section featuring a step-by-step creation modal, intuitive drag-and-drop reordering, and a slider-based trimmer for digital files.
Cablecast Documentation
Bulk Actions
The Cablecast Show Record Bulk Actions feature streamlines the process of managing multiple Show Records simultaneously, saving time and effort. This feature is particularly useful for tasks like updating metadata, assigning new producers, or deleting outdated VODs to conserve disk space.
Cablecast 7.10
Released: September 18th, 2025
Content Submission Portal
The new Content Submission Portal offers a secure way to automate the annoying parts of the content submission process for your staff by empowering producers to submit shows and metadata directly to a show record in Cablecast, all while you maintain full control over approvals and scheduling.
Cablecast Documentation
VOD/Livestream Pre-roll Messaging
Automated Preroll Messaging lets you play short videos (perfect for underwriting acknowledgments) before your on-demand content, on your website, embedded Cablecast players, and Over-the-Top (OTT) and mobile streaming apps. Simply create a playlist of sponsor messages in Cablecast, and the system handles playback before each video. No code or special setup is required. It’s an easy, low-maintenance way to extend your underwriting strategy online, with built-in playback reporting and zero development work.
Cablecast Documentation
Subscription Paywalls
Bring in extra support for your station without adding technical headaches or a lot of extra work for your staff. Adding subscription paywalls to your live and on-demand content helps you cover the costs of running your station while offering premium programming to your community.
It’s easy to restrict access to select videos or your entire Cablecast Internet Channel—perfect for offering premium content to paying members or cable subscribers. Viewers simply enter their email and receive a magic link for instant, hassle-free access. Manage access by uploading a member list or letting viewers subscribe directly through Stripe. It’s a lightweight, no-code solution that adds a flexible new revenue stream without adding technical overhead.
Cablecast Documentation
Questions?
If you have any questions or would like to request an update, send us a message!