London, September 28, 2009: The global broadcast and transmission solutions company, WRN, today announces that it has successfully completed a mass encoding project and the instigation of a bespoke asset management solution for Manchester United TV (MUTV).

MUTV approached WRN's Content Management Services arm (formerly known as TSI Broadcast) for a solution for ingest of its significant tape archive, consisting of Premier and Champions League football footage, reserve matches, Youth Team games and training sessions. WRN provided a workflow evaluation in order to ascertain the best technology solution for MUTV going forward.

As part of the deal, WRN ingested tape assets to IMX 30, QuickTime and the content was then stored within a bespoke digital archive, especially designed by WRN. Once the assets had been processed, WRN created two LTO4 data tapes for deep archive and disaster recovery purposes.

Once the system was successfully integrated into MUTV's facilities, a WRN-provided asset management solution was instigated. The system creates low-resolution proxy files that enable MUTV staff to browse the archive, access content from their desktop and edit the material.

Workflows will be improved as MUTV's editorial team will have access to the digital content library, whilst subscribers to MUTV will benefit from the availability of additional, reversioned content from the MUTV archives. Importantly, a turnkey storage and asset management solution gives MUTV the ability to speed up the productivity and quality of the channel and maximise efficiency by reducing tape-handling.

"Our contract with WRN means that we now have a new workflow solution that will not only improve the delivery of our content, but also create a platform to improve our productivity and performance at a technical level. WRN's expert consultancy and insight into digital workflows has enabled MUTV to integrate a technology solution that increases our efficiency and most importantly, improves the quality of services we deliver to our subscribers," added Sameer Pabari, Managing Director, MUTV.

"The deal with MUTV is further evidence that video encoding is an essential part of our business strategy and is a natural progression following the recent acquisition of TSI Broadcast. It is also proof of our ability to offer full-service digital workflow solutions in a growing market sector," commented David Treadway, Managing Director of WRN. "We are pleased and delighted to now count MUTV as part of WRN's prestigious and expanding client portfolio."

For more information on WRN's services, please contact [email protected]

About WRN

Founded in 1992, WRN is a leading international broadcast solutions company offering a comprehensive portfolio of broadcast services including satellite uplink and capacity services, TV ingest and playout, Web and IPTV services, station start-up consultancy and channel management, EPG brokerage, studio facilities and international FM / AM / SW airtime brokerage. Headquartered in London, WRN's clients include international and national public broadcasters, commercial and community stations, satellite bouquet operators and cable companies.